Process

Our clients can be assured that we will always perform with professionalism, uphold ethical codes of conduct, and follow a time-tested process for executing our work. However, we also recognize the need to be flexible in serving the evolving needs of our clients. We realize that clear and honest communication is absolutely vital to setting the tone for a successful project. For this reason, we initiate the planning process through collaborative dialogues with the client to articulate project goals and performance expectations.

We believe that programming and planning are the foundation of any successful project. These elements are the keys that initiate the translation of function into good design – design that communicates — which is exactly the role that environmental graphic design is expected to fulfill.

Our work process is divided into the following major phases:

1) Planning and Schematic Design
In this phase, we gather intelligence, conduct surveys, and review plans in order to understand existing conditions and patterns of traffic flow. We identify key decision points and locations of all signage. We prepare a programming sign type menu, a preliminary sign location plan, and confirm design criteria.

2) Design Development
At this point, we develop all design-related issues, including sign forms, sizes, materials, fabrication methods, colors, and application of graphic elements such as type-style, arrow design and icons. We work with the architect and other members of the design team as appropriate. These concepts are documented and issued as signage design intent drawings.

3) Contract Documentation
In this phase, the sign documents are refined and further developed to include the details necessary for successfully pricing, bidding, fabricating and installing the product to qualified sign vendors. Final contract documents frequently consist of a sign programming message schedule, sign location plans, and design intent drawings for primary site signs, exterior building signs, and interior wayfinding signage.

4) Bidding and Construction Observation
Once documents are issued for bid, we support the client by: • Responding to sign contractor inquiries • Clarifying documents during pricing and fabrication periods • Evaluating bids and quotes • Reviewing sign contractor shop drawings and samples • Attending pre-installation and post-installation job walks • Preparing punch list of corrections, exceptions and additions