How to request and purchase university signage
From: Division of Facilities
The Division of Facilities is prepared to assist with all signage needs at the university. For projects that are not funded within a capital or non-capital project, the signage request will go through the Non-Capital Design team or through the Sign Shop. Before requesting new signage, please review the following information.
Signage requested through Non-Capital Design
Step 1: Project initiation
The department representative contacts the wayfinding designer with a description of needs and requirements. The client submits an Interdepartmental Service Request (ISR) in the system to initiate project tracking.
Step 2: Site visit and analysis
Visiting the site helps determine the appropriate size, placement and overall appearance of the signs to be produced. Such a visit is important to the designer’s understanding of the building/site as well as the context of the area in which the sign or signs will be placed. Photographs submitted along with the request will help the wayfinding designer and director of non-capital design to complete an initial review of the request prior to the site visit.
Step 3: Graphic design
The wayfinding designer prepares preliminary concept sketches of proposed signage for review by the department representative. The signs are designed based on the university signage standards for type, material, content, and usage of the Virginia Tech logo where appropriate.
Step 4: Cost estimating
The wayfinding designer will direct the project to the Sign Shop or to outside vendors depending on the project needs and sign type(s). The estimate includes labor and materials required to manufacture and install the signage.
Step 5: Project approval
The wayfinding designer reviews and obtains approval for the preliminary design concept and cost estimate with the department representative.
Step 6: Permits
Permits are required for buildings that are not on the Blacksburg main campus or are at leased facilities. It is the department representative’s responsibility to present the drawings to the town building and zoning permit department (and landlord as required) for approval prior to beginning sign production.
Step 7: Sign manufacturing/production
The approved signage quote and final design are submitted to the vendor for production by the wayfinding designer or the non-capital construction project manager when projects are managed through Non-Capital Construction. The job is placed on the vendor’s manufacturing schedule based upon the lead time for ordering materials, the current workload, and the requested deadline.
Step 8: Sign installation
The wayfinding designer, or the non-capital construction project manager when projects are managed through Non-Capital Construction, coordinates with the vendor and the department representative for signage installation.
Step 9: Job completion/invoicing
The sign is completed and installed by the vendor. The wayfinding designer, or the non-capital construction project manager when projects are managed through Non-Capital Construction, and the department representative review and accept the installed product. The department is invoiced directly for the work.
Signage requested through the Sign Shop
The Sign Shop provides signage for small orders including interior and exterior signage, transportation signage, recognition plaques, and banners. The manager of the Sign Shop works closely with the wayfinding designer to align signage with the university signage standards.
For standard signage requests, you will be directed to submit a request for estimate through HokieMart to Facilities Operations/Sign Shop for the work. Once you have received and approved the estimate, the Sign Shop can begin work on your request.