There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of completing a project. But when that project culminates in an awe inspiring event in the middle of the breath-taking Flint Hills of Kansas with a picture perfect sunset in the background that quiets crying babies and brings grown men to tears, then it’s been a good day.

Willoughby recently completed a rebranding initiative with Symphony in the Flint Hills this past June and also served as one of the sponsors for their 2009 event. They came to us searching for a way to ensure their love and respect for the Flint Hills will be carried on for generations to come. In addition to helping them develop a brand identity and consistent communications standard, we designed products for the event including a custom field guide that served as the event program. Curious? Find out more about this spectacular organization at symphonyintheflinthills.org.

It’s common knowledge that at Willoughby, we covet the intricacies and beauty of exquisite design. So when the Cambria Cove team shared their brand vision of creating a place where each and every product is an unique and exceptional gift experience, it was like being invited into an all you can eat candy shop.

We were honored to be selected as one of the design teams to help bring this vision to life. Willoughby worked with the Cambria Cove team to design some of the stationery in the new fall line. cambriacove.com

2010 will mark the 50th Anniversary for Carter Energy. Instead of looking back, they are busy planning for the future. Willoughby began working with Carter in 2003 when they rejuvenated their brand and introduced a new fleet of trucks. Now, we are thrilled to be back on board designing their 50th anniversary campaign. Look for the unveil after the first of the year. carterenergy.com

rendering courtesy of Perkins+Will

Blue Valley School District is introducing the Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) program, a unique new curriculum that will allow students to explore their interests in a profession-based learning approach. Beginning in fall 2009, students enrolled in CAPS will take classes while immersed in satellite sites. In the mean time, Willoughby is working with the design team on developing the new brand and environmental graphic system for the state-of-the-art CAPS facility, opening 2010. Learn more about the facility.

As many of you know, we celebrated our 30th anniversary last year with the launch of the new Willoughby identity. One year later, we finally have a new and improved website to call our own. It was truly a labor of love. The function that excites us the most is our “My Look Book” feature that allows visitors to select from our portfolio to create and download a custom look book of selected work. Visit us and pass it on: willoughbydesign.com.

Since 1999, Sappi’s Ideas that Matter program has awarded over $9 million worldwide in grants to designers around the globe who are performing pro bono work for a nonprofit organization. Ann Willoughby was honored to be selected for the 2009 judging panel along with Scott Santoro of Worksight, NYC; Bill Grant of Grant Design Collaborative, Atlanta; Tim Bruce of Lowercase, Chicago; and Gaby Brink of Tomorrow Partners, San Francisco. In addition to selecting the winning grants, Ideas that Matter judges also determine funding for each project based on their proposals. Learn more about the Ideas that Matter program.

We have some new faces at 602 Westport Road. Designer Emily Phillips, accounting manager Niqua Mumaw and post graduate design intern Grant Nitsch recently joined the Willoughby family.

We’re also pleased to announce that Jessica Carpenter was promoted to senior designer.

Congrats to Jessica and welcome to our new Willoughbees!

Together with Ann Willoughby, our fearless leader of 30 years, we are proud to announce the legacy plan that will take us into the next generation.

As you know, the leadership team is now comprised of Ann Willoughby, president and chief creative officer; Megan Semrick, vice president, brand innovation; Zack Shubkagel, vice president, brand experience; and Katy Briggs , vice president, brand strategy. Over the past year, the three VPs have taken on larger roles in the company, assuming greater responsibility for the day-to-day management and, in turn, they are now proud members of the expanded Willoughby Design, Inc. ownership team.

Together with the clients we value so highly and a talented team of designers and strategists, we now have a clear plan for the future in our sights.