Case Studies of Award-winning 2024 In-House Projects

Join us for our latest Webinar in our In-House Design Series, where creative professionals present case studies from the RGD's 2024 In-House Awards. In three short presentations, they share the stories behind their winning projects, highlighting their internal design processes, the challenges they faced and the strategies that led to their success. This webinar offers a unique opportunity to gain insights from award-winning in-house design teams and learn how to overcome common obstacles in the creative process.

Presentations:

Arcadis

IBI Group’s HR and brand teams collaborated to create a new hire kit that transforms the onboarding experience, welcoming employees with a fun, engaging and sustainable approach. The kit includes a welcome card and pencil sleeve that grows wildflowers, a plantable pencil that becomes basil, packaging that turns into a laptop stand, a tote bag and a social media toolkit. Drawing inspiration from guerilla gardening, the design uses minimal ink and no-bleed layouts to highlight natural materials, with splashes of vibrant colour set against a blue-green palette. Launched across Canada for 600 new hires, the kit has since expanded to global offices, offering a bright and joyful welcome to IBI’s new staff.

Presented by Melanie Carter

Melanie is an award-winning senior graphic designer, brand strategist and certified RGD at Kirsten Reite Architecture. With over 10 years working as an in-house designer, she has worked on projects that range from brand systems, packaging, and event design to creating graphics for JEDI and DIB initiatives. She is passionate about collaborating with other designers and subject-matter experts, learning from different perspectives and integrating accessible and sustainable features into her work. The intersection of conceptual design, inclusivity and sustainability is her happy place.

Cactus Club Cafe

The Summer Sessions campaign, launched in collaboration with Aperol, featured a Sunday and Monday promotion with a suite of Aperol cocktails, including the new Fraperol Spritz. Aimed at boosting summer sales and creating a vibrant atmosphere, the campaign transported guests to a sun-drenched patio in southern Italy. With a cohesive toolkit of vibrant graphics, a modern font with vintage Italian flair and a golden hour aesthetic, the campaign extended across all brand touchpoints, ensuring a consistent guest experience both on-line and in-restaurant. The campaign was highly successful, earning praise from Aperol, increasing social media engagement and making the Fraperol Spritz a top-selling seasonal cocktail.

Presented by Steph McDonell 

Steph is a Senior Graphic Designer at Cactus Club Cafe. She holds a BA in Design from the School of Interactive Arts and Technology at SFU and a love for all things food and hospitality. Previously, she ran a boutique branding studio, where she developed a niche in brand design and marketing for restaurants and bars. This led her to working in-house with Cactus, where she supports the marketing team in a variety of capacities from developing directions for broad seasonal campaigns to refining minute details in menu designs. In her spare time, Steph enjoys cooking, rock climbing and painting. 

Bruce Power

The 2023 Bruce Power Annual Review and Energy Report captures Bruce Power’s journey toward a clean energy future through striking visual design and impactful content. Presented in a typographic linen slipcase with a blind debossed title which, when removed, reveals a soft touch, hardcover book with UV coating, the report features graphical pathways, bold yellow accents and documentary photography that reflect Bruce Power’s achievements and brand identity. Data visualizations improve clarity, while digital and interactive elements ensure broad accessibility and engagement. This thoughtfully designed report embodies Bruce Power’s commitment to innovation, progress and sustainability.

Presented by Erin Grandmaison RGD and Jessica Hillis

Erin is an award-winning graphic designer with over two decades of experience, starting her career in Toronto bringing campaigns to life for one of Canada’s leading architecture and interior firms. She is currently a senior graphic designer with Bruce Power's award-winning Creative Strategy team. She has been recognized with the Creative Strategy team as 2023 GDUSA ‘People to Watch’ by Graphic Design USA, published on topics discussing interactive and immersive exhibit design as well as spoken on designing during a crisis, placemaking and inclusive design. An advocate for wellness and community activism, Erin was a founding member and currently sits on the executive of a local endurance event group. She also volunteers as a YMCA fitness instructor. She is an RGD member, with volunteer roles on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee and has been an RGD Student Awards judge.

Jessica is an award-winning designer known for her innovative approaches to enhancing corporate communications. Her career includes significant roles on in-house design teams, including Wilfrid Laurier University, where she excelled in creative direction, branding and marketing communications. Currently at Bruce Power, Jessica continues to deliver impactful design solutions and maintain a strong visual identity across projects. Her work is recognized for its creativity and quality, and she is dedicated to staying ahead of design trends and collaborating effectively with diverse teams.