What is the signage design journey?

The signage design journey balances creative vision with technical precision. It typically follows four phases: Concept Phase (conceptual sketches), Artwork Refinement (vector art), Technical Drawing (scaled production drawings), and Approval (final client sign-off).

What are free conceptual sketches?

We provide complimentary conceptual sketches to help clients explore layout, typography, color schemes, and overall aesthetics. These are for visualization only and are not to scale, so they cannot be used for permits or fabrication.

What are production-ready drawings?

Production-ready drawings are precise, scaled documents that include engineering-grade layouts, code compliance details, and installation specifications. They ensure fabrication and installation match the approved design and meet all regulatory requirements.

What CAD drawing services do you provide?

Our CAD services convert architectural files or sketches into permit-ready drawings. They support permit submittals, fabrication preparation, and compliance with building codes and landlord requirements.

Why is vector artwork required for signage?

Vector artwork ensures crisp, scalable graphics that retain quality at any size. It enables accurate cut paths, color matching, and proper integration with lighting. Accepted formats include AI, EPS, and layered PDF.

What happens in the final approval process?

Before fabrication, we deliver detailed production drawings for client review. Feedback and revisions are addressed before final sign-off, ensuring alignment on specifications, materials, and appearance before production begins.

How do you transition from design to reality?

After approval, we move to material procurement, custom fabrication, quality control, and professional installation. This ensures your signage matches approved designs while meeting technical and regulatory standards.

Why does wayfinding matter?

Wayfinding signage reduces confusion, enhances brand image, improves flow and safety, and builds customer trust. Clear directional cues ensure visitors navigate confidently and enjoy a positive experience.

What types of wayfinding signage exist?

Wayfinding signage includes exterior directional signs, interior identifiers, confirmation signs, and regulatory signage. Together, they answer the questions: 'Where am I, and where do I go next?'

What are the principles of good wayfinding design?

Good wayfinding design is based on consistency, clarity, hierarchy, and legibility. Unified fonts, colors, and icons create cohesion, while short, clear messages and ADA-compliant legibility ensure accessibility.

How should small businesses approach wayfinding?

Small businesses should ensure signage guides visitors from the street or parking lot to the entrance, label restrooms and checkout clearly, use cohesive fonts and arrows, and plan flow to minimize confusion. Strong wayfinding builds customer confidence from day one.

How can architects and facility planners implement wayfinding?

Architects and facility planners should map zones, separate traffic types, ensure ADA and fire code compliance, and plan for maintenance and expansion. Strategic planning ensures a comprehensive wayfinding system that enhances user experience in larger spaces.

Can wayfinding be designed before a building is complete?

Yes. Reviewing plans, overlaying signage concepts, advising on specifications, and preparing packages for approvals allow signage to be integrated seamlessly into architectural projects, even before construction is complete.

What is the wayfinding process?

The wayfinding process includes site surveys or plan review, flow mapping, layout and messaging, approval drawings, and final fabrication and installation. This ensures signage is accurate, compliant, and user-friendly.

What services does Plumb Signs offer beyond electric signage?

Plumb Signs provides wall murals, environmental branding, interior wayfinding and ADA signage, custom contour-cut prints, and direct-to-substrate displays. These services extend your brand presence across all interior spaces.

What are the benefits of wall graphics and murals?

Wall graphics and murals transform blank walls into immersive brand experiences. Options include seamless vinyl wraps, textured media for difficult surfaces, and custom-cut installations. They are ideal for lobbies, gyms, banks, schools, and medical offices.

What types of interior signage and ADA solutions are available?

Plumb Signs produces reception and lobby signs, directional systems, room identification, and ADA-compliant tactile signage. Premium finishes include acrylic, brushed metal, layered vinyl, and custom textures, with full installation support available.

What custom printing capabilities does Plumb Signs have?

Plumb Signs offers direct-to-panel printing on acrylic, PVC, aluminum, and wood; contour cut graphics for decals and labels; and versatile applications like window, floor, and wall vinyl. With dual flatbed and digital printers, we can produce one-offs and short-run projects quickly.

Why is in-house production important for interior branding?

In-house production ensures consistent quality, faster turnaround, and better coordination. By keeping design, printing, and fabrication under one roof, Plumb Signs delivers cohesive brand experiences while reducing coordination challenges.

How can Plumb Signs help transform my space?

Plumb Signs can provide a full consultation, from murals and vinyl wraps to ADA signage and custom prints. Our team manages design, production, and installation, delivering cohesive brand environments that extend beyond your building’s exterior.

