Some of my final-ish versions for this logo - we decided to go with both a vertical and a horizontal style for the logo, for different applications. 

From my first set of sketches - I was inspired by the filigree on old middle eastern buildings, and some of the designs and patterns found in their architecture, pottery, and other art. As a team we decided that the text should be kept fairly simple and legible, and most of the design should focus on what is "framing," or decorating it. 

One of the first, rough vector patterns I created to go with the text. We ended up nixing this idea, as it was too complicated and bright for the direction we wanted to go in, but it was an interesting first idea.