Design + Development + Marketing
DC Villages
Bringing villages together through design.
Crafting a unified brand & digital presence for DC Villages
We partnered with DC Villages, a collaborative network of thirteen nonprofit organizations serving neighborhoods across the District of Columbia, to create a unified brand and digital presence that reflects their shared mission. Dedicated to strengthening communities, supporting underserved populations, and empowering neighborhood-based Villages, DC Villages needed an identity that felt welcoming, neighborly, and cohesive—while still allowing each individual Village to maintain its own voice. From a custom illustrated logo and approachable brand system to an easy-to-navigate website and ongoing marketing support, our work helps bring clarity, connection, and visibility to a network built on collaboration and care.
Client Review
“Working with Elxel has been a great experience. We brought them a challenging project and they worked their way through it, asking the right questions and turning out great ideas and visuals. Sammy is generous, flexible, knowledgeable and patient. I’ve been very impressed!“
Judy Berman, Executive Director
One brand uniting many communities.
Designing the all-inclusive logo & Brand identity
To create a unifying identity for the DC Villages network, we designed a custom illustrated logo that represents the diverse neighborhoods and communities it serves. The mark was intentionally crafted to feel warm, approachable, and inclusive—capturing the spirit of Washington DC and the collaboration at the heart of the organization. Paired with friendly typography and a welcoming color palette, the brand system was designed to unify all thirteen Villages without competing with their individual identities, ensuring flexibility, consistency, and recognition across every touchpoint.
A central hub for the villages.
Developing a website that connects the communities
With the new brand established, we designed and developed a clean, easy-to-use website that serves as a central hub for the DC Villages network. The experience was intentionally simple and intuitive, making it easy for users to understand the organization’s mission, explore services, and connect with their local Village. Thoughtful navigation, clear content structure, and approachable design elements ensure the website is accessible to a wide range of users while reinforcing the welcoming, community-first nature of the brand.
Connecting neighborhoods, one piece at a time.
Bringing the Villages’ Mission to Life
To extend the brand beyond digital touchpoints, we created a wide range of marketing collateral including signage, print materials, and impact reports. Each piece was designed to clearly communicate DC Villages’ mission and services while maintaining a cohesive, approachable visual identity. From community signage to informative reports, these materials help the organization connect with residents, partners, and stakeholders in meaningful, tangible ways.
