If you have ever looked into finding permit and zoning information from cities and counties for facade upgrades, signage or anything else exterior design related; you know that it can certainly take some time. However, many counties have made parcel information available online allowing you to obtain much of the parcel data on the county's website. Google Earth can also be a great asset with the "street view" feature on their maps you can pin point your building on the aerial view. These tools, along with detailed shop drawings, sign specifications, and a clear site plan will all help in moving along the process. Our permit technicians at I-5 Design utilize these resources to ensure accurate information and the most efficient time frame.

"As a production worker at I-5 Design, it is inspiring to see the individual elements generated by our designers become a reality within days.  Our design team works closely with our production leaders to ensure that each part of the design is produced with every intricate detail in mind.  Our in-house, state-of-the-art software and machinery makes it possible to manufacture the highest quality products with precision and efficiency.  Every step is manufactured with the end product in mind – production makes sure that the installation process is a systematic performance.   Each individual process is considered a vital role that creates a dynamic and awe-inspiring end result for our clients.  In our daily “brainstorm” meetings we discuss ways for each member of the production team to advance their skills and abilities, as well as turn-key solutions and innovative ways to exceed each customer’s expectations and to surpass original projections."

Special thanks to Sarah K. for this great insight to the I5 Design & Manufacture production teams daily operations!

I-5 Design is taking programmable color changing LED lighting and full color message and video displays to the next level. Using state of the art computer and internet technology we are now able to update lighting and video displays remotely, making it possible to easily upload new light programs, video messages, etc. for special events and holidays. I-5 can provide clients with ongoing upgrades that keep their displays fresh and exciting, drawing more customers and getting the most out of their visual displays!

Special thanks to I5 Design & Manufacture team member George S. for this great update.

“Where should we play tonight?” Every casino wants to be the answer to this question. Now, more than ever customers have choices when it comes to gaming and live entertainment. From playing slots and table games to watching a show or sporting event, consumers no longer have to travel to places like Las Vegas or Atlantic City to experience the thrill of victory or agony of defeat. In many cases, more than one entity operates a gaming venture within the same local territory and naturally, competition drives better experiences for the consumer.  Inevitably, upgrades and expansions must happen to keep the facility environment fresh, exciting and appealing to gamers. Casino management groups have been asking “How can I quickly get the impact of a new facility without shutting my doors?”  Delays on construction projects have led to lost revenues. There is a solution however, for a casino that needs a high-impact update to the look and feel of the facility’s environment without the typical headaches and drawbacks.

I-5 Design and Manufacture has been helping casinos across the country achieve maximum impact from their budgets by designing and implementing facility wide interior and exterior décor solutions that can be rapidly implemented with minimal down time to the casino. This comprehensive service allows casino management teams to get a transformation which takes place while revenue continues to be generated. The design staff at I-5 begins by listening to what the client wants to see and creating a high impact design which thinks ahead to how the design will be implemented on site. The creative process also takes into account what type of gaming atmosphere will create the greatest impact for the particular location in relation to its competion or given its geographic location. The fabrication team then utilizes specialized systems for creating décor, theming and lighting elements that will ensure the actual elements can be fabricated efficiently and a smooth installation occurs. Part of this unique system includes off-site fabrication of all elements in the décor package within the controlled environment of I-5’s automated fabrication facility. As the fabrication progresses, our team updates the client on build status and begins scheduling installation phases. Larger projects may need several phases to complete installation, while more intimate locations can be completed sometimes in days. Once the first phase manufacture is complete, décor components are wrapped, loaded, secured and shipped on site to begin implementation. Installation professionals who have been trained in customer relations arrive on site with the first loads to supervise décor unload and start the installation phase. During this whole process, communication is happening around the clock to ensure that no detail is overlooked and the client is updated on project status. I-5’s team coordinates the best times with casino management for implementation to occur and often work overnight and off hours so customer flow remains intact and revenues can be generated.  Many casino customers and employees have left for the evening and come back the next morning to find entire sections of the remodel complete.

When all phases are complete and the casino looks like new, the install team walks through each area and performs a quality check to ensure everything looks perfect and the maximum effect for each space is achieved. The end result is a beautiful, new casino environment within the existing building without closing the doors.  By focusing on keeping the doors open during the project, revenues continue to be generated and customers continue to play. The overall effect is a high impact upgrade and happy customers who not only play longer, but communicate to their friends about the new, exciting gaming location. 

As banks and their branches continue to be acquired and sold, it has never been more important for a financial institution to have a resource that can design and implement a clear branding message about who they are and how they serve their new and existing customers. So whether it is a new bank location or new acquisition, a unified and highly-distinctive atmosphere at your retail bank locations is critical. In addition to a clear branding design must be an experienced onsite team that understands how to effectively implement the branding changes without disrupting your customers or business.

