Cultivating Creativity for Future Generations
Nestled near the Botanic Gardens in South Auckland, The Garden School was preparing for a major transformation—from old, leaky classrooms to a new, open-plan campus. The leadership team wanted their rebrand to reflect this rebirth. Enter The Zoo, led by creative director Ryan Thorpe.
Meeting the need for change
The project began when Ryan was invited to speak to students about branding and photography. That initial visit blossomed into a full rebrand as the school realised it needed an identity to match its new environment and vision.
“We were a complete rebuild,” says Deputy Principal Kate. “Ryan helped us see that it was the perfect time to rethink everything.”
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Embracing creativity
Unlike most clients, The Garden School encouraged boldness. “Every time I presented something, they’d say, ‘That’s cool—but can we go even more creative?’” Ryan laughs. Their open-mindedness allowed The Zoo to explore playful, imaginative ideas that celebrated the school’s quirky spirit.
A collaborative process
Ryan worked closely with Principal Suzanne and Kate, spending time on campus to absorb the school’s culture. “He really got to know us,” Kate says. “We’re not your stock-standard school, and he loved that.”
The existing logo remained as a nod to tradition, but everything around it was redesigned to form a cohesive, modern brand system.
Impactful results
The rebrand touched everything—from signage and stationery to a new website that brought the school’s creativity to life.
One standout feature is the Curriculum Feather—a copper installation inscribed with the school’s values and learning pillars. “I look at it every day and smile,” Kate says.
Challenges and learnings
Managing content and maintaining consistency across materials was demanding, but The Zoo’s structured process made it achievable. For Ryan, the project rekindled his love for playful design.
“It reminded me how important it is to stay curious and keep that sense of fun,” he says.
The result? A rebrand that perfectly captures the heart of The Garden School—creative, collaborative, and full of life.
