Somewhere along the way you need to consider what kind of signage you plan to hang in the office lobby and other spaces throughout the building. Although hanging signs in a leased space is a little trickier than hanging it in space you own, it can be done effectively. Here's how . . .

The first (and most important) hurdle that needs to be overcome before you can a hang a sign in the office lobby is your lease terms. Unlike signage in space you own, signage in leased space is often subject to narrowly-defined restrictions designed to promote uniformity and limit the amount of visual clutter in the building. If you didn't discuss signage with the landlord during negotiation or if the lease doesn't specify signage restrictions, take a look at existing lobby signage and find out how to get your business included in the standard display.

But if your lease terms give you the ability to choose the type of sign you display in the lobby, there are a whole list of decisions that need to be addressed.

Type

Signs come in a limitless number of shapes, sizes, and types. Your first job is to assess the lobby space and determine what type of sign would be most effective, given the conditions and restrictions imposed by the landlord. It's also important to consider how the sign will be attached and whether any structural limitations may apply.

Material

Signs and lettering can be purchased in a variety of materials, ranging from inexpensive plastic to pricey woods. Although you want your sign to stand out, you should avoid selecting materials that are inconsistent with the building décor and the signage displayed by other tenants. If everyone else is displaying signage in an expensive material, you will either have to cough up the cash for a costly sign or run the risk of looking cheap compared to everyone else.

Design

Design is a critical factor in maximizing the effectiveness of your sign. Your sign not only needs to be attractive, but also needs to be readable and visible for the average passerby. If you decide not to hire a professional designer, you should plan on testing several printed mock-ups in the actual space before you send your final design to the sign vendor.

Vendor

Sign vendors usually specialize in a few types of signs. It's worth a little extra effort to find a vendor that is experienced in creating the type of sign you need. Ask potential vendors for references and, if possible, visit some locations with past customers to visualize how your sign will look when it is displayed.

Cost

Sign prices vary according to material, complexity, and size. If you are planning to hang multiple signs throughout the building, a cost of $100 or more per sign quickly adds up. One way to control costs is to spring for a large sign in the lobby and smaller signs in other areas. If you decide to invest in an expensive lobby sign, you might also want to consider selecting a sign that can be modified to accommodate changes in the future.