It’s back-to-school time of year! As students find their way back to school, we thought we’d showcase examples of how signage plays an important role with educational institutions. From guiding lost students to conveying crucial information, promoting safety, and even elevating the aesthetic appeal, school signage is a powerful tool that can transform the campus experience. We’re had the pleasure of collaborating with various local schools – spanning elementary to college level – to enhance their campuses through strategic and innovative signage solutions.
Signage at schools serves multiple purposes, including providing directions, conveying important information, promoting safety, and enhancing the overall environment. Here are some examples of signage that may be needed at schools:
Directional / Wayfinding Signage:
Directional arrows and markers for guiding visitors and students
Campus entry points and gates
Classroom numbers and locations
Restroom locations
Exit signs and emergency evacuation routes
Main office and administrative areas
Cafeteria, gymnasium, and auditorium locations
Foothill High School in Pleasanton, CA
Post and panel sign at the driveway entrance guides visitors and students onto campus. Multiple maps were installed throughout campus to help provide information about building locations.
Safety Signage:
No smoking or vaping signs
Fire extinguisher locations and instructions
Emergency contact information and procedures
First aid kit locations
AED (Automated External Defibrillator) locations
Informational Signage:
School map and layout
Daily announcements and schedule changes
Event schedules and locations (sports games, performances, meetings)
School policies (dress code, cell phone usage, etc.)
Bulletin boards for clubs, organizations, and student achievements
Campolindo High School in Moraga, CA
From informational maps to flagpole banners and a football scoreboard, nearly all the signs on this campus in Orinda feature the bold Campo “C”!
Contra Costa Christian Schools in Walnut Creek, CA
Motivational signs line the hallways adjacent to the vinyl window coverings at this elementary school in Walnut Creek.
These monument signs make a statement for visitors, faculty and students throughout the campus at The Seven Hills School. A custom donor board showcases and honors significant contributors to the school’s rich history.
Carondelet High School in Concord, CA
These athletic signs are just a few of the many signs we’ve provided to Carondelet over the years. The athletic recognition boards displayed in the gym promote the Cougar pride with title championships, while the scoreboard recognizes important sponsors.
Orinda Intermediate School in Orinda, CA
The OIS Bulldog’s signage demonstrates pride when students enter the school. The varying shades of blue standout against the exterior buildings making these sign pop!
Security Signage:
Security camera notification signs
Visitor check-in procedures
No-trespassing or restricted access signs
Health and Hygiene Signage:
Handwashing reminders
Health guidelines during flu season or other health concerns
COVID-19 safety protocols and guidelines (if relevant)
Rules and Regulations Signage:
No littering, loitering, or skateboarding signs
Speed limits for vehicles on campus
Noise regulations in quiet areas
When designing and implementing signage, it’s important to consider the school’s unique needs and priorities, as well as any relevant local regulations. Regular maintenance and updates to signage ensure that they remain effective and accurate over time.
Does your school need a signage plan upgrade? We’re here to help and share our experience in working to many local schools. Contact us to see how signage can improve your school campus.
Environmental graphics are a design discipline that uses visual elements to enhance the overall experience of an interior or exterior space. These elements include signs, wayfinding systems, murals, and other graphics that are integrated into the architecture of a building or public space. The goal of environmental graphics is to create a cohesive and memorable experience for users, while also helping to communicate information and guide navigation.
What are some examples of environmental graphics?
Wayfinding systems: Signs or maps that help visitors navigate a facility, such as in a business park, apartment complex, mall, or hospital.
Murals and graphics on walls, windows or doors: Large-scale graphics that can be used to communicate a brand identity, create a sense of place, tell a story or add visual interest to a space.
Floor graphics: Graphics applied to floors, such as in a mall or a showroom, to guide visitors or to showcase a product.
Ceiling graphics: Graphics applied to ceilings, such as in a museum or a retail store, to add visual interest or to create a sense of immersion.
