This illuminated high-rise sponsor sign for Toronto Football Club (FC) consists of aluminum and steel with Lexan faces and internal light-emitting diode (LED) lighting. Custom mounting clamps/brackets were also developed to attach to structural canopy columns.
SMC: What type of signage does your shop primarily make?
SM: We work on a variety of projects including custom architectural signs, channel letters, free-standing pylon and monument signs, as well as neon signs. Our company has completed some of the largest wayfinding projects in Canada. Our clients include municipalities, large corporate companies, institutions, airports, transit, and sea transportation authorities. It does not matter what the size or scope of the project is, our multi-disciplinary team can take on any project and deliver astounding results.
SMC: What type of work have you been handling recently?
SM: In British Columbia, Knight Signs is continually working on the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) expansion and wayfinding project. We are also fabricating wayfinding elements for TransLink (SkyTrain, RapidBus, and SeaBus)—Metro Vancouver’s transportation network. The knowledge and experience we have acquired over the years while working on these projects has definitely positioned us as sign experts.
We recently rolled out a rebrand for a financial institution at 30 locations. Further, we finished a bus rapid transit (BRT) wayfinding system in Alberta. In Ontario, we undertook a sign installation project for a science centre and a wayfinding assignment for a hospital. These are in addition to the numerous other sign projects we are currently working on across the country.
SMC: How much of the signmaking process is handled in-house? What equipment do you currently use to complete your projects?
SM: Knight Signs is a true end-to-end fabricator for interior and exterior signage solutions.
We manufacture 85 to 90 per cent of our signs in-house; only specialized services are outsourced.
Our manufacturing facility features an in-house neon plant, an automated routing station, a computerized press brake, computer-cutting plotters, a pattern-making plotter, and a computer paint-matching system. We also have two paint booths, measuring 3- x 3.7- x 2.7-m (10- x 12- x 9-ft) and 3- x 10.4- x 2.7-m (10- x 34- x 9-ft) respectively, a metal fabrication shop complete with two 10-tonne overhead cranes, an electrical assembly and testing line, a 1300-m2 (14,000-sf) panel assembly area, photopolymer and laser printers, a channel-letters assembly station, a Rollsroller flatbed applicator, and a SwissQ ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode (LED) printer, which is the most recent addition to our equipment line.
SMC: What does your planning and design process involve?
Knight Signs believes in providing its clients with unique turnkey solutions and developing signs that create an impact.
SM: Each project begins with a detailed plan. We start with client meetings, site surveys, and an analysis of local zoning, permitting, and municipal guidelines. This is followed by a thorough review of organizational design standards with recommendations on creative and technical design, as well as guidelines and specifications for materials, manufacturing, and installation.
A dedicated project manager leads a team of professionals on every assignment. The project is carefully analyzed, and a plan is developed in collaboration with the client.
We also provide additional services such as site surveys, permits and zoning approvals, graphics standards, quality control of materials and manufacturing, supervision and installation, and post-project evaluation.
Next, we brainstorm new concepts and ideas, manage rigorous brand and corporate identity standards, implement rebranding programs, and solve unique site challenges. On the creative side, our designers immerse themselves in developing impactful signs, which we believe will not only inspire, but also deliver results for every application.
Our in-house technical and computer-aided design (CAD) drafting team creates specifications for a variety of custom signage projects.
The final step is installation, and I am proud to say Knight Signs has successfully handled multiple challenging installations—from skyscraper rooftops to busy airports, hospitals, transit stations, restaurants, shopping centres, and remote outdoor locations. Our staff uses the latest technology and equipment to manage the surprises that come with every installation.
