Elizabeth Kirby Design

EKD required a website that would present their work in a way that felt true to their approach. As a studio with a strong visual identity, there was little appetite for anything overly complex or content-heavy. The site needed to feel effortless, allowing visitors to explore projects naturally without distraction.

Key considerations included:

• presenting a diverse portfolio without overcomplicating navigation
• ensuring residential and commercial work could coexist comfortably
• avoiding excessive copy while still providing useful context
• maintaining a sense of restraint throughout the experience

The underlying challenge was to create a platform that felt quietly confident, rather than overtly designed.

Rather than imposing a rigid structure, we worked closely with EKD to shape a site that felt aligned with how they already present their work. The emphasis was on editing rather than adding — removing unnecessary elements and focusing on what matters most.

We concentrated on:

• establishing a clear and uncluttered navigation flow
• giving prominence to imagery without overwhelming the layout
• ensuring the site felt consistent with EKD’s existing visual language
• creating a natural rhythm between projects as users browse

The aim was not to “design a website” in the traditional sense, but to create a digital environment that complements the work itself.

Design & Experience

The experience is built around visual exploration. A full-screen homepage introduces visitors immediately to EKD’s work, setting the tone from the outset. From there, users can move through projects in a way that feels fluid and uninterrupted.

Key elements include:

• generous use of space to allow content to breathe
• carefully sequenced imagery within each project
• minimal, well-placed text that supports rather than leads
• a consistent visual language across all pages

The overall effect is understated, allowing the quality of the interiors to carry the experience.

Build & Implementation

The site was developed using ExpressionEngine, providing a reliable and flexible foundation for managing content.

Particular attention was given to:

• preserving image quality while maintaining performance
• ensuring a smooth experience across devices
• creating a straightforward backend for updating projects
• delivering a stable and secure platform

The technical layer supports the simplicity of the front-end, ensuring the experience remains seamless.

The finished website feels closely aligned with EKD’s identity as a design studio. A calm, visually-led experience reflects their portfolio in a structure that allows projects to be explored with ease. The website feels consistent with their brand, and supports ongoing additions without complexity.

Results & Impact

The new site provides a more fitting representation of EKD’s work and approach.

• Stronger first impressions, with immediate visual engagement
• Improved portfolio navigation, encouraging deeper exploration
• Greater alignment with brand values, reinforcing their positioning
• A more relevant experience for prospective clients, particularly those with a strong design focus

Ultimately, the website achieves its purpose by staying out of the way — allowing the work itself to take centre stage.

Visit the EKD website
 

"We were very happy with the design Framework provided for our website and the process we went through in working with them. They were professional throughout and were there to offer good advice and suggestions when we needed them. They worked quickly to meet the deadline given for the completion of the site. Working with Framework was a good experience".

- Elizabeth Kirby, EKD