Signage: The Silent Ambassador of Building Design

Signage and branding often go unnoticed yet have a pivotal role in enhancing the effectiveness and personality of a building. Whether it’s a corporate office, a cozy café, or an educational campus, the way a building presents itself through signage and branding impacts its functionality, aesthetic appeal, and primarily the experience it offers to its occupants and visitors. When our graphic design team works together with the design team, the result is a blending of function and design goals that make the project better.

In our experience, large complexes like hospitals, universities, or office parks, navigating can be a challenge. This can be true even in simple one building designs. Strategic placement of signage ensures visitors and occupants easily find their way easily, reducing confusion and saving time. Signage can also play a crucial role in safety. Fire exit signs, emergency instructions, and accessibility features, when clearly marked, ensure compliance with safety regulations and aid in quick and orderly evacuations if needed, and they can be designed and placed in a way that is not obtrusive. Harmonious signage that effectively matches the building style enhances the overall effect. A sleek, modern font on a contemporary office building might underscore the intent of the building and draw appropriate tenants. A hand-painted sign on a quaint boutique will create the same effect, the right choice of signage can complement and amplify the architectural statement. Blending architectural and graphic design to create a signage theme can contribute significantly to the atmosphere of a building. Playful and colorful signs can make a school feel more welcoming to children, while elegant, understated signage can underscore the professional gravitas of a law firm. In retail or corporate settings, branding within the building can foster a deeper engagement with the brand. It's an immersive experience that can leave a lasting impression on customers and employees. In the above examples, East Fork Commons and the Forge were communicating very different messages. Working with the Architect and Interior Design team, the Graphic Design team was able to create signage that fit the strong mining community of Anaconda (Forge) and the clean, modern aesthetic with natural materials from East Fork Commons.