Cooper Design Build

Crafting a Legacy: How Cooper Design Build’s Branding Elevated Its Business

Cooper Design Build is one of Portland’s most respected design-build firms, known for its expertise in estate renovations across the Irvington Neighborhood and the West Hills. What started as a small company rooted in craftsmanship has evolved into a leader in high-end home transformations. The challenge wasn’t just about expanding the business—it was about creating a brand that reflected the artistry, trust, and precision behind every project.

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A Partnership Built on Trust and Shared Vision

Matt Watson’s connection with Cooper Design Build wasn’t just professional—it was personal. After leaving Nike to be closer to his father, Matt set up an office in Cooper’s headquarters. What began as a simple sublease turned into a long-term collaboration, shaping the firm’s identity and positioning it for sustained growth.

Cooper’s existing brand had a strong reputation, but its visual and verbal identity lacked cohesion. Watson’s approach was to refine their messaging, elevate their presentation materials, and create a seamless brand experience that matched the level of detail and craftsmanship in their work.

Turning a Brand Into a Sales Tool

One of the most impactful projects in this collaboration was the creation of a custom-designed sales booklet, a leave-behind piece that would help potential clients understand Cooper’s philosophy, craftsmanship, and process.

The booklet’s design was as intentional as Cooper’s approach to homebuilding. The cover featured an African-made brown cardstock with an embossed “Welcome Home” message and a die-cut keyhole, revealing images of home memories within. Every page told a story—not just about construction, but about the experience of living in a home designed with care.

This sales tool became an essential part of Cooper’s go-to-market strategy, differentiating them in a competitive industry where personal connection and trust drive decision-making. While the website served as a search-driven portfolio, this printed piece created a tangible, emotional connection with homeowners, ensuring that Cooper’s brand presence extended beyond the initial meeting.

RESEARCH

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Results

Bringing Storytelling to the Forefront

A strong brand is more than a logo—it’s a narrative. Watson worked with Cooper to refine their visual identity, messaging, and website to better reflect their expertise. Their approach to design-build isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about creating homes that enrich lives. The new branding emphasized this philosophy, balancing technical expertise with emotional resonance.

To further bring their work to life, Watson introduced video storytelling, capturing the impact of Cooper’s designs in real-world settings. The first video was particularly moving, showing homeowners thriving in the spaces Cooper had created. These videos became powerful tools, showcasing not just the final product but the experience of living in a Cooper-designed home.

Benefits

Positioning for the Future

“Watson Creative has completely transformed our brand and marketing process. They have redone our website, streamlined our logo, and built all our brochures to be fluid and consistent. Matt Watson started us down the road of video; the first one was very touching, and it was great to see our clients living well in their homes.” - Sherri White, director of operations for Cooper Design Builders.

Not Everything. Just What Works.

Strategy

Build from insight. Strategy isn’t guesswork—it’s groundwork. We listen, research, and distill what matters to guide smarter decisions and set a solid creative direction.

Content

Make it meaningful. From naming to narratives, we create content that speaks with purpose—rooted in truth, tuned to your audience, and built to connect.

Digital

Design for behavior. We craft digital experiences that are intuitive, scalable, and aligned with how real people move, click, swipe, and search.

Experiential

Bring brands to life. Physical spaces, moments, and memories matter. We design experiences that feel human—and stay with you long after the lights go out.

Marketing

Drive connection. Our marketing approach blends data and instinct—getting the right message to the right people, in ways that actually move them.

Consulting

Partner on progress. We work alongside your team to solve real problems, shift thinking, and build internal alignment—without the agency ego.