Established in 1976, Elliott + Associates Architects is a full-service architectural firm of licensed architects, interior and graphic designers and support personnel. The firm has designed award-winning projects for corporate and residential clients, arts organizations, museums and public spaces.

The idea for Elliott + Associates' corporate mark, introduced in 1977, is an ancient Chinese puzzle.

Its challenge is to draw straight lines that connect all nine dots without raising the pencil from paper. People tend to see the outer edge of the dots as a boundary, which in turn keeps them from solving the puzzle. The key is to go "beyond the dots" - extending the line beyond the field which the dots seem to define. In other words, refusing to accept apparent limitations.

The puzzle illustrates the firm's creative process and problem-solving focus. They believe the best solutions lie in "limitations." The more restrictive the conditions, the farther (or deeper) one must go to find the unique special ingredient within the problem at hand. The concept begins with the client's vision. Then they look for more...