May 16, 2025

Communication

William Stout Bookstore just unveiled a refreshed brand identity, courtesy of Jony Ive’s firm, LoveFrom.

The store’s original sign featured its name in the Washington typeface, set on a simple square placard. LoveFrom modified Washington into a new typeface it calls “LF Washington” with permission from Russell Bean, the creator of the typeface. Image: LoveFrom

The store’s original sign featured its name in the Washington typeface, set on a simple square placard. LoveFrom modified Washington into a new typeface it calls “LF Washington” with permission from Russell Bean, the creator of the typeface.  Image: LoveFrom

Design geeks, rejoice: William Stout Architectural Books in San Francisco’s Jackson Square—a beloved destination for art, design, and architecture lovers—has a new visual identity. Even better, it was created pro bono by the designers at LoveFrom, the creative collective founded by Apple’s former chief design officer Sir Jony Ive and his longtime collaborator Marc Newson.

As you’d expect, the new identity is elegant and thoughtful. It honors the shop’s history and local character while unifying its physical and digital presence.

If you’ve ever visited LoveFrom’s website, you know it features only a brief animation of the logo—no about page, no philosophy, and no project portfolios. For now, we’ll have to settle for the limited press coverage that’s surfaced.

THE ARCHITECT'S NEWSPAPER: William Stout Architectural Books Honors Its 50-Year Legacy with a Refreshed Identity by LoveFrom

FAST COMPANY: See LoveFrom’s New Branding for One of the Best Bookstores in the U.S.

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