Today, thanks to North’s contribution to the client’s brand image, that developer, Blok, has become synonymous with city living. 

North Ltd creative director and designer, Mike Bond says, “From the get-go, Blok wanted to do things differently. This started with encouraging people to embrace the typically European urban lifestyle of seeing the city as an extension of one’s home. We had all worked and lived in various international cities, so immediately grasped Blok’s concept. We translated this and Blok’s ethos of business unusual into the brand’s unique name, clean, simple logo, and general look and feel.”

The North Ltd team constantly creates pieces such as print ads and billboards with headlines overlaying urban living imagery to promote the Blok brand. A video ad showcasing the Blok lifestyle has also been shot. In place of a traditional brochure, a magazine is produced containing not only information about the property but a series of interviews with locals- from the barista at the corner coffee shop to the doctor down the road. Maps are made for each development with points of interest measured in steps from the front door to encourage exploration of the surrounding area on foot.

The showroom, situated close to all of the developments, was conceived by North Ltd in conjunction with Blok with the aim of translating the Blok concept into a three-dimensional space. “This was because Blok does not just sell apartments, but a brand experience,” says Bond.

As the showroom is an exhibition of urban living, it was designed to have an art gallery feel. This was achieved through showcasing the signature furnishings and features found in the apartments, as well as enabling visitors to take a virtual tour of each development via an app accessible on a set of tablets mounted on podiums.

“Our strategy is not to bombard people with information, but rather show them enough to get them interested and let the product do the talking,” Bond adds. ”Every element we now build for Blok is an evolution that pushes the boundaries while being relevant.”

Blok sales and marketing manager, Lior van Embden adds, “North Ltd has a unique understanding of how to build a brand in a way that transcends beautiful design. They understand the countless nuances that make a good brand stand out and be great.”

“I think that, together with Blok, we have reshaped the property development category. Now others are following in our footsteps. The Cape Property Guide is very different to what it was before Blok was around, meaning that what we do is working,” concludes Bond.

Click here to read out interview with Bond on the inner workings of North Ltd.

For more information, visit www.northltd.co.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Instagram.