Mick Peek designed the 1997 badge. He was employed by MCFC not Kappa.
For those wondering.....
The Latin Motto did not exist as a City motto at all prior to summer 1997. In some of the early material released by City back then they misspelt proelio and, ever since, others have incorrectly written it as praelia, proelia and other combinations of letters. In the 50s there was a City motto (something about 'wanton fires' and desire) but it was a full sentence and may have been perfect for the period but not appropriate all these years later. Maybe some feel the same about a Latin motto from the 90s (not giving my view, just pointing out that mottos can be in and out of fashion - would a new motto of Fight To The End. For example, be appropriate for a different generation to 1997?).
Rivers - as I say in the talks I've been doing, the council no longer say they represent the rivers, but they don't give an alternative meaning and are vague on them. City, however, has always claimed they represent the 3 rivers of Manchester (Irwell, Irk & Medlock). These go right into the centre of Manchester and were/are the reason Manchester existed at all. Those rivers were the lifeblood of the city and helped a community to become established. When the De Grelley family crest was created those rivers were here. They may have influenced the crest, we just don't know, but we do know that at the time MCFC started using their own badge the emblazoned lines represented the rivers - that's what was widely believed and so that point stands.
The De Grelley crest - I.e. The 3 lines - are the oldest symbol associated with Manchester, and the oldest part of Manchester's coat of arms, predating the ship and everything else.
Having said that... Some fans associate more with the red rose which also has strong Manchester symbolism, having been on the City of Manchester's coat of arms longer than MCFC has existed. It is representative of the Duke of Lancaster, and maybe future use by City could symbolise England (slight redesign?). If it matters to readers - if any element matters - then please complete the Cityzens questionnaire. It's the only way of ensuring MCFC get your views.