ARCHIVE: Category Archive for: Curated Content

Sign Regulations to Encourage Creative Design

We know how tricky it can be to meet all the requirements and regulations that signage involves – and we have seen how flexible and reasonable sign regulations make it easier to deliver creative and aesthetically pleasing signs that meet clients’ needs. When that’s not the case, such as when requirements or regulations are outdated or otherwise seem at odds with good design intent, business or safety, informed discussions with local officials can result in variances, compromises, and most importantly, the best and most effective signage for everyone.

The earlier that a signage package is incorporated in the signage process, the faster potential problems can be identified and addressed. Many (most) regulations are valid, and good communication between principals, project managers, and municipal officials is the key to ensuring that the client gets the best signage, and that there are no last-minute surprises.

Project-Management Solutions for Building Owners and Developers

We know how difficult it can be as a developer to manage several different projects at once. That’s why at MSA, we provide project management solutions that result in a successful project completion and risk mitigation.

Our experienced Project Managers understand what’s important to our clients (and their clients) at each stage in a development. From planning and concepting to fabricating, approvals and the installation process, Metro Sign & Awning Project Managers keep everything on track.

Our partners seem to value our experience, as evidenced by this testimonial we received from a Skansa Project Manager:

The project team we were assigned were all great to work with. The whole process, from submittal to install, was very fluid. There was an open communication between Metro, FMA and Skanska which, I believe, was a large contributor to the overall success of the project. In the field, your install crews were professional and came prepared to do the day’s tasks. They asked questions and ensured the signs were installed to suit the Designer’s intent. Overall, my experience with Metro has been very positive.

Thank you all for the hard work!

While we love hearing positive comments like this, we are not content to sit still, rather, we strive to improve our operations so our clients can continue to rely on us.

Over the past several months, we’ve been implementing more Lean principles and techniques into our process. We’re seeing the benefits internally, and hearing from clients that they are seeing some too. Read more about our project management process here, or contact us to discuss your development projects and find out how we can work together to ensure your branding and identification signage is all you envision.

Five Green Building Trends 2018

As more of our clients are working within the LEED certification requirements we find more jobs specify green materials and the experience of local suppliers.

What is Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)?

Supplier Relationship Management is an increasingly important aspect of project management, as well as overall company management. How do you select from a variety of qualified suppliers? We look at the specs of each project to find the best supplier for the job – but there are many variables, including, sometimes, specifications stipulated by the customer. As in so many things, we’ve found good communication (with suppliers, partners, and of course, the client) is the key to success.

Designing for Human Behavior: Details Contribute to Safety, Successful End Results

“Provide highly visible signage at all points where occupants have a choice in direction…. Many architects follow long-standing best practices when designing commercial buildings. However, studies conducted in the wake of the 9/11 attacks revealed something disturbing: Best practices are based on computer modeling. And computer models are based on the assumption that people will behave in a logical, predictable manner in an emergency.”

How Many Buildings in the World are LEED Platinum Certified?

We’ve followed LEED and related architectural and design concepts for years, and always operated with a goal of finding the most efficient operational methods that are effective while having the lowest impact on natural and other resources. Expect to hear more from us on the subject in the coming months. In the meantime, we’d love to hear from our clients and partners, how are you working to make the most efficient use of time and materials?

Phillip Tutor: A Whopper of a sign in Anniston

There’s a new Burger King going up in Golden Springs, Anniston’s over-the-mountain suburb. Everyone’s seen it. There’s a giant playground. There are trees and landscaping. The sign itself, however, makes for a Whopper of a story.

Commercial Signage is Always on the Job

From Berlin to Boston, typography helps signage share the message

Sign Ordinances Affect Full Scope of Planning and Design Process

Attend a Planning Board meeting almost anywhere and you may be reminded of the catchy 1970s song lyrics, “signs, signs everywhere a sign.” In fact, much Planning Board business revolves around local sign ordinances…and how they are interpreted in light of the US Constitution.