Based in Denver, Colorado, Studio Mast is a small but mighty outfit that finds inspiration in everything and everyone, from Paul Rand and the Vignellis to “passionate clients”, art, literature, and nature.
Its design ethos is described as “simplicity with personality”: Studio Mast strives, it says, to create “unique results that our clients feel ownership of and that successfully meet their needs”. As a small studio of only four people (principal Travis Ladue, lead designer Jacob Trahan, designer Amanda Regh, and project manager Cait Smith), it had a specific focus, working exclusively on projects that involved building or redefining identities to ensure consistency.
But its clients are wide-ranging: recent projects include the brand and art direction for architecture and design studio Cadence; designs for Santa Fe Vintage, A world-renowned vintage collection in New Mexico; branding for Denver’s La Vista Motel; and an ongoing partnership with global payment technology company Stripe.
It’s not unusual for the studio to have such long-standing partnerships with clients, a key one being the Frasca Group, a restaurant group in Colorado with which it has worked on several recent projects. A standout project from that stable was Studio Mast’s first collaboration with the group on the Neapolitan-style pizza restaurant Pizzeria Alberico, for which it transformed the identity, including changing its name and visual brand design. “Formerly known as Pizzeria Locale, a beloved Boulder staple on Pearl Street, the restaurant holds a deep connection to its roots and the community,” says Ladue.
Cadence by Mast
Cadence by Mast
To reflect this, the studio worked closely with the restaurant team to develop an identity centred around the history of the eatery’s namesake, the Alberico family, who immigrated from Italy. “Pizzeria Alberico pays homage to the family of owner Bobby Stuckey’s father-in-law, Dick Alberico. This familial connection and the rich tradition of pizza-making were central to the story we wanted to tell through the design,” Ladue continues.
Alberico by Mast
Alberico by Mast
Alberico by Mast
“The restaurant’s transformation represented a significant moment in its journey. It was not just about a new name but about honouring its heritage while evolving to reflect its future. Our role was to reimagine its identity in a way that felt authentic and aligned with its values. Combining Italy’s timeless design traditions with contemporary elements created an identity that feels fresh yet rooted in history..”
Studio Mast went on to work on Pizzeria Alberico’s sister restaurant, Osteria Alberico, aiming to create a distinct brand identity while maintaining a connection to its counterpart. Again, the visual language honoured the Alberico family’s rich Italian heritage while also reflecting “the traditional osteria’s blend of approachability and elegance,” says the studio, adding that in Italy, “the osteria has long been a cornerstone of culinary culture.” The result is an identity that feels cohesive with Pizzeria Alberico, yet uniquely its own – “a brand that speaks to tradition and innovation,