In February we talked about a new model for executing architectural sign programs on projects where the specification process is controlled by the architect, rather than an EGD firm.
Defining this model has proven to be a little more complicated than I thought it would be, but we will have some interesting data to share with you soon. The design-build process, an improved CSI specification format for signage, clearer documentation standards for architect-specified signage, more proactive engagement with architects earlier in the project cycle. . . all of these ideas are relevant, and all of them are percolating.
The driving force at Identia is our anticipation of the future. The economy will continue to be constrained, and growth will be modest as companies and individuals work through the difficult process of debt elimination. Obsolete and inefficient models must give way to innovative new approaches, and we believe this will be as true in the architectural signage industry as it is in other parts of the economy.
- Travis Veigas
More Thoughts about Signage and the Design-Build Process
We have spent considerable time over the last several months investigating how architectural sign programs are designed and implemented, and it has become increasingly clear that the Design-Build model has a significant role to play in this process. That part of the big picture is in pretty sharp focus, but it’s so easy to get caught up in the nitty-gritty details, you can lose track of exactly why this is a good thing for architectural sign companies. Here are the 3 most important reasons we think you ought to be excited about Design-Build, and why it should be in the mix as you plan for the future.
Conversion rates. I'm not talking about dollars to euros here. I am talking about the number of proposals that are converted into real revenue generating projects. For our small firm in the Boston area, we have converted more than 70% of the Design-Build proposals we submitted over the last 2 years into actual jobs. This compares with a success rate of less than 20% on traditional "Design-Bid-Build" projects that we have pursued. It is true that writing a successful proposal is time-consuming, but the return is nothing short of remarkable. I will go out on a limb here and predict that this model will be adopted by more and more architectural signage companies, and I would not be at all surprised to see EGD firms sticking their toes into the water as well.
Collaboration opportunities. The subject of design-build is a touchy one within the EGD community and understandably so. This is particularly true of projects where the architectural signage company finds itself in a lead role. However, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to see that there is real potential for collaboration here. From our perspective, the design-build process can only succeed when competent design skills are brought to bear on the project, and although some architectural signage companies have qualified in-house designers, many do not. It would be natural, and mutually beneficial, for qualified signage companies and independent EGD firms to form partnerships for the purpose of executing specific projects.
Playing to your strength. Design-build, as a business model gives you the control you need to leverage your experience and professional expertise so that you can produce great solutions for your customers, while maintaining the profit margins you need to grow. It is an innovative approach to the future that can make your architectural signage business more dynamic and more profitable because it encourages you to focus your efforts on doing what you do best.
Identia's Architectural Sign Survey
Identia has been investigating the process by which signage programs are designed and specified by architects. As you may already know, we have created a survey for signage companies about this topic, and we would like to invite you to participate.
The survey is short and should only take about 5 minutes of your time. If you have already completed it, we thank you for your help. If you have not, we really want to encourage you to do so. We will publish our findings in the next newsletter, and on the Identia blog. If you would like to participate, please follow this link:
» Click here to take the survey.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Identia Online & Project Information Management
Project Information Management (PIM) is critical for the successful delivery of architectural sign projects, and there is a lot of project information to manage: sign message schedules, sign location plans, sign type specifications, construction documents, conceptual drawings, client communications, etc .
The biggest problems with architectural sign projects generally tend to be with product quality and information management. While much attention is paid by sign companies towards addressing the product quality issues, too often PIM is not given the attention it merits. Part of the reason for this is that until now any solution to the PIM problem has been unavailable or too costly. Identia Online is the first purpose-built cost-effective PIM tool for architectural sign projects.
In order to grow your company effectively, correct and efficient PIM will be more important than ever. You cannot afford to have projects slowed or derailed by the inability to manage the important details of each sign. A robust, easy to use, and globally accessible information platform will be necessary in order to accomplish your business growth goals.
Recent Subscribers
We are pleased to announce the following new subscribers to Identia Online:
About Identia
Identia provides software, products, and informational resources to the architectural sign community. Whether you are an architectural sign specialist looking to simplify processes, or your company is looking to expand your business by jumping into untapped markets, Identia can help your business succeed.
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