There are five main features to look for when you’re choosing a signage company, including design skills and installation capabilities. To make your search for a signage company easier, it will also help to do some prep work. You do not need to be an expert in signage but follow these tips to make your search more efficient and easier.
Before You Start Your Search
- Understand the scale and scope of the project
- Research a bit about signage
- Get ideas and inspiration
- Find out what regulations you may have to deal with
Make sure you understand the scope of the project. For example, do you need new signage throughout a large university campus, as part of a re-brand? Or a new shop sign for the frontage of a small high street shop. Take note of whether your project needs internal, external or both and consider what the climate is like as that may dictate what material your external signs will be made of.
The signage companies you speak to should always explain their meaning and not confuse you with technical terms. However, it can be useful to get to know some of the basic terms you come across as you do your research.
Look at a variety of architectural signage for ideas and inspiration. You won’t be designing the signs yourself, but you may have some opinions on what you like or dislike. Your brand may also have some strict guidelines on what is acceptable.
It may help to find out if there are any restrictions or building regulations that you will need to navigate during the process. Knowing about these in advance will help set expectations and avoid nasty surprises. This will also help you narrow down where you want to place your signs if there are several options.
Doing this bit of research in advance will help you understand your options before you contact any signage companies.
Signage Skills and Expertise
As with any architectural or construction project, one of the first things to consider is the level of expertise and experience a company has. Avoid narrowing your choices down based on the age of the company, and instead look at their case studies and ask for references.
Aim for a company that can prove an excellent track record of designing, producing and installing high-quality architectural signage. You can also do research on the architects themselves to see what work they’ve created throughout their career. Look for evidence that signage company has completed signage projects similar to the one you are planning. You can look for their understanding of materials, technologies and design styles through their website, and by getting in touch with them.
Signage Design and Creativity
What sets architectural signage apart from pre-made signs is the level of creativity and artistry that goes into it. Bespoke signage is not just about getting information across but also about creating something that is visually appealing. Architectural signage designers create work that complements the architecture of the space and communicates the brand message effectively.
When looking for a signage company, pay attention to the creative capabilities of their designers. This is where seeing a portfolio of their work is even more helpful as it will showcase their creativity, attention to detail and abilities to create aesthetically pleasing signage.
Signage Manufacturing Capabilities
The manufacturing process of signage is an important factor to consider. Certain materials work better in different conditions and the longer your signs last whilst still looking good, the better the value for money they are. Well-made signage will be more durable and of a higher quality so when comparing companies, evaluate their manufacturing capabilities. Choose a company that uses high-quality materials and state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies.
Companies involved in construction can become members of Constructionline, a standards organisation that delivers a smoother procurement process. Being members of Constructionline at the Gold level, means xsign have gone above and beyond PAS 91 requirements, gained SSIP accreditation and met the Common Assessment Standard. This is important as it demonstrates we are subject to increased risk management and scrutiny.
Installation Of Signage
Installing signage requires specialised skills and equipment to ensure the installation is completed to a high standard. The installers must consider protecting the new sign, as well as the surfaces it is mounted to, and the people and buildings that would be impacted if something goes wrong. Experienced installers will ensure the signage has been installed safely and in compliance with any regulations.
Not all signage companies will complete the installations themselves, especially if the project isn’t local. That doesn’t have to be a problem though, as long as they are upfront about you organising that separately, or they use a certified and reputable contractor to install on their behalf.
Sustainability and Signage
Sustainability and environmental protection is something that has become increasingly important to consumers in recent years. Although it’s not something everyone will consider, some businesses take the sustainability of their suppliers very seriously. If this is the case, when looking for signage companies, choose ones who belongs to certain organisations or holds some sustainability certification. Here at xsign, we are a member of the International Standards Organisation who set standards for members, including environmental standards.
What to look for in a signage company is their:
- Skills and expertise
- Design and creativity
- Manufacturing capabilities
- Installation competences
- Sustainability practices
It is also helpful for you to understand the scope and scale of your project, if any regulations will affect it, and to keep an eye out for inspiration. Contact our team at xsign for a chat about your next signage project.