I-5 Design and Manufacture has been working with financial institutions across the country to both create a branding image and implement all changeover needs. From effective utilization of the brand’s colors within each branch, to consideration given to maximizing signage and branding display impact, we maximize your message throughout the space. Due to the typical tight timeframes involved with a change-over we can provide banners or prints while the new signage and design components are manufactured. If a complete interior is being changed, our installation experts coordinate the best scenario for your branches which often means implementing the plans overnight or weekends to create a scenario where your staff and customers walk in to an entirely new environment the next day. As banks continue to acquire new assets and branches, the need for a single solution to branding changeovers will continue to grow. In troubling times, it’s good to know there is a resource for high-impact, efficient branch re-branding solutions that focuses on your needs to ensure a well thought out and coordinated plan.    

Did you see the Super Bowl half-time show? Over 150 Million viewers saw The Who perform classic rock’ n’ roll on a large video screen stage. As the show went on arrows flew across the stage and the band’s logo flashed, animated and spun. Many commentators have said that the stage was as amazing as the show itself.

I-5 Design and Manufacture has been implementing these types of fully programmable color changing LED lighting systems into décor and signage. Your exterior can be turned into a dynamic billboard creating an atmosphere around your business with the ability to convey your message with the fullest impact; as subtle or as exciting as you want. Whether it is an exterior display that is programmed with full video or animation, or interior décor and signage to produce an ever changing and dynamic environment, your business will never appear static or boring.

For one project we utilized a large scale implementation of fully programmable color changing led light bars to create a landmark display that was able to show video and any custom animation. From an American flag waving on the 4^th of July to silhouetted horses galloping across the night sky; the effect is as breath-taking as it is effective.  Because the LED light bars in this application were considered architectural perimeter lighting, maximum visibility could be achieved without falling under the signage restrictions of the municipal sign codes. This can be an extremely effective solution when permitting makes it difficult to achieve the impact your building needs. This technology is also incredibly flexible, from a circular stage to a gigantic video screen/sign - literally anything is possible with programmable color changing LED. For more information about cutting-edge, high impact décor, theming and signage, visit i5design.com

In a tight economy Americans are still dining out, but less often. That trend has heated competition among restaurants, and a smart interior and exterior design plays a key role in ratcheting up the dining experience and capturing competitive advantage.

Successful restaurant owners are defining the markets they serve by seeking grassroots ways to determine what their customers want.  How? By asking them.  Are they comfortable while dining?  Is the décor pleasing? Is the noise level appropriate? How’s the food, the service, the overall ambiance?

Customers are usually approachable and will offer their take on the dining experience at your establishment.  And they also may give you valuable feedback on what they like and don’t like about the design of other eateries they frequent.

If you’re creating a new restaurant, your competition can be helpful by providing opportunities to observe successful design in action.  Evaluate what elements are working or not working for them and determine how you can turn what you learn into competitive advantage.

Whether to get into the gaming business is one of the largest economic decisions a tribal organization can make.  The choice of design and construction partners to plan and complete the project will depend on many factors.  But professionals who deal effectively and sensitively with cultural aspects in designing a tribe’s gaming venue will likely gain competitive advantage for new and repeat projects.

Native American cultures incorporate natural elements, colors, textures and animal lore.  Different tribes may favor different animal totems and each has its own prohibitions on elements used in design and decor.  For one Pacific Northwest tribe, feathers, or their stylistic representation, must never touch the ground.  This prohibition would play a role when designers select floor coverings for a gaming or other tribal venue.

Working with tribal organizations requires designers to hone their listening skills and do exacting research.  Successful projects can hinge on accurate reflections of a tribe’s cultural heritage in design strategies.

In retail, getting customers in your door is a promising first step.  But engaging them with design elements and subtly directing them around and through your space can prompt longer shopping times and more purchases.

Designated themed areas spotlight items linked by use, color, origin, or other distinguishing features.  Dramatic lighting focuses attention on displays that draw customer interest. Strategically placed way-finding signage directs customer flow to featured items and encourages buying.

Leveraging the power of appealing design and smart customer flow can boost profitability. In planning your retail environment – whether a new construction or a remodel – ensure that customers can easily find their way to merchandise you want to sell and they want to buy.

The exterior façade of your building defines your business on multiple levels. It can provide initial answers to questions potential customers consider as they decide whether to enter your doors:  Will I find what I want here?  Is this my kind of place? Will I feel comfortable being here?  Will I want to return here again?

First impressions are often lasting impressions.  That’s why as the first visual representation of your brand, your façade design can create both positive and negative expectations in potential customers. 

Attention to design detail and putting yourself in a customer’s place can tip the scales in your favor.  If it rains a lot in your location, or if the sun generates glare and heat, consider a roof awning as part of your façade design.

If your site is surrounded by traditional and conservative architecture, a glitzy exterior may not be the right design solution.  If your targeted customers expect you to provide a certain style and quality of products and services, presenting a façade design at odds with those expectations will not earn you new and repeat business.

It’s been said that you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. All the more reason to put the right face on your business when you build or remodel.