While architectural signs are an excellent way for businesses to enhance their space and customer experience, many people still don’t understand what architectural signage is and how it differs from commercial signage.
In this blog, we compare architectural signage vs. commercial signage, dive into the benefits of architectural signage, guide you on how to design and develop the best architectural signage for your business, and more.
Keep reading to become an architectural signage expert!
Architectural signage and commercial signage are common terms in the business signage industry. Making the distinction between the two will help you better understand what architectural signage is and how it can help your business and brand.
If you’ve ever driven down a busy road with strip malls, fast-food restaurants, and storefronts on both sides of the street, then you are familiar with commercial signage. Commercial signage is crafted to stand out visually and capture the customer's attention for promotional and advertising purposes.
Think of the free-standing pylon signs that line the street and draw people into the store's parking lot, for example, the famous signage associated with Walmart or McDonald's or the projecting sign associated with Starbucks. Other commercial signs include vinyl banners, awnings, monument signs and channel letter signage.
The following are all ways you can define a commercial sign:
Overall, commercial signs promote a brand’s identity. They are removable and transportable and typically don’t serve as an integral or permanent part of the building’s structure or design.
On the other hand, architectural signage is designed to integrate into a building’s architecture and design. Every architectural sign should be easily identified as part of the building and/or company that runs it.
The key functions of architectural signage are to create a visual experience, convey information, guide individuals, and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal and customer experience. Architectural signage should complement the architectural elements of a building. Below are great real-world examples.
While Lemberg didn’t design these specific examples, our expert team can help you create something similar! Have an architectural sign idea in mind? Contact us today!
Below are key features of an architectural sign:
While commercial signs primarily focus on promoting a brand, architectural signs are designed to complement the overall aesthetic and structure of a building, serving as integral elements of its design.
Now that you have a better understanding of the difference between architectural signage and commercial signs, let’s talk about the types of architectural signs.
Architectural signage can be primary or secondary signs, as long as it’s cohesively integrated with the overall design aesthetic of the building rather than being attached to it. Below are different types of architectural signage, all of which Lemberg had a hand in the design and installation process.
Wayfinding and directional sign systems guide individuals through a space. There's nothing worse than walking into a building and being left to yourself to find out where to go. Whether navigating a school, shopping mall, or office building, well-designed wayfinding and directional signs provide clear directions, maps, and information to help visitors easily reach their destinations and other key areas within your building (bathrooms, exits, etc.).
Entrance signs are the welcoming face of a building or space. These signs mark the entry points and contribute to the overall first impression. Whether a sleek, modern entrance or a more traditional design, entrance signs set the tone for the visitor's experience.
Plaques and recognition signs commemorate achievements, milestones, or historical significance. Whether it's an award, donor recognition, or a historical marker, these signs add a layer of prestige and contribute to the storytelling aspect of a space.
ADA-compliant signs adhere to the guidelines set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide information in a way that is accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. This includes Braille, tactile elements, and proper color contrast.
Learn everything you need to know about ADA compliance signs here!
Like commercial signage, exterior architectural signs can also be brand-identifying. However, an architectural branding sign is a highly customized sign that incorporates the building as part of the design or compliments the landscape and architectural design of the facility while incorporating the client’s brand identity. Often, these types of architectural signs make a statement that may surpass the brand and messaging and take the viewer to an emotional place related to the architecture.
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The following are all benefits of architectural signage:
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Architectural signs are typically made from materials that match those used in the construction of the building. They are intended to be a lasting fixture of the building, so it’s essential they are made with durable materials that will last. When an architectural sign is installed, there should be limited (if any) exposed fasteners or seams.
In the case of outdoor architectural signage, it should be designed and manufactured to withstand different weather conditions. You should choose materials that resist color fading and erosion and won’t reflect the sun (which may create a glare and make the sign unreadable).
Wondering how much you should budget for your business signage? This blog can help!
Designing and installing the best architectural signage for your business requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. To get the most out of your investment, you want to ensure you get it right and consider all the important factors. For example, you should understand the sign's function and where the signage will be located on-site. You will also need to determine the size of the signage and the preferred materials.
Hiring a skilled sign architect or an experienced sign company can help you answer all these questions and translate your vision into a well-executed design that considers factors such as visibility, readability, and aesthetic appeal.
By investing in the expertise of a qualified sign firm or company, you can ensure the creation and installation of architectural signage that not only enhances your business's physical presence but also leaves a lasting and positive impression on your target audience.
Learn more about the art and science of sign design.
Lemberg has been creating and installing high-performing, long-lasting architectural signage for Milwaukee-area businesses since 1992. Whether your commercial building is in need of primary or secondary custom signage, our signs services team is here to provide the expert guidance needed to create and install the best architectural sign for your business and brand.
Our award-winning sign design team thrives on the creative process and is always excited to tackle the design and installation challenges each project brings. We are happy to hear your vision, no matter how big or small, and help you make that vision a reality.
Have questions? Want to learn more or see how we design, manufacture, and install architectural signage? Contact us.
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