The Rainford Project

Tucked into the hillside along Reynard Way in historic Mission Hills, sits a Craftsman inspired, 102 unit multifamily project with charm to spare

Brand identity and FF+E should ALWAYS tell the same story, otherwise you end up with a space that feels confused and lacks character.

Naming + Identity Design

A name can be a very powerful thing. It can be memorable and create curiosity, or it can be generic and easy to forget. A name is where the potential for a real story begins. We knew two things before naming this project— One, we wanted it to fit the lush, hillside location, and two, we wanted it to reflect the storied history of Mission Hills— Rainford was named after Alice Rainford, a close friend and protegé of Kate Sessions, the famed horticulturist and “mother of Balboa Park.” A direct tie-in to the Mission Hills neighborhood and it’s rich history and botanical heritage.

Signage + Wayfinding

Monument signage can be a tricky thing. You have to balance design intention with not only the owner’s wishes but also the complicated building codes. In the end, we were happy with how the brass plated channel letters and blade signs turned out, a touch of class and sophistication while maintaining design integrity and code compliance.

Building the Brand

The identity design then began to inform all the other touch points and visual elements. We identified the time period that fit with Alice Rainford’s story— the early 1900s— and went from there. It was fun to explore the Art Deco and Art Nouveau movements and weave them into the Rainford brand.

The Story Unfolds

  • Artwork Curation

    Art on the walls should never be an afterthought, it should enhance a project’s identity. The common area walls should feel like an extension of the resident’s own home.

  • Unit Staging

    Staging is an extension of the story. It should fit seamlessly into the brand identity and character of the building, giving new tenants an idea of what can be.

  • Corridor Design

    Often overlooked in many multifamily projects, corridor design is an essential part of the overall design narrative. Providing an opportunity to guide…

  • Furnished Unit ID

    Fully furnished units are becoming more commonplace in these projects. With an opportunity to cater to residents with flexible, shorter term leases.

  • "What Mike brought to this project was immeasurable. His design sensibilities and commitment to identity design really made this project sing."

    -- Colin Raines: Investor

  • “We observed immediate efficiency improvements after the implementation plan was executed precisely as outlined.”

    -- Valued Client

  • “Clear communication and rigorous analysis distinguished the team from prior vendors we engaged.”

    -- Procurement Lead

  • “Deliverables arrived ahead of schedule, enabling us to accelerate our own client commitments without risk.”

    -- Facility Director