4 Best Practices When Hiring a Design-Build Signage Partner

Design-Build Defined

Design-Build is a method of project delivery in which one entity - the design-build team - works under a single contract with the project owner to provide design and construction services.

When it comes to creating effective signage, working with a professional signage partner is essential. Choosing a partner that uses a Design-Build method makes the project more seamless. By choosing Design-Build your signage program will have the benefit of minimizing project risk and improving your delivery schedule because the design and construction phases are overlapping. This is because the planning, design, and implementation are managed by a single company that cross-functionally collaborates to smooth out any snags before they become issues along the way. Additional benefits include a more cost-effective, cohesive project implementation, and high quality design results.

But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one for your project?

4 Best Practices: Design-Build Signage Partner

1. Look for a signage partner with experienced experiential graphic designers, wayfinders, and dedicated planners.

An experiential or environmental graphic designer specializes in creating visually appealing and functional signage that enhances the built environment. They have a deep understanding of wayfinding and can help guide people through complex spaces with ease. A dedicated planner also ensures your built environment will meet ADA and building code requirements so signage isn’t an issue when it comes to getting a Certificate of Occupancy. When choosing a signage partner, look for one that has experienced environmental graphic designers and planners on staff. This will ensure that your signage is not only attractive but also functional, effective, and code compliant. Experiential graphic design defined here.

2. Choose a signage partner that prioritizes planning and design.

Effective signage requires careful planning and design. Before any signage is installed, the signage partner should work with you to identify specific signage objectives, learn your branding story, and develop a comprehensive signage plan that meets all of your requirements. This plan should include everything from wayfinding to code and ADA signage. By choosing a signage partner with a customer centric approach, one that prioritizes planning and design, you can be sure your signage will meet all of your brand’s needs and comply with all relevant regulations.

3. Look for a signage partner that offers turn-key solutions from planning, design, manufacturing, and installation.

Creating effective signage requires more than just design and planning. It’s smart to choose a signage partner that can handle the entire process from start to finish, including the fabrication and installation of your signage. This all-inclusive integration of design, project management and fabrication, will help ensure your signs are designed for production from the very beginning of the process for greater efficiency.

4. Choose a signage partner that works with your budget.

Effective signage doesn't have to break the bank. When choosing a signage partner, look for one that can work with your budget to create a solution that meets your financial needs. A good signage partner will be able to provide designs with options. They can recommend cost-effective variations (like wood laminate instead of real wood) that still deliver the functionality and aesthetic you require. By working with a signage partner that is mindful of your budget, and knowledgeable of sign construction, you can be sure that you are getting the best value for your money.

The process of Design-Build signage for your project can be really fun. Use careful consideration when choosing a signage partner. Choose a team with an experienced environmental graphic designer and planner, that prioritizes planning and design, offers turn-key solutions, and can work with your budget. By following these best practices, you can be sure that you are working with a signage partner that will deliver effective and functional signage that meets all of your requirements.

Alan Parsons, Andrej Steinbergs, Kristin Adkins, and Anna Panada lead our EGD team. Learn a little about EGD at Latitude Signage + Design here.

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