the gas project

Sometimes you just get lucky. We’ve been lucky to work with some great clients – business owners with drive, vision, talent and humor. But to that Al Brown adds generosity. Last year we worked together on a book celebrating the Auckland restaurant Depot, published by Random house. Al’s one of those clients who pushes you to do your absolute best and he’s built a great team around him who share his vision for hospitality in NZ. We’re stoked to have worked on the restaurant, t shirts and now a book for Depot. Our tip: if you eat there sit at the back bench watching the kitchen with a glass of Duncan’s pinot noir. Order the oysters and the lamb ribs. The Depot book is out now and is available from all good bookshops or here.

We think the best compliment one designer can pay another is to say ‘I wish I’d done that’. When we look at the work coming from House Industries in the States, it’s something we say a lot. Not only do they produce some of the nicest fonts around, but they do a mean line in shirts and t-shirts. Respect

Best Ugly bagels have just added a new outlet in Newmarket, Auckland. As the business expands they wanted to formalize their packaging and asked Gas to help. Putting up to 4 stickers on retail bags was becoming very time consuming, so we designed a series of preprinted bags using existing imagery – all with the theme of ‘best ugly’. Best toasted.

Beequest make some of the best tasting honey this side of Pooh’s larder. Gas were approached to create an identity and labels for this small producer. Job done! A big thanks once again to illustrator Lisa Moes for making us look good.

Gramercy is helping put the love back into Wellington suburb Berhampore. Fresh-baked breads and pastries made on site, twinned with Supreme coffee have made this bakery one of Wellington’s best kept secrets – until now we guess. Gas worked with the owner on branding and website and provided advice on shop design. A big thanks to Joe Kelly for the web photography, Jon Wall for the web build and Watermark Signs for the nice, shiny door graphics. Almost everyone involved works only a couple of Ks from the store making this a real local effort. Which is just the way we like it.

We’ve recently completed fitout and brand design for a new chippy in Herne Bay in Auckland. Say hello to ‘FishSmith’, a fresh take on the classic Fish & Chip shop. Working with client Mr Scott Brown, the look was based on the age of the building, with a simple tile and wood interior and mural by Mr Blair Sayer of Sydney. The logo uses an etched bowler hat and two ‘kissing fish’ moustache, although the owner remains resolutely un-tached.

Huckle & Co are a newly opened fish and chip shop in Seatoun. Gas worked with the owner Dave Thurlow (ex Polo) on the interior design, brand and signage. Named after a Richard Scarry character (the clients nickname as a child), we looked to keep things bright and fun. It seems the locals like what Dave does as often there are lines out the door. Try the fish. Heck, try everything. Just get there early on a Friday.

After years (really) in the joiners being refitted, the new Gas southern office had its unofficial opening in January. We ditched the shag pile and dodgy 70s mock wood to create a space for relaxing (and working). Actually we’re still trying to get the wifi up. Best to phone first.

Best Ugly is a bagel factory and cafe in central Auckland. Gas worked with Chef Al Brown to develop the identity, print, signage and web materials to promote and package the best (and hand-rolled – hence ugly) bagels around. Serve toasted.

A work in progress for the guys at Two Fish Cafe in Waipu. Thanks to the talented Lisa Moes for the nice line work.