What is a technical site survey?

A technical site survey is an on-site evaluation and measurement conducted before design finalization or permitting begins. It includes inspections of mounting surfaces, measurements, electrical access identification, and photos for design and code review.

When is a technical site survey needed?

A survey is needed when site conditions are unknown, when compliance with landlord, city, or franchise requirements must be ensured, when electrical or mounting details are unclear, or when signage must align precisely with storefronts or elevations.

What is included in a technical site survey?

Plumb Signs surveys include a photo-annotated report, mounting area dimensions, detailed surface notes, exact wall measurements for to-scale drawings, and identification of electrical access and installation zones.

How does a survey ensure drawings are to-scale?

Survey measurements ensure production drawings match real-world dimensions. Clients approve signage with accurate context for placement and clearances, and installers receive precise, reliable plans.

What are the permitting and safety benefits of a survey?

Surveys help identify code or landlord restrictions early, ensure safe installations with proper mounting approaches, and provide a foundation for engineering drawings. This reduces delays, risks, and costly change orders.

Why is a professional survey important for signage projects?

A professional survey eliminates guesswork and sets signage projects up for success. It provides expert measurements, accurate documentation, streamlined approvals, and safe, precise installation.

Why does installation planning matter for signage projects?

Even well-designed and fabricated signs can face problems without proper planning. Thorough installation planning ensures code compliance, clear stakeholder communication, and anticipation of site challenges. This minimizes delays, reduces costs, and ensures client satisfaction.

What should be checked before installing ground signs?

Before installing ground signs, verify property lines and easements, ensure placement does not obstruct sight triangles at intersections, and always call utility locating services to avoid hitting underground gas, water, or electrical lines.

What electrical considerations are important for wall sign installations?

Wall sign installations require planning for electrical access and service clearances. Installers should verify wall materials for proper anchoring, identify power source locations, confirm voltage requirements, and ensure that circuits and access meet code compliance.

How should installation scheduling be managed?

Sign installations should be scheduled during low-traffic times, such as early mornings or weekends, to minimize disruption. Coordination with tenants and property managers should occur 24–48 hours prior, and equipment access and weather considerations must be factored in.

What role does a professional sign partner play in installations?

A professional sign partner like Plumb Signs manages pre-installation surveys, code reviews, equipment and traffic coordination, and contractor oversight. This ensures smoother installations, safety compliance, and fewer unexpected challenges.

How can Plumb Signs help with my next sign installation?

Plumb Signs provides full installation planning, including site assessments, code compliance checks, and scheduling logistics. Our team ensures your installation is safe, efficient, and compliant—saving you time, money, and stress.

ADA signage refers to signs designed in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These signs use tactile lettering, braille, high contrast, and non-glare finishes to ensure accessibility for people with visual or physical impairments.

Why is ADA signage important?

ADA signage is required by law for spaces open to the public. It ensures equal access for all individuals, improves navigation, and reduces liability while promoting inclusivity and professionalism in your environment.

Where is ADA signage required?

ADA signage is required in restrooms, exits and egress routes, permanent rooms and offices, elevators, and stairwells. Any public or commercial building typically needs multiple ADA-compliant signs throughout the facility.

What makes a sign ADA compliant?

To be ADA compliant, signs must include raised tactile characters, Grade 2 braille, high color contrast, and a non-glare finish. They must also be mounted between 48 and 60 inches from the floor on the latch side of doors for accessibility.

Can ADA signage be customized to match my brand?

Yes. ADA signage can be both compliant and visually appealing. Premium materials like acrylic, wood, or metal allow for customization with your brand’s fonts, colors, and logo while still meeting all federal and state accessibility standards.

What common mistakes cause ADA compliance issues?

Common compliance mistakes include missing braille elements, incorrect mounting height, poor contrast, and using glossy materials that cause glare. These errors can lead to violations or reduced readability for visually impaired individuals.

Does Plumb Signs provide ADA signage design and installation?

Yes. Plumb Signs offers full ADA signage solutions including planning, code review, custom design, fabrication, and professional installation at the correct height and location. Our process ensures compliance and cohesive visual design.

What is a sign code and why is it important?

A sign code is a set of regulations that control the size, location, design, and illumination of signage. Understanding these rules early ensures your sign meets all requirements, avoids permit delays, and prevents costly redesigns or removals.

Who enforces sign code regulations?

Sign codes are typically enforced by city or county planning departments, landlords or property managers, the Department of Transportation for highway-visible signs, and local building inspectors or fire marshals for illuminated signs.

What are common restrictions in sign codes?

