Designing an entire sign package, donor recognition piece or just one sign takes a thought process that considers:
- the environment
- the audience
- code compliance
- budget
- common sense of Wayfinding
- fabrication and installation issues
- the client’s Brand
- updates and changes
“Great design solves a problem or takes advantage of an opportunity”.
Roxanna Meyers, President Century Sign Builders
The Environment
When we access the environment we might consider questions such as: What is the look and feel of the campus or building? Is it Modern, Traditional, Green, Regional, etc.? What does the owner want the audience to experience? Is it important to get you where you want to go in the most efficient and effective manner? Is it a busy, crowded place? Is it a place where the owner wants you to see all they have to offer on your way to your destination? How do traffic patterns, weather, and limited wall space affect the signage or donor recognition? Are there many distractions or limited time as you approach signage? We verify our designs (samples, size, color, text) with interior & exterior elevations, ceiling plans, site photos, and site visits to insure the signage will work in the environment.
Compliance to Codes and Regulations
At CSB we pride ourselves in designing signs that meet codes and regulations, are functional and yet still look great. We consider a number of required codes when we are designing: • American Disability Act (ADA) • American Disability Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) • American National Standards Institute (ANSI) • International Building Code (IBC) In addition to the above codes, often there are industry specific regulations that must be addressed. For example, hospitals require signage that addresses EMTALA (Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act) and other signs required by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO®). In the hospitality industry there are regulations with regard to posting room rates and other charges. At CSB we have many years of experience designing industry specific signage – so you can be assured that your signs will meet all the required codes and regulations.
The Audience
We take the old quote says “know your audience” to heart when designing a sign, a sign package, or a donor recognition piece. Some of the things we consider: • Visual ability • Language • Generational and/or traditional preferences • Stress level and ability to assimilate
Your Brand
You have a “story” that you want to tell and we honor and celebrate your brand every step of the way in the process.
Budget
Founded on a principal of consistently providing value to our clients, we at CSB understand that clients want a product that is within their budget. Often designers will design signs, donor recognition pieces, or entire sign systems where the fabrication and sign updates exceed their client’s budget. At CSB, design, fabrication, and installation are all under one roof. This kind of team approach insures that we design signs with the full understanding of the fabrication, updateability, and installation issues. Based on our project, we will give you estimates for just design (that could include specifications that you may take to bid) or design, fabrication, and installation.
Wayfinding
At CSB we celebrate the fact that buildings and campuses are meant to be used. We work with the architect and client every step of the way to ensure that the final audience — visitors and staff alike — have a positive and productive experience. Bringing in a CSB project team at the beginning of a project will save money and time. We are experts in the kind of Wayfinding strategies that are effective. Effective Wayfinding is often a combination of elements: signage, flooring, paint, and strategically placed landmarks. To experience a building or campus properly we approach it from the audience’s perspective. We call this our “What would Edna and Ralph want to know?” approach. If the audience or setting is more complex we organize focus groups or design charrettes to brainstorm solutions. The end result is that people use the building or campus in the way it was intended – they find their way.
Fabrication and Installation
To segue from the topic above, a good design takes into consideration fabrication and installation. Designing something for the 3-Dimensional world is very different than designing something for the print media world. For example, often logos look great on a business card or letterhead but do not translate well into signage (horizontal versus vertical space issues). We design from an approach of “getting it on the wall” – meaning our designs can be fabricated and installed.
Updateability
More than any other sign company, we at CSB have spent and continue to spend a great deal of time and money in developing standard and custom products that are easily updateable. Long after the architect and builder are gone we want your sign(s) to look good and be updateable in a way that saves you time and money. With our products there is no need for special perforated paper or special software. We focus on creating a look that will last the test of time (and everyday use!).