Good design provides a key competitive advantage, especially during tough economic times. Fathom has been blessed with ample work over recent months, and we would like to share a few of our new creations with you.

St. John’s Church, McLean VA
Fathom has been working with St. John’s Church, McLean Virginia for a number of years, on everything from the church’s capital campaign to numerous annual appeals, special projects, a new church identity, and a web site. Last year, we were honored to win a national Episcopal Communicators Award for the church’s annual appeal. For the 2011 appeal, we pulled out all the stops, with a fold-out brochure and a coordinated postcard, pledge card, and envelopes. The Rev. Ed Miller (a creative and energetic rector who also happens to be a photographer) continues to trust—and push—us to do great work.

Conexus
Fathom has worked with the HVAC control wizards at Conexus for several years. We helped name the company, then we developed a logo and business cards as the venture moved forward. This year, we were tapped to design a coordinated marketing packet. An insert brochure explains the benefits of integrated system controls. This ties in visually with a die-cut folder. Coordinated insert sheet blanks and a Powerpoint template complete the look. Visually, we explored natural themes and juxtaposed them with mechanical systems to show that integrated systems are comforting and seamless.

Papenfuse for Dauphin County Commissioner
Candidate Eric Papenfuse approached Fathom for campaign support. Fathom responded with a versatile campaign logo, photo-shoot of the candidate, and design of printed materials. Papenfuse has been a tireless advocate for an open public process both in the city of Harrisburg and in Dauphin County—with solid logic and strategy to boot. We wish him well!

Assistance At-Home
Assistance At-Home is a company that helps the elderly and disabled retain their independence by helping them with daily living tasks. Fathom created an image for the venture from the ground up: logo, typography, and even a “Making life easier” theme. We then developed a brochure to explain their services in exceptionally clear terms.

On the horizon
Fathom continues to provide capital campaign materials development services for the Episcopal Church Foundation, as well as serve a growing number of corporate, non-profit, and advocacy concerns. We look forward to all the challenges and opportunities 2011 will bring!

Fathom's new studio—complete with letterpress, design pit, and production area.

After relocating to Mechanicsburg PA from Harrisburg, Fathom has operated from temporary quarters in a Victorian house on Main Street. But the vision had always been to transform a 1950s outbuilding into “Garden House” where creatives could collaborate, clients could strategize, and where Fathom’s photography and letterpress ventures could find a home. That vision seemed a tall order for a one-story, 15′ x 30′ cinder-block shed with rotten floors and a leaky roof…especially during the Great Recession.

However, patience and creativity are always the friends of a limited budget, and 20 months after the move, the job is now done. Special thanks go to Ryan Gerber, who helped clear debris and build the floors, and to Scott Boggs, who helped at every stage of construction. Both of these fellows are talented designers and brought their sensibilities to the job site. A good deal of their input helped to shape the project.

Natural light and natural materials give Fathom's new offices a warm, organic feel.

The entire space was designed to be energy-efficient as well as cost-efficient, reusing existing architectural assets whenever possible. The cinder-block walls were injected with non-expanding foam comprised of agitated white glue…fluffy, heavy stuff injected into the open wall channels. The ceiling features stained roof beams with exposed sheep’s wool insulation, made in PA. As fire-retardant as fiberglass, sheep’s wool is just as insulating and has natural humidity regulating properties (it absorbs water vapor on humid days and releases it on drier days). It also looks neat. The southern gable of the building was replaced with thick acrylic sheets to bring southern light in during darker winter months. This lightwell also naturally illuminates a small storage area and provides a place where Fathom’s old metal sign can be displayed. All existing windows were also boxed in with acrylic to dramatically enhance insulation properties and deaden sound. Two home-made skylights on the ridge of the roof provide additional light. The floor of the office is insulated and clad in renewable cork—warm underfoot, durable, and organic. Near the letterpress, however, a large rubber pad made of recycled car tires provides added padding and resiliency. The entire space is heated and cooled via a highly efficient, 18 SEER heat pump. A small air circulator over the design pit distributes heat and cold. Circulation is augmented via a home-made ceiling fan made of a old wooden swamp-boat propeller and an industrial motor.

A bright, dynamic space, packed with functionality.

Rotten floor joists were the inspiration to create a “design pit” in the center of the space. Here, a “design bar” accommodates up to four freelance creatives on aluminum bar-stools. Also, a client meeting area is in the pit, flanked by samples of Fathom’s print design. This tall, flexible space can also be used for photo-shoots as required.

At the rear of the space, a second platform carries a functioning Irish woodstove, a production area with cleverly stacked digital printers, lots of storage, and a large desk.

As we like to say, “Limitations breed inspirations.” Limited space and a limited budget enabled the creation of a Fathom office more functional and efficient than any to date. While many of Fathom’s clients live far afield, we hope that this tour helps you envision “where we’re coming from.” And to any clients who find themselves nearby: feel free to stop in and say “Hello.”