An Introduction To Architectural Signage

Architectural signage to does more than communicate a message, it must also help build the brand name of the company it serves. Precision craftsmanship and cutting edge design along with carefully selected materials that best represent the finished product are essential.

The primary challenges during the design phase is coming up with a look that the customer wants and helping them to choose materials that fit within their budgets. It is important to carefully choose materials in the design phase so that any special requirements, such as lighting, mounting, or curved walls are addressed.

Understanding the different needs for indoor versus outdoor signage, such as durability, lighting, regulations and installation can help minimize and overcome the myriad of architectural signage obstacles. Equally important, however, is clear communication with our customers so that key issues such as timing and cost are managed. Discussing realistic expectations every step along the way using specs, photos and illustrations saves time and money in the end.

Creating quality architectural signage, then, means understanding the details and planning for the obstacles involved. The challenges are somewhat different depending on whether the signage is for indoor or outdoor use. With exterior signage the tolerances do not have to be quite as precise, but then there are other challenges that are just as significant, such as weather conditions like sunlight, humidity, heat, and cold.
Fade resistant materials are important to protect both indoor and outdoor architectural signage from the sun, but understanding the impact of ambient lighting is also a key challenge. Choosing the right materials for architectural signage can be a major obstacle therefore it is important that clients understand the issues.
Communities have regulations on exterior signage and installation challenges such as special permits can slow down the installation and approval process. Installation will require that underground utilities like phone and power and fiber optic networks be considered before any digging can begin.

Interior architectural signage is typically on a wall but sometimes there is no suitable wall behind the reception desk, for example, or in the direct line of sight from the elevator. Also, existing wall finishes such as color and texture of walls, lighting or the pattern on the wallpaper can be distracting. Typically, indoor signs can be produced faster because fabrication methods are not as elaborate, there is no preparation of the site, and there are no regulations or permits that need to be get signed off on.