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Old Town Chambers

Nestled in Edinburgh’s historic heart, Old Town Chambers is one of Scotland’s most distinctive places to stay - a collection of luxury serviced apartments where period architecture meets contemporary style.

Work

  • BRAND STRATEGY
  • LOGO & VISUAL IDENTITY
  • GUEST COLLATERAL
  • TONE OF VOICE & STORY TELLING
  • BRAND GUIDELINES & IMPLEMENTATION
  • SIGNAGE & WAYFINDING

COLLABORATORS

  • ESME MACINTYRE
  • SOLAS SIGNS

As the independent property prepared to join the Marriott Autograph Collection, there was a need to evolve its identity to align with Marriott’s brand standards for design, storytelling and guest experience. The challenge was to meet international expectations without losing the property’s independent spirit and authenticity

our response

We began by delving into the history of the place itself.
Old Town Chambers is not one building, but four - The Mile, Warriston’s, Advocate’s and Roxburgh - each with its own story and character. Centuries-old buildings, some dating back to the 15th century, stand alongside sleek, state-of-the-art penthouses, all connected by the cobbled closes, time-worn steps and meandering closes off the Royal Mile. The idea of layers - of stone and story - became the foundation of the refreshed brand. Working with the ownership and Marriott teams, we developed the defining concept ‘Uncover the Unexpected’, expressing both the physical experience of descending through the closes and the emotional sense of discovery that defines a stay here. The logo was redrawn from this narrative, inspired by the steps and strata that shape the Old Town’s landscape.

We began by delving into the history of the place itself. Old Town Chambers is not one building, but four - The Mile, Warriston’s, Advocate’s and Roxburgh - each with its own story and character. Centuries-old buildings, some dating back to the 15th century, stand alongside sleek, state-of-the-art penthouses, all connected by the cobbled closes, time-worn steps and meandering closes off the Royal Mile. The idea of layers - of stone and story - became the foundation of the refreshed brand. Working with the ownership and Marriott teams, we developed the defining concept ‘Uncover the Unexpected’, expressing both the physical experience of descending through the closes and the emotional sense of discovery that defines a stay here. The logo was redrawn from this narrative, inspired by the steps and strata that shape the Old Town’s landscape.

The new logo's stacked, architectural form evokes the verticality of the city and the layered stories of the Chambers
- a symbol that feels crafted, confident and distinctly Edinburgh

The new logo's stacked, architectural form evokes the verticality of the city and the layered stories of the Chambers - a symbol that feels crafted, confident and distinctly Edinburgh

TIMELESS SIGNAGE

Bringing clarity to such a complex and characterful site required a considered site-wide wayfinding system. We designed a comprehensive suite 

of signage that guides guests seamlessly through 

the interconnected buildings and closes while complementing the heritage surroundings.

Room and common-area directionals were designed with a timeless typographic approach; entrance way vinyls and glass manifestations reference the layered geometry of the logo; while brass plaques and new awnings give the hotel a confident yet understated street presence.

the mark

As part of Marriott’s requirements, each Autograph Collection property must also define a signature brand moment, known as The Mark - a physical expression of its story. For Old Town Chambers, we designed a sculptural centrepiece that captures the city’s geology and narrative. Carved from volcanic stone sourced from the same rock formation as Arthur’s Seat, the mark mirrors the contours of Edinburgh. The slope of the Royal Mile is incised into the surface and inlaid with gold, while a miniature model of the Chambers sits atop the stone. The logo and tagline - Uncover the Unexpected - are carved into its face, uniting the physical and conceptual layers of the brand.

Positioned in reception,
The Mark serves as a focal
point of welcome and storytelling - connecting guests to the volcanic roots beneath their feet and the centuries of life above.

Positioned in reception,
The Mark serves as a focal point of welcome and storytelling - connecting guests to the volcanic roots beneath their feet and the centuries of life above.

Positioned in reception, The Mark serves as a focal point of welcome and storytelling - connecting guests
to the volcanic roots beneath their feet and the centuries of life above.

BRAND APPLICATIONS

We rewrote the brand guidelines, creating a practical and inspiring tool to help the team express the brand consistently across all communications - print, digital and in person.

Finally, we designed guest collateral to bring the property’s stories to life - from key cards and tote 

bags to collectible prints created by local artist Esme MacIntyre celebrating the unique histories of the four buildings. Each of these small moments extends 

the brand narrative beyond the visual identity into experience, transforming guests into participants 

in the story.

The result is a confident evolution: a brand aligned with Marriott’s global vision yet unmistakably rooted 

in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

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