Branding a 125-year-old coastal retreat for its next chapter
I partnered with Chevy Chase Beach Cabins—a historic property on Washington’s Discovery Bay—to reimagine their brand identity and digital presence. As a former guest (and bride!) at the property, I brought a personal perspective to the project, helping the owners honor the site's rich history while modernizing the experience for today's travelers.
ROLE
Brand & Experience Designer
TEAM
Jenn & Jeff, the wonderful owners
BLOG
Before
The History
Since 1897, Chevy Chase Beach Cabins has been a haven for seaside escapes. Perched above Discovery Bay, it’s a place where generations have come to slow down, savor the view, and fall in love with the wild beauty of the Olympic Peninsula.
After
For the new Chevy Chase brand, I set out to honor its legacy while creating a timeless, elevated identity that reflects the soul of the property today. The previous site—with its bright yellow and blue palette—felt more outdated than charming, and didn’t capture the beauty or story that make Chevy so special.
Inspired by the blues and greens of the bay, the new design feels grounded, calm, and connected to place. The typography balances heritage and simplicity, while the handwritten-style script is a nod to the owners’ tradition of leaving personal notes for every guest. I also collaborated with my dear friend Michelle, whose hand-drawn illustrations of the iconic oak tree and cabins added a warm, human touch to this next chapter in Chevy’s long and beloved history.
The Process
This project meant a great deal to me personally. Chevy Chase isn’t just a beautiful property—it holds generations of memories, and I felt a deep responsibility to design something that truly honored that. It was important to me that the heart and story of this place came through in every detail—from the typography to the tone of voice. There was a lot to live up to, and I didn’t take that lightly.
I was incredibly lucky to work so closely with the owners, who brought so much care, thoughtfulness, and intention to the process. Their commitment to preserving Chevy’s legacy while evolving it for the future made this a true collaboration. Together, we listened closely to the community—sending out a survey to longtime guests, many of whom have been coming to Chevy for decades, even before the current ownership. Their stories and feedback helped shape the brand as much as any design decision.
The final identity is a reflection of all of that: the past, the present, and the people who have made Chevy what it is. And as a designer, it’s one of those rare projects that felt just as heartfelt as it was creative.
