Whatever your design-field no doubt you’ve received many a brief that is expecting a premium Dom Perignon solution, for the price of half a bitter shandy. Wayfinding projects particularly for large developments, tend to have the advantage of having a Quantity Surveyor involved.  However, even with the scientific rigour a QS brings to the budgeting process, there can still be significant mismatches between expectations and the provisional sum allocated.

Over the years we’ve been presented with client briefs that variously are looking for a bespoke design that delivers a high standard of customer care; reflects the quality ambitions of the brand/development; demonstrates they’re at the leading edge by incorporating the latest technology. Discussions about scope alludes to large sculptural identity signs at entrances and within reception lobbies; unique sign form designs using high quality materials.  At some stage discussions will inevitably turn to the budget and a disconnect between the budgeting process and client vision becomes apparent. With that big impactful external identity sign the client’s keen on likely to swallow up half the budget.

A rule of thumb budget calculation based on number of floors in a building or square footage using a standardised sign design approach risks falling short. As the installation of wayfinding signs tends to happen towards the latter stages of a large development project, there can be limited scope to find the additional sums required to fulfil the client’s ambition. Whilst appreciating the challenge of budgeting for a wayfinding signage before it’s been specified or designed, here’s a few things to consider:

• The complexity of the design of the building – it goes without saying the more complex the building, the more challenging it will be to navigate. The more difficult it is to navigate the higher the volume of signs that are likely to be required. Even more so if different route options are needed for different cohorts or uses. For example, routes that avoid stairs for people with mobility issues, buggies or heavy loads, or where different routes are needed for out of hours access etc.
  
  
• The number of vertical circulation points – all stair or lift lobbies on every floor will need wayfinding signs. These will include level identification; directional signs to rooms and amenities on that floor; and potentially index signs providing information about other floors.
  
  
• External signage requirements – whether entrance, building or campus identification signs, design solutions can range from simple nameplates that cost tens of pounds, to large bespoke impactful, illuminated monoliths that cost thousands. So, it’s important to have a clear idea of the scale of the ambition when putting together the signage budget. Wayfinding information that may be needed within the public realm can often be missed, particularly if the external space isn’t a significant part of the development. As these signs will need appropriate foundations and fixings installed, unplanned costs can soon mount up.
  
  
• Maintenance requirements –the frequency and extent to which the information is likely to need updating will have a bearing on the design and ultimately the cost. Allied to this, with a well-planned and professionally designed wayfinding strategy, the signs could remain in place for many years. So, for any signs that are applied to walls, it’s important to take account of future redecoration requirements and specify appropriate fixings or form design to facilitate.
  
  
• Scope of the requirement – a typical large-scale development could be made up of several different environments – front of house; back of house; car parks. Each of which is likely to require a different wayfinding approach and design.
  
  
• Illumination, digital and installation requirements – signs that need to be illuminated or provide a static or interactive digital display will incur greater cost than a standard metal or acrylic plaque sign. This applies not just to the design and specification of the sign and screen itself, but also in ensuring the necessary electrical and digital services are supplied.
  
  
• Client’s Design Vision – as wayfinding signs are a very tangible expression of the brand and nature of the service being offered; the client may have a set of specific design objectives they are aiming to achieve. These may relate to the material selection; finishes; scale or design of the sign forms themselves. All of which will have an impact on costs.

It is only when the wayfinding strategy and design has been signed off can you have a true picture of the costs. The Velvet Principle are strong advocates for appointing a wayfinding consultant early in the architectural design stage, to both accommodate any likely M&E requirements in the overall budget and get a firmer fix on likely budget. But perhaps consider being a little more generous with the wayfinding budget at the start to account for the unknowns.