Rick, That's a nice sketch and definately very complete, but I think the time spent calling out every design like that would be hard to justify on many of the small jobs we are constantly doing. And the type of client who doesn't get the OPs original sketch might not do any better with all that information. What do you do if after all that they still say "I thought it would be bigger".
A door graphic is a very small job but out habit I design this way. Every job is designed this
way... kinda how I was taught I suppose. The extra few minutes is covered in the cost. I don't
have the estimate for these doors, but it's in the $150-175 each, plus install.
Gino kind of alluded to it...
Most retail and business complexes have a sign criteria usually based on the sign code.
Most cities in California limit the area you can take up in a door. Some copy/graphics are
regulated like the ISA (wheelchair guy) must be in a 6" field. I have been questioned on
size before from tenants after install, then I show them the criteria, usually the issue is solved.
If the management/owner of the building question it (and they have) I show them the criteria
and if they prefer or insist... I'll change it. If it's on the tenant dime, they get charged, if it's
on the owners dime, it's usually free or reduced cost IF there is a potential for more work...
more work meaning I still get referred to the new tenants and work on the project signage.
The return would have to be more that 1000 bucks in a year... an illuminated sign, panel
change and window graphics would cover that on the next job.
I just finished managing an install job in the San Francisco on a refurbished apartment complex.
The designer did not like the proportion on the window graphics that they designed. They were
charged for removal and reinstall. They also added more windows. This is a 300k job and I have
another 10 more apartments to work on. It just depends on the situation, on who gets it for free and
the return on you doing it. Imagine if you got in the habit of changing something for free every time
that same person in charge can't "visualize" a drawing. At some point, it's not worth it and they have
to know it's going to cost them to change their mind or their lack of understanding.
I'm currently designing a standard for 1800 business parks. Part of this is making sure no property
manager deviates from this standard. It's not going to stop some rogue manager or sign shop from
messing with the standard, but personal taste is something I can't anticipate when developing a
standard. Since I am the designer for every complex, it will be interesting to see how 300 managers
handle these change-outs. But if window graphics are going to get in the way of 25k in monument signs
then I will be happy to oblige them after conferring with the corporate office.
