Sochi Casino
Olympic Transformation
SOCHI, RUSSIA
BACKGROUND
Originally constructed as the international media center for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, the Sochi complex was later re-envisioned as a long-term economic engine for the region. Following the Games, Russian officials sought to transform the site into a year-round destination capable of generating new revenue, supporting job creation, and recouping the significant public investment made during the Olympic build-out.
Located in the Krasnaya Polyana mountain resort on Russia’s Black Sea coast, the redevelopment marked the creation of one of the country’s first designated gaming zones. The vision: a world-class entertainment destination modeled after the sophistication and energy of leading casino resorts in Las Vegas and Macau.
The result was Sochi Casino & Resort—the flagship property of the region’s gaming zone and one of Russia’s premier entertainment venues. Designed by U.S.-based Steelman Partners, the project transformed the former Olympic media center into a luxurious, immersive casino and resort experience, attracting international visitors with top-tier gaming, live performances by Russia’s leading artists, and globally recognized poker tournaments.
MY ROLES
I played a key role in shaping the visual identity and branded guest experience for Sochi Casino & Resort. Working collaboratively with the MARQI team, from concept through execution, I contributed to the development and refinement of the casino’s logo and led the application of the final identity across a vast range of physical and operational touchpoints.
My responsibilities spanned brand design, environmental integration, and cross-disciplinary coordination—ensuring the identity translated seamlessly from graphic expression to architectural scale. Once a logo direction was selected, I oversaw its implementation across exterior and interior signage systems, wayfinding, marketing materials, and in-venue applications.
The final identity was embedded throughout the guest journey, appearing on entry marquees, overhead signage, custom carpets, gaming chairs, uniforms, casino chips, backdrops, and experiential brand moments throughout the property. The result was a cohesive, elevated brand presence that reinforced Sochi Casino’s position as a global-caliber destination while respecting its cultural and architectural context.
DISCIPLINES
✓ Logo Creation
✓ Iterative Concept Development
✓ Visual Identity Design
✓ Brand Standards & Application Guides
✓ Exterior Signage Design & Coordination
✓ Interior Signage Design
✓ Wayfinding Schematics
✓ Marketing Collateral
✓ On-Property Brand Collateral
*Work completed while at Steelman Partners/MARQI
Logo, Signage, Visual Identity Design
Client: The Russian Government, Domain LLC
Sochi, Russia // 2016
