Embassy After Next: OBO Brand Journey

Washington, DC
Lead the Way, Set the Pace

Knot Studio’s comprehensive approach to this brand refresh was based on a deep understanding of OBO’s leadership goals, mission, and vision. It included an analysis of OBO’s various stakeholders and audiences.

After a new Director of the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operation (OBO) was appointed in 2018, a rebrand was required to reflect the new direction. Knot Studio developed a close-knit relationship with the OBO team to understand the organization’s complex and intertwined needs across multiple departments and stakeholders.

Knot Studio helped tease out a unified OBO voice and personality, including a new tagline, “Lead the Way/Set the Pace,” that aligned with the Department of State’s mission. A clean, polished, and minimal visual language was developed to provide consistency throughout all communication materials. Once a cohesive and distinguished brand was established, Knot Studio went to work executing a broad variety of elements, including marketing collateral, materials for recruiting and events, and a suite of digital assets. The final deliverable was a comprehensive OBO “Brand Journey” document, tackled with forethought and consideration of the sensitivity required when handling governmental communications.

Requiring forethought and consideration of the sensitivity required when handling governmental communications