The project incorporated real dehydrated moss, which created a unique earthy feel to the gym’s entrance.
SMC: What was the fabrication process of the project? (What materials/tools were used? How big were the signs/pieces?)
CG: A lot of our work is custom, so we have a standard process to follow to get to fabrication and that includes consultation with an internal technical team where we brainstorm to find the best way to meet both the customer expectations and our quality standards. The biggest piece was the exterior sign. We had to ship it to location in three pieces due to its size.
The most unique piece was the moss sign, which is found at the entrance to the gym. We used real dehydrated moss, which created a unique earthy feel to the area.
SMC: Were there any challenges within the project/were there any factors that impacted the process along the way?
CG: Sometimes customers have a specific look in mind regarding what they want for their space; however, there can be challenges aligning budgetary realities with the design intent. For example, in this case, our designers were able to up with solutions to create striking metallic finishes that transform the space, but at an affordable price. We call this our ‘value engineering’ phase.
SMC: Explain the installation process.
CG: Hanging up the exterior sign was a complex task. Downtown Toronto can be a really busy place and we had to install the large sign while dealing with power lines and protecting all the landscaping.
In terms of the interior signage, we had to do a comprehensive surveys of the space, and working within an active construction site certainly had its challenges. That said, our project managers were able to co-ordinate with the contractors to get it done and meet the necessary deadlines.
SMC: How does signage impact a business? What is its importance?
CG: Without signage, we wouldn’t know where we were going or where we were when we got there, so at its core, signage is a necessary communications tool. Signage has evolved to much more than being merely a part of a business brand, it creates a customer connection, and it can drive emotion, curiosity, and humour. Overall, signage is part of the customer experience and is why so much work is put into planning and design before a sign is even constructed. It is also the first thing customers see when they arrive and the last thing they see as they leave. In short. signage sets a business apart from others in the marketplace, and creates a memorable customer experience.
