Federation of Master Builders
Unifying the brand backing British builders since 1941

Construction trade body
Brand identity

Founded in 1941, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is the UK’s largest trade body for small and medium-sized builders. Representing thousands of members, it supports businesses through guidance and advocacy while promoting higher standards across the sector.

Over time, the brand had become fragmented and inconsistent, weakening both authority and recognition.

Project overview

Challenge
The organisation required a clearer and more disciplined identity capable of strengthening recognition while reflecting the professionalism and craftsmanship of its members.

Approach
Returning to first principles, we simplified and modernised the identity to create a unified system and a clear framework for consistent application. The design draws inspiration from an isometric blueprint grid, forming the basis of a refined graphic language.

A redrawn logomark, updated colour palette and pared-back set of design assets create a system built around clarity, precision and craft.

Outcome
The new identity launched with the 2024 Builders’ Manifesto, designed by our team and unveiled at UK Parliament. Documented in comprehensive brand guidelines and supported by a clear framework for implementation, the system enables consistent application across communications, editorial design and digital channels.

The result is a brand that feels precise, confident and contemporary, reinforcing the Federation of Master Builders as the trusted voice of UK construction.

01 — Evolution

02 — Building blocks

01. The FMB logo consists of a representational symbol in the form of a house, within a hexagonal device, year establishment, as well as the wordmark. This sits within a rectangle of a deep shade of red; a nod to ‘Tudor Reds’ which were a high quality, kiln-fired sand faced brick.

02. The design system is built upon an isometric 'blueprint' grid of blocks.

03. We found a few items from the 1970's for sale online during our research stage including this FMB 1970/71 Year Book for North Western Counties Region as well as an original printing block of the logo.

04. Brand research showing a former FMB logo depicting new homes and blocks of flats in post-war Britain. The Queen and Queen Mother visiting the FMB stand at 'Building the New Britain Exhibition' at Olympia, London in 1957. Image: Federation of Master Builders / Pathe.