Real Projects. Engineered Solutions.
Commercial Sign Case Studies
See how Indianapolis Sign & Graphics combines design, material expertise, fabrication, and engineering to solve complex signage challenges.
How We Work
Better Signs Start With Better Problem Solving
These projects show how the right recommendation can improve appearance, control cost, increase durability, and create a stronger experience for customers, residents, visitors, and passengers.
Exterior Signage
Leo Brown – A Monument Sign Designed for People, Not Just a Property
The Challenge
Leo Brown, a senior living community specializing in memory care on the North Carolina coast, needed a monument sign that reflected the warmth and comfort of their community. Their original concept called for a heavy metal sign, but it presented two significant challenges: it exceeded the project’s budget and created a look that felt too industrial for a welcoming memory care environment.
The community wanted an entrance sign that would complement the building’s architecture while providing long-term durability in a coastal climate.
The community wanted an entrance sign that would complement the building’s architecture while providing long-term durability in a coastal climate.
Our Solution
Rather than simply producing the sign they originally requested, we recommended a better solution.
Using high-density construction foam, we created a monument sign that delivered the upscale appearance they wanted while staying within budget. The softer textures and architectural details blended naturally with the community’s exterior, creating a more inviting first impression for residents, families, and visitors.
Because the property is located in a coastal region, structural performance was equally important. The finished sign was engineered to exceed the area’s required wind-load standards, providing additional durability and peace of mind.
Using high-density construction foam, we created a monument sign that delivered the upscale appearance they wanted while staying within budget. The softer textures and architectural details blended naturally with the community’s exterior, creating a more inviting first impression for residents, families, and visitors.
Because the property is located in a coastal region, structural performance was equally important. The finished sign was engineered to exceed the area’s required wind-load standards, providing additional durability and peace of mind.
The Result
The completed monument sign achieved every project goal:
- Stayed within the client’s budget
- Created a warmer, more residential appearance
- Complemented the architecture of the memory care community
- Exceeded local wind-load requirements for improved durability
Sometimes the best sign isn’t the one a customer asks for—it’s the one that better serves their goals. By recommending the right materials and engineering solution, we delivered a sign that looked better, performed better, and cost less than the original concept.
Exterior Signage
Fairway Mortgage – Transforming a Lobby into a Brand Experience
The Challenge
Fairway Mortgage was opening a new office and wanted a reception area that reflected the quality of their organization. The typical solution—a flat acrylic panel with vinyl graphics—would have identified the company, but it wouldn’t have made much of an impression.
They wanted clients and prospective homebuyers to walk through the front door and immediately feel confident they were working with an established, professional lender.
They wanted clients and prospective homebuyers to walk through the front door and immediately feel confident they were working with an established, professional lender.
Our Solution
We designed a custom illuminated lobby feature centered around a halo-lit sign with dimensional lettering that gave the brand depth, sophistication, and visual impact.
To elevate the space even further, we partnered with a specialty wall-covering provider to install a custom backdrop that incorporated Fairway Mortgage’s brand colors. The combination of lighting, dimensional elements, and premium finishes transformed a standard reception wall into a focal point that reinforced the company’s identity.
To elevate the space even further, we partnered with a specialty wall-covering provider to install a custom backdrop that incorporated Fairway Mortgage’s brand colors. The combination of lighting, dimensional elements, and premium finishes transformed a standard reception wall into a focal point that reinforced the company’s identity.
The Result
Instead of a simple company logo on the wall, Fairway Mortgage received a reception space that communicates professionalism from the moment visitors arrive.
The finished installation:
The finished installation:
- Creates a memorable first impression
- Reinforces the company’s brand identity
- Gives the office a polished, high-end appearance
- Helps clients feel confident they’re working with an established organization
A lobby sign should do more than identify a business—it should reinforce the confidence clients have in choosing that business. This installation accomplishes exactly that.
Exterior Signage
New York City Subway System – Engineering a Finish Built to Last
The Challenge
The New York City subway system depends on thousands of identification signs that help millions of passengers navigate stations every day. From stairwell markers to equipment room identification and directional placards, these signs must remain legible despite constant use and exposure to one of the busiest transit systems in the world.
The transit authority had already moved from plastic signs to stainless steel because of durability concerns. However, one major problem remained: the specialized finish they required repeatedly failed. Coatings chipped, scratched, and deteriorated long before they should have, and previous manufacturers had been unable to produce a lasting solution.
The transit authority had already moved from plastic signs to stainless steel because of durability concerns. However, one major problem remained: the specialized finish they required repeatedly failed. Coatings chipped, scratched, and deteriorated long before they should have, and previous manufacturers had been unable to produce a lasting solution.
Our Solution
Our team engineered a proprietary process that permanently bonded the required coating to the stainless-steel substrate.
The result was a finish that resisted scratching, maintained its color, and stood up to the demanding conditions of a high-traffic transit environment. Rather than simply manufacturing the signs, we solved the underlying engineering challenge that had prevented the project from succeeding.
The result was a finish that resisted scratching, maintained its color, and stood up to the demanding conditions of a high-traffic transit environment. Rather than simply manufacturing the signs, we solved the underlying engineering challenge that had prevented the project from succeeding.
The Result
The completed signs exceeded performance expectations.
The finished product:
The finished product:
- Permanently adhered the required finish to stainless steel
- Delivered exceptional scratch resistance
- Maintained its original color and appearance over time
- Outlasted the client’s expected service life
- Reduced maintenance and replacement needs for critical wayfinding signage
When a project depends on performance as much as appearance, engineering matters. By developing a long-lasting manufacturing solution, we helped deliver signage that continues to perform in one of the world’s most demanding public environments.
Start Your Sign Project
If your business needs custom commercial signage in Indianapolis, our team is ready to help. Contact us today to discuss your project and receive a quote.