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Client
Avila + Castillo Architecture
Time
6 weeks
Role
UX Lead
Avila+Castillo Architecture needed a website that matched the elegance and sophistication of their architectural work. Their existing site had limitations: a lack of clear navigation, underwhelming visual impact, and an outdated design. They sought a digital transformation to better showcase their portfolio and communicate their expertise.
As the UX/UI designer, my goal was to create a modern, functional website that conveyed their identity and provided an exceptional user experience.
Avila+Castillo Architecture needed a website that matched the elegance and sophistication of their architectural work. Their existing site had limitations: a lack of clear navigation, underwhelming visual impact, and an outdated design. They sought a digital transformation to better showcase their portfolio and communicate their expertise.
As the UX/UI designer, my goal was to create a modern, functional website that conveyed their identity and provided an exceptional user experience.
The existing website posed several issues:
Outdated Design: The aesthetic didn’t align with the high standards of the firm’s projects.
Complex Navigation: Users struggled to locate key information like services, portfolio items, and contact forms.
Low Engagement: Poorly organized content and limited visual appeal discouraged exploration.
Suboptimal Mobile Experience: The site wasn’t fully optimized for mobile users, which impacted usability on smaller screens.
I followed a user-centered design approach to address these challenges:
Research and Analysis
I conducted a thorough analysis of the firm’s target audience and competitors. Key insights revealed the need for:
• A visually striking portfolio to captivate users.
• Simplified navigation for effortless browsing.
• A mobile-first design to accommodate a growing audience of mobile users.
Wireframing and Prototyping
I created wireframes and prototypes to test and refine the design. The layout emphasized clarity, visual hierarchy, and ease of use.
Visual Design
The design system was tailored to reflect Avila+Castillo’s brand:
• Typography: Clean, architectural typefaces for a modern feel.
• Color Palette: Neutral and earthy tones, paired with bold accents to highlight key elements.
• Imagery: High-resolution project images to emphasize craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Streamlined Navigation: A reorganized menu structure simplifies access to projects, services, and contact information.
Immersive Portfolio: An interactive gallery highlights completed projects with high-quality images and detailed descriptions.
Mobile Optimization: A responsive design ensures usability across devices, enhancing the experience for mobile users.
Enhanced Contact Options: A prominent and easy-to-use contact form increases engagement and inquiries.
The redesigned website launched successfully, delivering measurable improvements:
• 45% Increase in Site Traffic: Users spent more time exploring projects and services.
• Improved Engagement Metrics: Bounce rates decreased, and session durations increased.
• Doubling of Client Inquiries: The streamlined design and accessible contact options made reaching out effortless.
Conclusion
This redesign transformed Avila+Castillo Architecture’s online presence into a sleek, user-friendly platform that mirrors the excellence of their architectural work. It was an opportunity to showcase their story through design, ensuring that their digital space is as inviting and functional as the spaces they create.
I really challenged myself to getting the website done in 6 weeks and felt that I overcame the challenge based on the time and what information the client had prepared.