PROJECT INFO:
Refuge Small Bar
Identity Direction Illustration

Tucked away in Subiaco, Refuge Small Bar has offered sanctuary to Perth locals since 2016. Underpinned by a dozen taps dedicated to Australian boutique brewers, an independently curated wine and spirits list, and a kitchen focused on locally sourced provisions, it operates as an alternative, ego-free venue. 

When founders Tim Prast and David Gronow initially approached the studio, the venue was already in the early stages of construction. The spatial concept, imagined by the award-winning architectural practice Design Theory, provided a robust physical foundation to build upon, alongside the team's vision to create something that engaged with local producers and the surrounding community.

The venue's tactile, industrial design was defined by exposed structural materials, custom timber carpentry, and a carefully curated collection of heritage hardware and mid-century ephemera. The visual identity was developed as a direct extension of the physical space. Earthy colour palettes, organic textural motifs, structured typographic compositions, and mid-century-inspired illustrative elements were unified into a cohesive system, bridging the gap between the interior and identity.

Over the nearly ten-year partnership, the identity has organically evolved across menus, physical signage, digital touchpoints, and seasonal campaigns. Yet, through every iteration, the design work remains steadfastly anchored to the founders' original ethos of championing independent producers and cultivating community.
CREDITS:


Client

Creative Direction
Design
Illlustration

Collage Art Elements

Copywriting

Photo & Video


Photography

Client Team
Founders
Refuge Small Bar

Patrick Ball



Pam Tuckett

Dave Gardiner

Tay Kaka
Liam Oz

Boz Sayers


Tim Prast
 David Gronow
Bryce Varley
Yakob Achen