From Building ID to Brand Story: Why Exterior Signage Still Matters

We often forget how important physical signs are for communicating a brand’s voice, providing information, and wayfinding around unfamiliar buildings. Bay Area businesses and property owners find exterior signage essential because it serves as a way of identification and an influential display of brand identity that demonstrates a company’s professional standing.
The Resurgence of Physical Spaces
The renewed interest in commercial properties has led to increased efforts to improve physical spaces. Businesses must emphasize external improvements that strengthen curb appeal and express brand values now than ever before. Architectural signage emerges as an essential investment because it delivers important functional advantages together with aesthetic enhancements.
Signage: Beyond Identification
Effective exterior signage serves multiple purposes:
- Brand reinforcement uses visual elements to express the company’s identity and core values.
- Strategically positioned signage helps users navigate by capturing their attention.
- High-quality signage demonstrates an organization’s dedication to superior craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail.
A unique signage strategy enables businesses in the competitive Bay Area market to distinguish themselves while building memorable impressions among both clients and visitors.
Case Study: Milpitas City Hall
Milpitas City Hall initiated an external communication modernization process with the help of BLR. The results:
- Upgrade to 8 mm Digital Signage: The new project replaced the old 20 mm monochrome LED display with a vibrant 8 mm high-resolution Watchfire digital sign.
- Integration into Existing Monument Structure: The existing monument sign underwent refurbishment to accommodate the new digital display in a seamless manner.
- Custom Laser-Cut Aluminum Lettering: The 8 mm Watchfire digital sign features custom lettering created by Gemini Sign Products, which enhances both aesthetic appeal and long-lasting quality.
The city received a dynamic information dissemination platform that demonstrated its dedication to both technological progress and community interaction.
Case Study: San Juan Oaks Golf Club
San Juan Oaks Golf Club renovation facilitated a complete redesign of the course’s visual aspects and navigation system. BLR managed the project to include:
- Comprehensive Signage Overhaul: BLR created and installed 155 unique signs across the golf course and related facilities.
- Collaborative Design Process: The project team worked alongside Terry Secor from Third Millennium Partners to develop a foundational logo and color scheme into a unified and effective signage solution.
Key components included:
- Monument Graphics stands out through its main signs which function as key visual anchors at strategic areas to boost the club’s aesthetic appeal.
- Golf Hole Identifiers featured personalized markers that integrated the new branding elements flawlessly.
- Illuminated Wayfinding Signs function as illuminated paths that help guests navigate easily and improve their experience at the property.
- Interior Banner Flags and Decorative Room IDs create a welcoming atmosphere while emphasizing brand identity inside the clubhouse.
- The Bocce Ball Scoreboards and Window Graphics merge functionality with visual appeal to create a cohesive and engaging atmosphere.
The club achieved excellence by integrating traditional elements with modern design to enhance guest experiences and build a strong reputation for quality.
Elevate Your Brand with BLR Visual Communications
BLR Visual Communications creates transformative signage solutions to enhance spaces. We provide complete solutions in signage creation from initial design concepts through manufacturing and installation to deliver a compelling and unified narrative for your brand.