For nearly 90 years, Wilbury Residential (formerly Callaways) has helped sellers, buyers, landlords, and tenants across Brighton & Hove make their property dreams a reality. But as time moved forward, so did the needs and expectations of their clients. Recognising this, Heather Hilder-Darling and her experienced team knew it was time to shake off the past and evolve, to present themselves as not just independent and trusted experts, but also as an agency with a fresh, modern edge.
That’s when DogFish Design was brought onboard. Led by Marc Brand, and supported by our creative team in Shoreham By Sea, we set out to rewrite the story of one of Brighton’s best-known names in property. Here’s how it happened , and how the result is so much more than just a new name and logo.
Understanding the Challenge
Wilbury Residential’s directors approached us at a pivotal moment. Despite their respected reputation, their existing brand felt out of step with today’s marketplace. Their visual identity was dated and their digital presence was no longer serving their audience. More than anything, they wanted their brand to convey independence, expertise, warmth, and a connection to local heritage, while still feeling current and approachable.
A Creative, Collaborative Process
Every transformation begins with listening. We worked closely with Heather and her team to understand Wilbury’s legacy and their ambition for the next chapter. Our process began by facilitating the bold decision to rename the agency. This step, moving from Callaways to Wilbury Residential, anchored the brand firmly in the Brighton & Hove property market, while giving scope for a new, forward-looking identity.
Visual Identity: Making the Right Impression
Our design approach was driven by clarity, approachability, and trust. We created a new logo, defined a unique colour palette, and chose modern typography to make every communication feel intentional and engaging. Each element was developed with timelessness in mind, no fleeting trends, just a confident, welcoming brand that would carry Wilbury Residential into the future.
Digital Transformation: Website That Works Harder
A property agency’s website is more than just a shop window, it’s often the first call for potential clients. We built a fully responsive website from the ground up, giving Wilbury Residential an inviting, easy-to-navigate platform that brings their 90-year history to life. The site features:
– Intuitive property search functionality
– Dedicated service pages for buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants
– Clear storytelling that speaks to local expertise and integrity
– Stronger SEO foundations for better online visibility
– Slick mobile usability for clients on the move
– Versatile brand assets for digital and print use
The end result is a digital presence as dynamic as the team behind it.
The Impact
Modernising Wilbury’s brand and web presence has delivered immediate results. The agency is now able to communicate its values at a glance, with every element, from the logo to the website copy, reflecting reliability, energy, and a deep local connection. Their website is now a go-to resource for property clients, with improved visibility and a marked increase in both engagement and inbound enquiries.
Why it Matters
For us at DogFish Design, this project demonstrates how thoughtful branding and digital design make it possible for a long-standing business to thrive in a changing world. It’s not just about modern marketing, it’s about storytelling, trust, and delivering an experience that lives up to a proud legacy.
If you’re ready to transform your business’s story for today’s market, get in touch with DogFish Design. Let’s turn your vision into an experience worth sharing.
Learn more about the Wilbury Residential transformation at Wilbury Residential Project.