Pali Palavathanan
Co-Founder · Creative Director · Co-Founder Creative Director
In their own words
We wanted that same grounded, human quality in the Casi identity.
One that deliberately sidesteps the alarmism, judgment and guilt that’s often associated with sustainability initiatives.
A simple, ancient-style mark that celebrates our connection to the earth.
The concept of architecture as earth practice was as fundamental to the visual identity as it is to the commissions within the pavilion.
Given the exhibition's thematic anchor in the Rift Valley, we had to develop an engaging and accessible visual system that could communicate multi-faceted and complex ideas.
We wanted to reflect this effect in the identity, so we chose a sharp-edged, authoritative typeface that conveys an impression of imperiousness – colonial authority, almost – which we then 'softened' by bevelling the edges.
Movement was something that emerged organically early in the process.
We weren't sure there'd be a point of connection at first, but when Ben pulled away the veneer and explained all the amazing things GF Smith has done historically to support their employees and the creative community, we understood how brave they were prepared to be and realised a shared ethos between us.
It was static in an era that demands dynamism. It was monochrome, but GF Smith is all about colour.
We aimed to infuse GF Smith's visual identity with the energy, warmth, optimism and human spirit that run through the business.
Articles & interviews
- Templo’s brand identity for climate non-profit Casi draws on the pragmatic mark-making of hieroglyphics
Templo has created a new brand identity for climate non-profit Casi that draws inspiration from hobo hieroglyphics and handcrafted mark-making. The project embraces imperfection and human warmth through hand-animated cut-outs and a minimal typographic system. The result is a living, expressive identity that reframes sustainability with optimism and creativity.
- Templo Crafts Kenyan Geology-Inspired Identity for Venice Biennale
Templo designed the visual identity for the 2025 British Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, titled 'Geology of Britannic Repair'. Drawing inspiration from Kenya’s Rift Valley and its geological and cultural narratives, the identity merges geometric and organic forms to reflect themes of repair, colonial history, and environmental awareness. The project was developed in collaboration with Cave_bureau, curator Owen Hopkins, and academic Dr Kathryn Yusoff.
- "The Studio: 2025's Top Networking and Learning Hub for Creatives"
Creative Boom has launched The Studio, a private online community for creative professionals that has quickly grown into a global hub for learning and networking. The platform offers curated events, workshops, and discussions led by industry leaders, providing freelancers and creatives with meaningful connections and practical insights. The article highlights its rapid growth, notable speakers, and upcoming sessions throughout 2025.
- Pali Palavathanan Explores Creativity Through Escapism
At Nicer Tuesdays New York in June 2025, Templo founder and creative director Pali Palavathanan discussed escapism as a creative tool and how his refugee background informs his artistic outlook. He also reflected on Templo’s recent rebrand for GF Smith, which refreshed the brand’s classic logo with a sense of joy and dialogue.
- Social Media Criticism Threatens Creativity in Design Industry
Matt Alagiah’s opinion piece explores how social media criticism of rebrands, such as GF Smith’s recent identity by Templo, can cross from healthy debate into toxic pile-ons that discourage creative risk-taking. Featuring perspectives from GF Smith’s Benjamin Watkinson and Templo’s Anoushka Rodda and Pali Palavathanan, the article questions whether online negativity is stifling innovation in the design industry. It calls for more constructive discourse and empathy toward both designers and clients.
- "TEMPLO Redefines British Pavilion Identity at Venice Biennale"
Creative Boom reports on TEMPLO's bold new identity for the British Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale. The project, titled 'Geology of Britannic Repair', explores themes of rupture, repair, and colonial legacies through a flexible, movement-led visual system inspired by the Rift Valley. Collaborating with curators from Cave_bureau and the British Council, TEMPLO created a dynamic identity spanning digital, physical, and experiential applications.
- TEMPLO Revitalizes GF Smith Brand with Bold Rebrand Strategy
Creative Boom’s feature explores how design studio TEMPLO rebranded GF Smith, the iconic paper company, with a bold, color-rich identity that bridges heritage and modernity. The project introduces a dynamic logo, custom typeface, and digital experiences that reflect GF Smith’s creative spirit. Collaborations with Blaze Type and Made by ON helped bring the tactile qualities of paper into digital form.
- "Templo's Bold Rebrand Propels GF Smith into Future with Vibrant Design"
Templo has led a bold, colourful rebrand for paper specialist GF Smith, marking its first major identity overhaul in over a decade. The new identity embraces motion, colour and community engagement, positioning GF Smith as a forward-looking, socially conscious brand. The project also introduces the GF Smith Charitable Trust, reinforcing the company’s commitment to creative education and local impact.
- "Event Series Explores Paper’s Innovative Future with Creatives"
The article announces 'New Dimensions: The Future of Paper', a UK event series by GF Smith in collaboration with Gmund and It’s Nice That. The events will showcase GF Smith’s new rebrand by Templo and feature talks from creatives exploring the intersection of paper and digital media, including Hato, Alice Isaac, and Holly Eliza Temple. The series celebrates paper’s evolving role in contemporary creative practice.