Innes Sutherland and Lucy Holmes merger deal

Specialist sign consultancy Innes Sutherland has merged with Lucy Holmes Design to form The Holmes Wood Consultancy. Led by directors Alex Wood and Lucy Holmes, it aims to grow its graphics and signage arm.

Holmes Wood has just won a three-way credentials pitch to create the identity and literature for property developer Bride Hall, and is creating a new book for publisher Conran Octopus – a former Lucy Holmes client – by Chelsea Flower Show winner Arne Maynard, which launches next spring.

The new consultancy will continue to work with both the Tate Modern and Tate Britain galleries. Innes Sutherland designed the entire signage system for Tate Modern and Holmes Wood is currently creating the next stage of the sign programme as well as exhibition brochures and posters. It is working with Tate Britain on its forthcoming centenary exhibitions.

“Holmes Wood’s signage arm is strong because it offers graphic design and way-finding expertise, as well as knowledge of the sign business,” says director Alex Wood. “It is unusual for designers to be ‘experts’ in both.”

Wood says she wants to keep Holmes Wood “personal” but aims to grow the company to around eight people, from its existing three, over the next four years. Former Pentagram designer Lucy Holmes met Wood through work with Tate Britain, and they have “worked well” together ever since, adds Wood.