Kate Tracey
Designer · Lead Designer
In their own words
The brief set to us was to bring his dream to life. Chef Diego came to us with a beautiful name and three cornerstones for the dining experience, along with such a love and pride for his culture.
We wanted the symbol system to reflect those elemental forces that shape Nina; while grounding the brand in its cultural roots.
Colour was actually the very beginning of this brand. When Muñoz shared his vision, it was clear that the tones and textures needed to flow through the entire identity.
My hand-drawn charcoal sketches were initially just about capturing and understanding the energy and texture of the Peruvian landscape.
The defining feature of this project is its sense of place…and also its rawness – there’s something so beautiful about that hand-crafted element shaping and grounding a brand in today’s ever-digital design world.
When you're walking into a space we've designed, it should feel like the brand has come to life.
Articles & interviews
- Crown Creative Designs Quechua-Inspired Brand for Nina Restaurant
Crown Creative developed a richly symbolic brand identity for Nina, a Peruvian grill at the St. Regis Cap Cana resort. Drawing from Quechua roots and elemental themes of fire, land, and sea, the design combines hand-drawn charcoal textures, earthy materials, and a custom symbol system inspired by Peruvian iconography. The result balances cultural authenticity with the refined elegance of a luxury dining experience.
- Crown Creative Revolutionizes Hospitality Branding with Emotion
Creative Boom profiles Crown Creative, a Belfast-born, New York-based studio known for its storytelling-driven hospitality branding. Founder Ryan Crown and his team discuss their evolution, philosophy, and major projects including The Dead Rabbit, Le Méridien, and Birch Cabins. The article highlights their strategy-first approach, global reach, and commitment to experience-led design.