Dimensional letters and logos: Three-dimensional letters and logos, such as those in a lobby or building entrance. These can also be found on interior walls of a restaurant or exterior of buildings in a multifamily housing development.
What are the benefits to using environmental graphics?
There are several benefits to a businesses for using environmental graphics:
Branding: Environmental graphics can be used to reinforce a company’s brand identity and values, creating a strong and consistent visual presence.
Wayfinding: Environmental graphics can help visitors navigate a facility, making it easier for them to find their way around and reducing the potential for confusion or frustration.
Marketing: Environmental graphics can be used to promote products, services or events, providing an additional platform for marketing and advertising.
Experience: Environmental graphics can help to create a sense of place, enhance the overall aesthetic of a space and make the experience of being there more enjoyable for visitors.
Increased foot traffic: Environmental graphics can be used to highlight key areas or features of a facility and increase foot traffic, which can result in increased sales or usage of these areas.
Cost-effective: Environmental graphics are often more cost-effective than traditional forms of advertising, as they can be integrated into existing spaces and can last for many years with proper maintenance.
Environmental graphics at Element Analytics in Oakland
Our client, Element Analytics, leveraged environmental graphics throughout their facility in Oakland for wayfinding, branding and privacy. The exterior dimensional letter sign matched the conference room sign for a consistent brand presence.
The use of floor graphics defined the entryway to the lab; while room identification signs provided information as well as reinforced the branding.
Etched window graphics provided privacy for conference room doors and exterior facing windows. Wayfinding and branding were extended in the parking lot for the benefit of employees and visitors.
A sign package is an important aspect of the design and functionality of a multifamily development. It helps create a cohesive and welcoming environment for residents and visitors while also promoting safety and compliance with regulations. A professionally designed sign package takes this even further by enhancing the visual appeal of the property to create a sense of community among residents and increase the ROI for the owners.
Multifamily Developments Need a Sign Package
In addition to creating cohesiveness throughout the property, there are several reasons why multifamily developments need a thoughtful sign package.
Wayfinding: A sign package helps residents and visitors navigate through the development. This can include signs for building names, unit numbers, parking areas, and amenities.
Branding: A sign package helps establish the identity of the development and can help promote its brand. This can include signs with the development’s logo or color scheme.
Safety: A sign package can also include important safety information, such as emergency exit signs, fire extinguisher locations, and other important information that can help keep residents safe.
Compliance: There are specific signage requirements for multifamily developments, such as ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance. A sign package can help ensure that the development meets these requirements.
Starting Point for a Sign Package
Our design teams create a sign package by developing a mood board to help you visualize the sign elements in the space. For new developments, we will incorporate the architectural renderings into the design. For remodels or updated properties, we can use existing photography to show the new sign designs placed in actual locations. Then, we develop multiple concepts using best practices while also incorporating the vision of the developer. Below are examples of exterior blade sign concepts.
Tips for Creating an Effective Sign Package
Effective sign package design should incorporate a variety of elements, such as color, typography, and imagery. It should also be consistent with a project branding and reflect its unique identity. A well-designed sign package will be consistent, easy to read and understand, and be visually appealing.
Keep it Simple
The most effective sign packages are those that are simple and easy to read. Too much information or cluttered design can be overwhelming for the viewer. A concise message, simple typography, and minimal design elements are essential for a successful sign package.
Contrast is Critical
Good contrast is essential for readability. Choose colors that contrast with each other to make the text and graphics stand out. High contrast between the text and background will make it easier for customers to read and understand the message. Furthermore, these are specific regulations related to contrast to make the signage code compliant.
Size Matters
The size of the sign package should be appropriate for the location and the intended audience. The larger the sign, the easier it is to read, but it should not be so large that it overwhelms the surrounding environment. A sign that is too small will be difficult to read and may not attract the attention of passersby.
