Environmental branding is one of the most effective ways to help people understand your company or organization’s brand and mission. The perceived value of your company is increased when employees and visitors see your brand and message displayed numerous times throughout your workspace. We recently worked with LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville, TN to implement elements of an inspirational branded environment in the company’s new headquarters. For this project, we worked with Skanska USA, LifeWay’s general contractor, to plan, build and install displays and custom signage throughout the building. [caption id="attachment_1493" align="aligncenter" width="600"] The beautiful new LifeWay headquarters building in downtown Nashville has an inspirational branded interior. Photo Credit: Skanska Nashville[/caption] Here are some of the exciting projects we were involved in at LifeWay: Stained Glass Story Panels We custom built and installed five clear glass panels to explain the eight parables depicted in the stained glass panels hanging from the ceiling in the main lobby area. The 3’ x 10’ glass displays were built out of specially treated, tempered glass and printed second surface using our flatbed printer. During the second surface application process, the graphic was printed on the backside (or second surface) of the glass to allow viewing from the front. An aluminum U-shaped channel was custom designed for the glass panels to fit into. The glass displays explain the parables without detracting from the vibrant beauty of the stained glass panels overhead. [caption id="attachment_1495" align="aligncenter" width="600"] The vibrant stained glass panels hang from the ceiling in LifeWay's main lobby. An inspirational bible verse can also be seen above the floating staircase. Photo Credit: Skanska Nashville[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1497" align="aligncenter" width="600"] This clear glass display explains the eight parables depicted in the stained glass panels that hang from the ceiling in LifeWay's main lobby.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1496" align="aligncenter" width="600"] The stained glass panels, which tell the lessons Jesus taught in eight parables, originally hung in the Van Ness Auditorium in Sullivan Tower for nearly 50 years.[/caption] Dimensional Logo Signs We fabricated and installed LifeWay’s dimensional logo signs in the main reception area and on the conference level. The logo signs were made with ¾” acrylic with a ⅛” bevel on the letter faces and painted with an elegant satin white finish. [caption id="attachment_1498" align="aligncenter" width="600"] We love the simple, elegance of this dimensional LifeWay logo sign! We installed this one in the main lobby. [/caption] [caption id="attachment_1499" align="aligncenter" width="600"] We installed this LifeWay logo sign in the main lobby reception area. We think it adds an inviting look to the space.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1500" align="aligncenter" width="600"] The third dimensional LifeWay sign was installed on a fabric-covered wall on the conference level.[/caption] Video Wall Tagline For the conference level video wall,  another dimensional sign was fabricated and installed. It was made of ¼” aluminum flat cut letters, which says “Biblical Solutions for Life.” This sign also has a white satin finish. [caption id="attachment_1501" align="aligncenter" width="600"] These letters were fabricated with flat-cut aluminum and are displayed next to the video wall on the conference level. [/caption] Stair Scripture Because LifeWay’s mission is to share and spread God’s word, what better way to do that than to display biblical verses throughout the new headquarters? LifeWay requested that we fabricate and install John 14:6 for the main lobby. To create the verse, we laser cut the letters out of clear acrylic and painted them with a beautiful white satin finish. The inspirational verse was installed above the main lobby’s floating staircase. [caption id="attachment_1502" align="aligncenter" width="450"] We installed this verse, created with dimensional acrylic letters, above the floating staircase in LifeWay’s main lobby.[/caption] Scripture Panels: To continue the biblical verses, seven inspiring scripture panels were created and installed next to the elevators on each floor. These 60” x 81” signs were made from ¾” wooden panels with digitally printed graphics. [caption id="attachment_1503" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Seven of these biblical scripture panels were installed near the elevators in the new LifeWay building.[/caption] Cafe Entrance Sign: We also fabricated and installed the LifeWay Cafe sign, which is now located at the cafeteria’s entrance. It was constructed with rigidized textured aluminum. We cut the words “LifeWay Cafe” into the aluminum using a waterjet. We then bent the ends so we could attach the sign onto the angled wooden slats. [caption id="attachment_1504" align="aligncenter" width="600"] We constructed this sign with rigidized textured aluminum. It serves as the entrance sign for the cafeteria. [/caption] As you can see, all of these elements work together at LifeWay to provide visitors and employees a clear understanding of the company’s mission, vision and values. LifeWay wanted to convey a clean, inspirational atmosphere. We believe they were able to accomplish this through the signage and displays we created, as well as the beautiful light and expansive architecture of the building. Do visitors clearly understand your company’s brand and values when they visit your workspace? Are you providing a well branded interior which informs and inspires your employees? Maybe it’s time to consider environmental branding! From elevator and window graphics, custom signage, standup displays, and wall murals, there are so many ways you can transform your company’s workspace. Contact us at (615) 595-6564, and we’ll get started on your next project!