How It’s Made: Custom Architectural Signage
We get it: The end result of the fabrication and installation of commercial signage – is arguably the most exciting part of the sign design process, and probably yields the best reactions. However, it can be argued that what goes on behind the scenes is just as exciting.
In fact, fabrication and installation is just one step in the overall process for a successful commercial sign project. Below is an in-depth guide into some of the details that go into how commercial architectural signage is made.
1. Consultation & Planning
In the process of developing signage installation solutions, each stakeholder involved in the process should be considered: the designer, the client, the patient, the visitor, and more. And to ensure the best possible client experience, it is critical to analyze engineering and code requirements, fabrication staging, and sign installation logistics.
It’s most effective to partner with a full-service sign installation company. Working with a complete turnkey sign-installation company can save both time and money for years to come throughout the evolution and lifetime of the signage.
2. Design
Before you can fabricate any signage, a detailed needs analysis by expert designers is key, especially in wayfinding solutions. The design team evaluates the business needs and establishes the most effective means of informing and directing visitors, patients, patrons, and customers throughout your facility.
The design and production team should also perform a site and visibility analysis to determine zoning requirements and make recommendations for overall custom sign designs, size, type styles and color to communicate messages effectively and with the necessary structural supports, lighting, fastening methods and electrical requirements to ensure the long-term value of a signage investment.
3. Permitting & Variances
While designers are focusing on the aesthetics, every project needs an operations team comprised of highly experienced permit specialists, project service coordinators and project managers who review the municipal code library and establish relationships with city planners to expedite the approval process and ensure sign permits are secured in a timely fashion, providing clients with hassle-free permit acquisition.
It’s imperative to follow every protocol when permits for signage are required, and effective zoning and variance guidance ensures maximum brand visibility at every location. The design and permitting teams should work closely together to prepare artwork and complete submission packages used to ensure landlord and municipal approvals.
4. Fabrication & Installation
Once it’s time to build the sign, it goes to the fabrication team in the manufacturing facility. The equipment used in the fabrication process can include, but is not limited to:
- Shears, Benders, and Welding Stations
- Computerized Vinyl, Screen Printing & Digital Graphics
- UL – Certified Sign Lighting and Wiring
- Sandblaster
- Computerized Waterjet Machine
- Paint Booths
- Computerized Channel Letter Machine
- Laser Engravers
A well-designed facility utilizes computerized sign-making equipment and a manufacturing workflow that ensures the highest level of efficiency, quality, and safety, while being flexible enough to accommodate any project. Using computerized designs, cutting and fabrication technology, and state-of-the-art machinery, you can achieve a consistent and excellent product for every project, which saves time and money, time while delivering quality products.
The best design, planning, and signage products have limited value if not properly installed and as such, the sign installation team should ensure the signage is installed correctly and in compliance with all local, state and ADA requirements while following all OSHA Safety Regulations for Construction. Once all site surveys and utility checks have been completed and local code and compliance regulations have been passed, it’s time to bring on the bucket trucks and cranes to take the final steps toward the finished products!
At Creative Sign Designs, we have incredible in-house capabilities for complete signage fabrication, and our fabricators are experienced in producing practically any type of sign products imaginable. Sky’s the limit! From custom, one-of-a-kind signs to large-scale sign installation projects for local, regional and national clients, our modern, state-of-the-art signage fabrication facility houses the latest in computerized design and manufacturing equipment and is staffed with a team of sign fabricators committed to consistently delivering the innovation, quality and service expected from a leader in the signage industry.
Contact us today to learn about the endless possibilities for your signage and to see what Creative Sign Designs can do for you!
