Signage Development Program


Introduction: Getting Started

Please consult a
design Professional

Getting Started
Now that you have learned about important signing considerations, it is time to get started. First, use this check list determine if you need to upgrade signs in your building.

Do your customers have difficulty finding your building, building entrance(s), or accessible entrance?
Do you receive customer complaints about being unable to find services or tenants in your building?
Are security personnel constantly called upon to give customers directions?
Are signs in the building consistent, or do they vary in color, materials, use of typestyle, arrows, etc.?
Are temporary (taped-up paper, stanchions, etc.) signs used to provide information or direction?
Are there multiple sign systems in place, which have appeared over time and don’t match each other or provide redundant information?
Is it difficult and costly to update your signs every time there is a tenant change or new message?
Is signage clutter one of the first things you are aware of when entering your building and /or lobby?

If you answered YES to ANY of these questions, your should consider working new or upgraded signs into your budget planning. The following are the steps to follow in developing new signs:

The first step in getting started is to conduct a Signage Audit. The audit is simply a list of all signs in the area(s) where you have identified signage deficiencies, or are planning other architectural renovation projects that could include signs.

Identify each existing sign location on a building floorplan, and key to a list with sign number, message, sign type (directory, entry sign, code-required, etc.) and size. Develop a separate list of new signs required for new or expansion areas. Consider using a Sign Biz design professional to assist with preparing the audit for larger expansion or renovation projects.

Once you have prepared a list of all the signs you need, the next steps are to develop an implementation strategy, sign program design, construction documents, budget and have the signs fabricated. The Graphics Standards section offers guidance for selecting colors, materials, typefaces and other important design considerations.

The Sign Types section describes the common sign groupings and is a good way to check your sign audit to make sure you have included all signs that are needed in a given area. The Sign Details section provides sample sign details, with materials, sizes, message layouts and uses. These details can be a starting point for your Basic sign design, or give you ideas on developing Basic Plus and Custom signs for new construction, historic or Class A buildings.

If you only need a few signs, or if you have determined your existing system works well and need only be expanded, you may consider developing and managing the design and implementation process yourself. For all other sign work, consider engaging the services of a signage design professional.