Common restrictions include limits on sign size, height, number of signs, materials, and illumination types. Many areas also regulate color palettes and finishes to maintain consistent aesthetics within business districts or shopping centers.

What is a variance and when do I need one?

A variance is a formal request for an exception to a sign code rule, such as exceeding height or size limits. It requires documentation, a justification for the request, and official approval from the city or county planning authority.

How does sign code affect leased or tenant spaces?

Leased spaces often have additional property-specific sign guidelines established by landlords. These rules may restrict materials, lighting, or mounting types. Always verify both municipal and landlord requirements before finalizing your design.

When should I start reviewing sign code requirements?

Sign code requirements should be reviewed before design, before seeking landlord approval, and before fabrication or installation. Early planning helps prevent delays and ensures a smooth permitting and installation process.

How can Plumb Signs help with sign code compliance?

Plumb Signs provides AI-assisted code research, formal compliance reports, and hands-on permit support. Our team ensures your signage meets city, state, and property guidelines — helping you achieve fast approvals and successful installations.

Why does material selection matter in signage?

Material selection affects the look, durability, and cost of your signage. Choosing the right materials ensures your sign reflects your brand identity, withstands environmental conditions, meets your budget, and maintains long-term quality.

What are the most common exterior signage materials?

Common exterior materials include aluminum, acrylic, PVC (Sintra), ACM panels, stainless steel, and HDU. Each offers different levels of durability, appearance, and cost-effectiveness for outdoor conditions.

What materials are used for interior signage?

Interior signage often uses brushed metal laminates, painted acrylic, and layered combinations of materials to achieve professional finishes and brand-specific aesthetics suited for lobbies and offices.

How do materials influence signage budgets?

Material selection is one of the biggest cost drivers in signage. Balancing appearance, lifespan, and production efficiency allows you to control costs while achieving the desired visual impact.

What’s the difference between illuminated and non-illuminated signs?

Illuminated signs include channel letters, halo-lit, and lightbox designs that provide visibility day and night, while non-illuminated signs are simpler and more affordable, suited for daylight-only locations or interior spaces.

Campus Wayfinding Signage at Clover Park Technical College

May 10

Written By Big Cat Creative

Project Spotlight

Published: September 28, 2021

Campus Map Wayfinding Sign at Clover Park Technical College

One of 16 directional signs installed across campus featuring updated wayfinding maps.

When navigating a college campus—especially as a first-time student or faculty member—clear signage can make all the difference. Clover Park Technical College (CPTC), a leading community college in Lakewood, WA, recognized the need for a more intuitive campus navigation system. That’s where Plumb Signs stepped in.

With a decades-long partnership, Plumb Signs returned to CPTC to lead a comprehensive wayfinding upgrade across their Lakewood campus. The project aimed to improve visibility, create a consistent signage experience, and meet a tight funding deadline—without sacrificing design or quality.

Key Achievements

From fabricating a new monument sign to deploying campus-wide directional signage, the scope of this project balanced design, logistics, and collaboration. Despite permitting delays, the entire project was completed on schedule thanks to experienced coordination and long-standing client familiarity.

CPTC Monument Sign Installed by Plumb Signs

The new entry monument sign makes a bold first impression for campus visitors.

Phase 1

Produced and installed one new monument entry sign at the main entrance.
Planned layout and installation for 16 directional and map-based signs across campus.
Worked under a tight funding timeline with a phased permit and installation strategy.

Phase 2

Overcame permitting delays through direct coordination with city officials.
Executed fabrication of all signage elements, including steel-based structures.
Completed final monument installation just ahead of the project deadline.

Each directional sign includes clear maps to guide students, staff, and visitors efficiently.

Technical Expertise

Plumb Signs brought both historical knowledge and deep fabrication expertise to this project. Having worked on CPTC’s original signage in 2003, we were able to access archived design files and deploy experienced staff who knew the campus well.

Steel-fabricated structures for durability and permanence
Permitting collaboration with city of Lakewood
Full-service project execution from design to install
Legacy files and repeat personnel streamlined planning

Partners

Strong partnerships were key to the successful completion of this project. We worked closely with CPTC staff and Forma Construction to ensure design alignment and smooth delivery under pressure.

Clover Park Technical College
Forma Construction

Collaboration across departments and contractors brought this map system to life.

Conclusion

From legacy knowledge to fast-track permitting, this project exemplifies how thoughtful planning, great partnerships, and signage expertise come together. Clover Park Technical College now benefits from modern, unified campus signage that enhances wayfinding and campus experience alike.