How the Signage Process Works: Managing Design to Installation
Learn what really goes into a sign project. National Sign Team explains code checks, landlord approvals, permitting, and installation for commercial signage success.
Managing Your Signage Project the Right Way
When it comes to signage, most people think it’s simple: take a logo, make a sign, and hang it up. But anyone who’s managed a commercial sign project knows there’s a lot more to it. Between permitting, materials, landlord approvals, code compliance, and coordination with other vendors, signage can quickly become a complex puzzle.
At National Sign Team, we specialize in bringing all these moving parts together, managing the process from concept to completion so your project runs smoothly. In this article, we’ll break down why approvals matter, how each stage fits into the lifecycle of a sign project, and how our experienced team keeps everything on track.
Understanding the Signage Process: Why It’s More Than Just a Sign
The Hidden Layers of a “Simple” Sign
Before a single bolt is drilled or a letter is illuminated, a sign project passes through numerous checkpoints, and each one is critical. Cities have zoning laws. Landlords have design criteria. Engineers need drawings. Manufacturers need lead times.
Skipping steps or rushing approvals doesn’t just create delays; it can lead to costly rework or failed inspections. That’s why managing approvals early and effectively is one of the most important parts of a successful sign program.
The Role of Project Management
Every commercial sign involves a chain of stakeholders, property owners, city officials, general contractors, architects, brand managers, and vendors. At National Sign Team, we serve as the central hub of communication. We make sure each party stays informed, each document is reviewed, and every approval is in place before the next phase begins.
It’s not just about keeping the project on time; it’s about protecting your investment.
How National Sign Team Manages the Signage Lifecycle
Sign programs can be intimidating — especially when you’re managing multiple locations or coordinating a rebrand across several states. That’s why National Sign Team has developed a proven process that keeps everything organized and moving forward.
We break the process into clear stages, so nothing falls through the cracks.
1. Pre-Planning: Laying the Groundwork
Pre-planning is the foundation of every successful signage project. Before design or fabrication even begins, we work with you to gather essential site details and documentation.
Provided by the Client:
- Site address
- Site plan
- Building elevations
- Landlord contact information
What National Sign Team Provides:
- Code Check: We research local sign ordinances and permitting requirements to ensure your design will be approved the first time.
- Review of Landlord Criteria: We evaluate your lease agreement and any sign guidelines to make sure your proposal meets their specifications.
- Site Survey: Our team collects accurate field measurements, photographs, and mounting details.
- Brand Site/Design: We align your brand’s design standards with site-specific requirements to create a compliant, on-brand concept.
- Conceptual Drawings: Our in-house designers produce scaled drawings to visualize how the sign will look on the building.
This stage ensures the project starts on a strong foundation. One where everyone is informed, compliant, and ready to move forward.
2. Design Review and Client Approval
Once the conceptual drawings are ready, it’s your turn to review.
Provided by the Client:
- Mark-ups and comments
- Approval or requested revisions
This step is critical because it locks in design intent. A small change, like the size of a logo or placement on a façade, can have a major impact on permits, landlord approval, or fabrication timelines.
Our team reviews every revision carefully, updating drawings as needed and confirming that all approvals are documented before pricing and permitting.
3. Pricing and Engineering
With final design approval in place, our project managers move into pricing and engineering.
Provided by National Sign Team:
- Pricing: We provide transparent pricing based on the approved scope, materials, and installation requirements.
- Engineering & Permitting: Structural engineering is completed to ensure your sign meets wind load and safety requirements. Then, our team prepares the necessary documents for city or county review.
Because we’ve already completed code checks and site surveys, this stage often moves quickly, saving our clients time and avoiding last-minute surprises.
4. Landlord and City Approvals
Before any fabrication begins, we obtain two key approvals:
- Landlord Approval: Your property owner must sign off on the design. We handle all submissions and follow-ups to make sure your landlord’s requirements are met.
- Permitting: Once the landlord approves, we submit your sign package to the appropriate city department for permit review.
Permitting timelines vary by location, but our experience with jurisdictions nationwide allows us to anticipate what each one requires, whether it’s an electrical plan, wind load calculation, or zoning variance.
Our clients appreciate that they don’t have to chase signatures or decipher city code. We handle it all.
5. Fabrication and Production
Once approvals are secured, your project moves into fabrication. Here, our manufacturing partners craft your sign using premium materials and cutting-edge techniques.
We track every milestone, from material procurement to LED testing, and keep you informed about progress and delivery schedules.
Our clients, like Erin Robinette from Neiman Marcus, have seen firsthand how much smoother this makes things:
“Mike and I have worked together for a couple of years now. He is always in the know about manufacturing and delivery dates. He is very personable and easy to work with. I would recommend him for any of your signage needs.”
That level of communication is what defines National Sign Team.
6. Installation and Quality Assurance
With fabrication complete, we coordinate installation. We manage crews, equipment, and site access to ensure everything happens safely and efficiently.
Before the final handoff, we perform a quality assurance inspection to verify:
- Proper illumination and electrical connection
- Clean mounting and finish work
- Compliance with approved drawings and permits
Only when every detail is confirmed do we close out the project.
How Approvals Keep Sign Projects on Track
Avoiding Costly Delays
Permits, landlord sign-offs, and engineering certifications exist for good reason. They protect the safety, appearance, and integrity of your signage. But they also create potential bottlenecks if not managed properly.
By securing each approval in sequence, we keep the project moving forward without backtracking or rework.
Ensuring Brand Consistency Across Locations
For national and franchise programs, approvals help maintain brand standards. Whether it’s matching channel letter dimensions or verifying color temperature for LED lighting, consistency is key — and that starts with well-managed design approvals.
Building Confidence Through Communication
At National Sign Team, communication isn’t an afterthought; it’s the backbone of every project. Clients always know where their project stands, what approvals are pending, and what’s coming next.
That’s why so many of our clients stay with us for years, because we make the process transparent and predictable.
The Advantage of Working With National Sign Team
We don’t just make signs. We manage the entire process. Our clients rely on us because we:
- Anticipate code and landlord hurdles before they become problems.
- Keep all stakeholders informed from start to finish.
- Deliver quality signage on schedule, nationwide.
From small businesses to multi-site rollouts, we bring structure, transparency, and confidence to every project.
Ready to Start Your Next Sign Project?
When it comes to commercial signage, approvals are the backbone of success. Every signature, every permit, every drawing approval. It all matters.
At National Sign Team, we make sure each piece of the sign process is managed with precision, so your sign is installed correctly, on time, and on brand.
👉 Download our Project Management Guide to Sign Projects and Programs to see how we can streamline your next rollout.
Call
727-859-1044 to get started.