Use Appropriate Typography
The typography used in the sign package should be legible and easy to read. Choose a font that is appropriate for the message and the intended audience. Avoid using fonts that are overly decorative or difficult to read.
Consistency is Key
Consistency is essential in creating a successful sign package. All signs should be consistent with a business’s branding and reflect its unique identity. This includes using the same colors, typography, and imagery across all signs.
Our design services help multifamily developers bring their property to life, attract tenants, promote the brand, and create a great user experience with signage. How can we help you create a unique sign package for your multifamily project? Contact us to schedule a consultation.
Neon signs and channel letters are both popular options for outdoor signage, but they are vastly different in terms of their design, maintenance, and cost. Let’s take a look:
What are Neon Signs?
Neon signs are made from glass tubes filled with neon gas or other gasses such as argon or krypton. These tubes are bent into various shapes and sizes to create the desired image or lettering. The tubes are then lit by a high-voltage electrical current, which causes the gas inside to glow, creating a bright and eye-catching display. Neon signs are often associated with vintage and retro aesthetics and are commonly used in bars, nightclubs and diners.
What are Channel Letter Signs?
Channel letter signs are made from metal and are typically illuminated by LED lights. The letters or images are formed by cutting the metal into shape and then attaching it to a backing, which is typically made of aluminum or plastic. The LED lights are then placed inside the letters or images, illuminating them from the inside. Channel letter signs are often used for modern and sleek designs, and are commonly used for business and commercial signs.
Old vs. New
Like a blast from the past, neon signs evoke emotion and feelings of nostalgia. Neon creates a dazzling and radiant display that is sure to catch the eye and calls up memories of diners, bars and night-clubs.
Ironically, there was a time when channel letter signs were lit with neon lights inside of them. But those days are gone! Today’s modern channel letter signs are illuminated with LED lights, giving them a clean and professional appearance. Typically made of metal, acrylic or aluminum, channel letters create a sleek and polished look and have become the industry standard for business and commercial signs.
When it comes to maintenance, neon signs can be like a delicate flower, they need regular check-ups and if a tube breaks, the entire sign will need to be repaired or replaced. Channel letters, on the other hand, are known to be sturdy and dependable, having a longer lifespan and requiring less maintenance.
Potential Issues with Neon Signs
In terms of cost, neon signs are generally more expensive to produce than channel letters. The cost of the materials, as well as the specialized labor required to bend and shape the glass tubes, can make neon signs more costly. In addition to production costs, neon signs present other potential issues you should be aware of:
Maintenance: Neon signs require regular maintenance to ensure they continue to function properly. The glass tubes need to be checked for leaks, and if a tube breaks, the entire sign will need to be repaired or replaced. This can be costly and time-consuming.
Power consumption: Neon signs consume a significant amount of electricity, which can lead to higher energy bills.
Environmental impact: The production and disposal of neon signs can have a negative impact on the environment. The gasses used to create neon signs are not environmentally friendly, and disposing of broken neon signs can be difficult and costly.
Cost: Neon signs are generally more expensive to produce than other types of signs, such as LED or channel letters. This can make them cost-prohibitive for some businesses.
Safety: Neon signs are fragile and can be broken easily. They are also dangerous if they are left on and have a broken tube.
Heat: Neon signs can get quite hot and this could be a problem if they are close to flammable materials.
Neon signs and channel letters both have their own unique characteristics. In the end, we recommend using channel letter signs for business and commercial purposes. Channel letters offer flexibility, ease of maintenance and a plethora of creative design options. Let us know how we can help you create the ideal sign package for your business. Contact us today!
There is a certain convenience that comes with working with an in-house production facility for commercial, retail and multi-family signage. Rather than having to coordinate various outsourced companies and try to confirm the details of your order, you can have everything taken care of efficiently and properly. If you’re located in the Bay Area and are in need of a trusted and reputable sign manufacturer, Sequoia Signs offers many advantages with its in-house manufacturing facility.
