The Background
Corlann is one of Ireland’s largest providers of services for people with intellectual disabilities , supporting more than 6,000 people each year across multiple counties. Formerly known as Brothers of Charity Services Ireland, the organisation has a long and established history, built on strong values and deep relationships within the communities it serves.
Following a period of reflection and consultation, the organisation reached an important moment in its journey. Leadership was evolving, but more importantly, so too was the way the organisation saw itself and the people it supports.
The brief was not simply to rebrand. It was to take a step back, to listen carefully and to define what truly matters. What needed to change was how the organisation expressed itself. What needed to remain was everything at its core: dignity, relationships and a deep sense of joy.
The process brought together the voices of the people it supports, alongside staff, families and wider stakeholders. It became clear that the organisation’s strength lies in human connection. A new name and identity needed to reflect that more clearly and more confidently
The Idea
Joyful engagement, respect, and relationships were identified as the organisation’s defining qualities. Rather than positioning itself through services, the organisation would be defined by how it supports people to live their lives, make their own choices, and shape their own future.
The name Corlann emerged from this thinking. Combining cor, the Latin word for heart, and lann, the Irish word for place, it expresses both emotion and belonging. A place of heart. A place of respect. A place where people are supported to be themselves and to grow.
This idea is captured in the tagline, The future is ours to shape. A simple but powerful expression of confidence, ownership and possibility.
The Execution
The identity is designed to feel positive and easy to understand. At its centre is a logo that brings the meaning of the name to life: a location marker formed from concentric shapes, grounded in a heart. It represents both place and people, connection and belonging.
Three simple shapes form the foundation of the visual system: a heart, a smile and a bridge. Together, they express why, how and what the organisation does in a way that is intuitive and human. These elements extend into a flexible icon set and a series of patterns that bring rhythm and warmth to communications.
Colour plays a central role. A bright and uplifting palette reflects the energy and optimism of the organisation, while carefully developed tonal variations ensure high levels of accessibility across all applications. Typography is clear, friendly and highly legible, supporting a tone of voice that is direct, inclusive and easy to engage with.
The result is a brand that feels confident without being imposing, and expressive without losing clarity. It gives the organisation a stronger voice, while staying true to what has always defined it.
Corlann is a name and identity built on care, shaped by relationships and centred on the joy of belonging.
