Planning for Signage Starts Earlier Than You Think
On major construction projects, clients often see bespoke signage and large-scale graphics as one of the last elements, but planning of signage should be integrated early, not as an afterthought. Early engagement with a specialist signage and graphics partner can make the difference between a seamless installation and costly redesigns, delays, or compromises in quality.
At Norsign, we closely collaborate with clients, architects, contractors, and consultants to ensure they fully integrate signage and graphics into the project from the earliest stages. Here’s why early engagement is critical and what clients should think about early in the programme.
Signage Is Part of the Building
Designers rarely create bespoke signage as a simple “bolt on.” Whether they are crafting illuminated façades, wayfinding systems, brand statements, or feature graphics, signage interacts directly with the building fabric.
Engaging signage specialists early allows:
- Integration with architectural intent
- Coordination with structural, M&E, and façade packages
- Avoidance of clashes with steelwork, glazing, or cladding systems
When signage is designed in parallel with the building, the result is cleaner detailing, better aesthetics, and fewer compromises on site.
fixing details
Planning is key. When teams introduce signage too late, they encounter one of the most common pain points related to fixing methodology. Without early consideration, projects risk:
- Insufficient structural support
- Incompatible substrates
- Visible fixings that detract from the design
- Early engagement allows teams to integrate signage fixing details:
- Into the structure or façade system
- With proper coordination with other trades
- To meet wind load, weight, and safety requirements
This not only improves build quality but also reduces site-based problem solving and rework.
planning power requirements
Illuminated signage, digital displays, and interactive graphics all require power and often data connectivity. Too often, project teams identify signage requirements after they have already fixed M&E packages.
By involving a signage partner early, projects can:
– Identify power loads and locations
– Coordinate containment routes
– Allow for access to drivers, transformers, and control gear
– Plan for future maintenance and replacement
Early coordination prevents expensive retrofitting and ensures signage performs exactly as intended from day one.
building integrity
External signage can introduce penetrations to the building envelope, creating potential risks where early coordination and design planning are not undertaken.
Early engagement ensures that:
– Designers fully coordinate waterproofing details
– They minimise and properly seal penetrations
– They align signage interfaces with façade warranties
This protects the long-term integrity of the building and avoids future issues with water ingress, condensation, or thermal bridging.
Fixings, fabric, and thermal integrity
One of the most overlooked aspects of sustainable signage is fixing methods. In Passivhaus schools, builders find it unacceptable to fix directly to cladding due to the risk of compromising airtightness or introducing thermal bridging.
Early coordination allows designers to fix signage back to the structure or integrate it with internal walls and joinery without impacting the building envelope. When designers consider signage at the design stage, they find it far easier to maintain performance while achieving the desired visual outcome.
This level of coordination also avoids retrofitted solutions that can add cost, delay, and risk on site.
Content, Visibility, and User Experience
Great signage isn’t just about fabrication, it’s about communication. Early planning around content and user experience allow teams to consider:
– Viewing distances and sightlines
– Lighting conditions (day and night)
– Legibility, contrast, and font selection
– Compliance with accessibility and wayfinding best practice
For branded environments, early engagement also allows brand teams, designers, and fabricators to collaborate, ensuring they align the final outcome with both brand guidelines and real-world constraints.
programme certainty
From a commercial and programme perspective, early signage planning provides clarity.
Benefits include:
- Accurate budgeting from early stages
- Reduced risk of late design changes
- Improved procurement planning
- Smoother installation sequencing on site
Rather than being a late‑stage risk, signage becomes a well‑managed and predictable package.
contact our team
At Norsign, we create the best signage solutions through collaboration. By engaging early, we help project teams think through fixing details, power requirements, waterproofing, content, and long-term performance long before issues arise on site.
Whether you’re at the concept stage or developing a detailed construction program, early input from a bespoke signage and graphics specialist can protect design intent, save time, and deliver a higher quality outcome.
If you’re planning a major construction project and want to ensure signage is considered from day one, talk to Norsign early and build it right the first time.
