Finnis

Finnis reimagines the essence of ‘home,’ creating contemporary spaces that resonate deeply with those who inhabit them. From reimagining urban communities to carving out intimate sanctuaries, every project is a testament to the firm’s belief that great design transforms the way we live.

Under the visionary guidance of Les Finnis, the eponymous practice defies the cold, distant vibes of typical architecture. In a world where architecture often feels distant and impersonal, Finnis offers something profoundly human—a commitment to spaces that not only function beautifully but also enhance the everyday experience. This is architecture that connects people to their surroundings and, more importantly, to each other.

Scope

Who is Finnis?

At its core, Finnis is dedicated to creating spaces that reflect the identities and aspirations of those who inhabit them. Their approach to architecture is deeply personal, treating each project as an alchemy of light, volume, and materiality. Whether it’s a sprawling urban development or an intimate residence, Finnis designs with a clear purpose: to forge environments that elevate the human experience.

Every project is bespoke, yet unmistakably Finnis—characterised by thoughtful details, modern aesthetics, and a commitment to creating spaces that feel as good as they look. Finnis believes that architecture should be accessible, inspiring, and, above all, livable.

Our approach

The challenge: to craft a brand that mirrors Finnis’ dual commitment to innovation and humanity. Our goal was to create an identity that bridges the gap between architectural excellence and approachable design, positioning Finnis as a visionary leader in the industry while maintaining a grounded, welcoming presence.

Through our strategic process, we unearthed a compelling opportunity-to double down on their brand personality and use it to define their unique edge. Finnis identity is deeply rooted in the human qualities that set them apart: warm, friendly, approachable, open, and willing.

By amplifying these traits, we positioned Finnis not just as architectural experts, but as trusted partners who design with heart and purpose. This approach bridges the gap between architectural excellence and approachable design, positioning Finnis as a visionary leader with a distinctly human touch.

The brand in the making

The visual identity captures Finnis’ essence—balancing modern sophistication with a warm, approachable edge, where every design element reflects their commitment to creating spaces that feel both striking and deeply human.

The custom wordmark, with its mirrored ‘N’s, symbolises the collaborative nature of Finnis’ work—bringing together client and designer to create harmonious spaces. The letterforms within act as pillars, reminiscent of houses lining a street, while the ‘N’ can be extracted as an icon, representing a singular home. This versatile ‘N’ is further transformed into a repeated pattern, creating a striking and memorable visual presence that reinforces Finnis’ identity throughout certain touchpoints.

A warm, optimistic colour palette distinguishes Finnis from the often-cold aesthetics of architectural branding, reinforcing the brand’s human touch. The recurring circular motif symbolises the home as the true centre of one’s life, embodying Finnis’ intimate approach to design. This adaptable element plays across the brand in dynamic ways—sometimes bold, sometimes subtle—adding depth and versatility. In its dotted form, it transforms into a grid-like pattern, a nod to the architectural roots that ground Finnis’ forward-thinking designs.

Art Direction captures the tactile and emotive qualities of each space, blending architectural precision with a sense of warmth and livability. The imagery, paired with thoughtful design elements, conveys a narrative where architecture is not just about structures, but about creating environments where life unfolds effortlessly.

The end result

Finnis has carved out a distinctive space in the architectural landscape, blending rigorous design with a heartfelt commitment to people. The new brand identity positions Finnis as an icon of thoughtful, livable design—an architectural practice that understands the profound impact of well-crafted spaces on our daily lives.

In the world of Finnis, architecture becomes an alchemy of space, identity, and vision, transforming ordinary places into extraordinary sanctuaries—A true embodiment of the lives lived within.

Applause

Working with Smack Bang has been a transformative experience for our business. We approached them with the challenge of merging our three disciplines into a cohesive brand, and the results were beyond our expectations. Phenomenal partners from start to finish, they took the time to understand our team and our unique vision, crafting a brand that truly set us apart. Their proposal for a bold refresh of our branding has invigorated our identity and captured the essence of our work perfectly.

The professionalism, creativity, and collaboration demonstrated by Tess, Elodie, and the entire Smack Bang team were impressive. Despite the geographical distance—Smack Bang being based in Sydney and us in Melbourne—we worked together seamlessly thanks to their excellent communication and willingness to hop on online meetings.

We highly recommend Smack Bang for any branding needs. Their ability to deliver outstanding results and their dedication to their clients make them a top-tier branding agency.

— Danielle Kriehn , Director of Business Operations

Applause

Smack Bang has been a game-changer for our Architecture firm. The level of professionalism, creativity, and collaborative spirit exhibited by Tess, Elodie, and the Smack Bang team was truly commendable. heir dedication and ability to deliver outstanding results make them a valuable partner.