Signage is one of the most often overlooked parts of a new office build out. We frequently get calls from contractors and dental professionals that are just finishing up their new build out and are ready to “put up a sign”. We get to be one of the first ones to tell them that although we’re super excited to start on the project the entire process may take a month or more. From getting the designs created, approved by property management, plans submitted to the city, fabrication, and then the installation, the process takes a looonnngg time. And did we mention it’s EXPENSIVE … Without a good grasp of the work involved as well as the long term importance of good signage it will feel like your new sign should have been a new car!
That being said, aside from referrals, your signage could be one the largest traffic drivers of new patients to your practice. A good sign needs to be clean, legible, built to code and communicate strongly your brand or your services.
When it comes to the branding of your practice, the consistency is key. We can help you make sure that between your signage, your referral cards and your website your image is reproduced as consistently as possible. Not everything is produced the same way so it is necessary to work with someone who understands how to move your art files from one media to another.
We can help out with any printed materials, promotional items, web design or apparel your office needs! Click here for more info.
Wow, there are so many types of exterior signs! The first thing we do before taking on any exterior sign project is to request a copy of the sign criteria from the property management and/or check the signage zoning and regulations from the appropriate municipality. This tells us a lot about the scope of the project. For a typical sign project we currently bill a $500 consultation charge in order to get past the property management approval stage. We come out and take elevation photos and measurements. From this information we work with you, your branding, and the sign criteria to develop the specifications for the new exterior signs. These plans are submitted to the property management and edited until we receive approval. However, this approval does not guarantee that the signs will be allowed to fabricated and installed. It's just a good start.
From here, we prepare a quote for the permitting, fabrication, and installation of the sign. Should you elect to continue with our team we then prepare the permit paperwork and submit to the appropriate city for approval. At this point we require a minimum payment of 50% of the projected project cost in order to proceed. Unfortunately we can't begin any fabrication until after this approval is received just in case any changes are required. The approval process can take 1-3 weeks depending on who knows what. ;) Once we receive the permit we begin the fabrication of the sign pieces. This process can take 2-4 weeks depending on the complexity of the sign. After all the signs pieces are completed (as well as the installation templates) we schedule the installation. The actual installation rarely takes more than one day per sign face. The final step for us is to step back and grab a photo for adding to this website!
Nothing completes the look of a new office like a specific custom interior sign which is consistent with the practice's branding. Whether we use inexpensive printed and shape cut pvc board, laser cut and PMS match painted acrylic, brushed aluminum laminate, or water jet cut solid aluminum letters, a custom sign will establish a feeling of permanence to the new office.
There are three main factors to consider when developing the constraints of interior signage:
1. What size sign fits best on the wall?
2. What budget amount are we trying to live within?
3. What materials match the overall aesthetics of the rest of the office?
In order to get started on the interior signs we simply need a picture of the wall; straight on and level with wall. We also need just the width measurement of that wall. Those pictures can be snapped with your cell phone and emailed or texted over to us. We also need your logo as a vector file (.ai , .eps). We can help with this if it hasn't been developed yet. With these pieces we can build the proofs and create the recommended sizes.
The next big question is pricing. Because of the broad range of materials and fabrication methods an interior sign can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. We'll have to work together to match your budget dollars to what you're really wanting on the wall.
A part of the consideration has to be whether the material selection blends with the rest off the office. You will have invested a significant amount of money overall in your new build and it might be tempting to try and create your signage as inexpensive as possible. Just remember that whatever you choose to put on the wall still communicates something. Let us help you reduce costs as much add possible without sacrificing the consistency of your message.
Window signs are a great way to add in your office branding as well as specific information that might be helpful to passersby. We typically recommend putting on information that is not likely to change. For example suite numbers, phone numbers, principle doctors, and web addresses are probably not likely change for the practice. Office hours, and dental assistants can sometimes be iffy because they may change occasionally. While it's not a big deal to change them if necessary, it's just something to consider.
Window signs can be done with a variety of vinyl colors. Right now we're particularly fond of using an etch vinyl which simulates an etched glass effect. We can use this to incorporate the logo while at the same time adding some obscurity. It's also helpful in areas where you don't want patients running into the glass. Check out the portfolio photos, I think you'll agree it adds a lot to the overall appearance.