Priority Services Each client should feel as though their needs are a priority to the production facility. When you’re working with an in-house company, you often feel like you’re their only client and that’s how it should be. If you’re in need of something last minute or you have a big project that needs a lot of detail, you’ll get what you need in an efficient manner. Simpler and timely projects can often be completed within a couple of days for a superior turnaround time.
Personalization Large, outsourced companies often duplicate a lot of their content. What you end up receiving from them isn’t necessarily what’s best for your brand or needs. An in-house sign manufacturer can help you stand out from the competition. You’ll also be taken care of with the professional knowledge of what other people in the Bay Area are using, as well as whether or not it’s effective.
Selection You receive a large selection of material types when you’re working with a company that produces signs in-hose. Sequoia Signs has multiple types of samples and material types that help you get the desired effect with your signs. Selection ranges from premier, limited stock materials to value engineered options.
Customization An in-house production facility allows for custom designs that tailor to the needs of a client. Whether you need something that’s a little out of the norm or something needs to be changed last minute, your needs can be accommodated. From start to finish, you’re working with design specialists that will make sure you’re receiving products that will turn heads and gain attention.
Samples If you’re not sure what you want, looking at different samples and discussing your project with an experienced professional in-person is something you’ll benefit from. Being able to see the different materials that you have access to is something that can often guide your vision in a specific direction. Your dream can then be made a reality. From multi-family signs to a one-off design, attention to detail is a priority.
Most clients welcome hands-on control over the details of their sign project. Thanks to our in-house production facility in the East Bay, we’ll make sure that you receive a streamlined approach to all of your sign needs. Contact us today for more information.
Multi-family housing projects are complex environments. Creating the sign package for multi-family projects is no exception. There can be hundreds of elements and details that need to be organized, reviewed, communicated, produced and checked by multiple people. This can be a daunting process; but it doesn’t have to be.
State-of-the-art Technology for Multi-Family Signage
Sequoia Signs utilizes sophisticated, state-of-the-art digital technology to streamline, simplify and improve the signage process for multi-family developers. Our easy-to-use digital interface enables all parties to review and approve schedules and artwork. We provide our clients with a link to the platform that allows users to review conveniently on their time. Our software even allows for multiple users with individual user permissions so that specific people can be designated viewers, commenters and approvers.
We use a digital signage platform because it helps eliminate many of the pain points experienced by developers, contractors and owners. The pain was real – sharing large files and documents, many details to cross reference, review and approve. All of the elements were disconnected.
Time is Money in the Signage Review Process
The old method of using a paper review process or PDF files is extremely time consuming. Multiple files and formats need to be cross referenced to ensure accuracy. If edits or revisions are needed, the turn-around time can cause lengthy delays. Signage is typically the final step in securing a certificate of occupancy, so a speedy timeline is critical.
With our digital review and production platform, all of your files and communications are in one safe place that can be accessed from anywhere at any time. If there are last minute changes, we can quickly and easily make corrections. When changes are made, everyone who needs to be notified in already in the loop! And a bonus – our in-house production team can quickly make modifications, saving you time and money.
Perhaps one of the most time saving features for multi-family developers is our ability to digitally map each sign in its location and display the artwork. One click can expand the location showing the exact art file. The user can add comments or approve within the software – giving us feedback in real time.
Benefits of Using Digital Sign Technology
All documentation is in one place
Sign locations are mapped with art files
Easy to use interface
Available 24/7
Review, comment or approve plans instantly
Multiple levels of permissions for hierarchal approval
Reduces frustration of using printed maps or PDF files
Saves time and money!
Get in touch with us for a demonstration of our technology and see the positive impact it can have on your business.
Sequoia Signs & Graphics is an architectural sign company that provides comprehensive signage solutions for multifamily housing developments, business parks, and campuses. Our innovative approach combines project branding with wayfinding to create differentiated and unique sign packages. As a full-service sign manufacturer, we manage projects from concept to installation throughout Northern California.
