Rapidly developing LED technology is making it possible not only to perform the same lighting tasks better, but also creating brand new lighting applications, previously unheard of. In the field of décor and theming, LED lighting systems are being combined with specialty materials such as I-5 Sculpt Metal and I-5 Sculpt Wall to create unique and powerful lighting effects that have not been seen before. The multi-layered, color-changing nature of these custom designed systems make it possible to create just the right feel for a given space – from the calming motion effect needed in a spa setting or upscale hotel lobby to the most vibrant colors and playful dynamics desired in a gaming or entertainment venue.

“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.