Services

At GDS, we take pride in our work and the services we provide. Whether you know what it is you’re looking for, or if you need to consult with our talented professionals, we are ready to assist in facilitating your signage needs. To learn more about our capabilities and our process, simply choose one of our services below or reach out via our contact page and speak with someone directly. We’re here to help!

Planning

Every successful signage, wayfinding, or environmental design project can be traced back to the planning phase. Regardless of the idea or the need, the effectiveness and impact of any job relies on professional experience to conduct data driven analysis and convert it into a deliberate project plan. GDS values this stage in the process as it ultimately leads to a smoother roll-out for both the client and us.

Features

Utilize all available site documents - floor plans, stacking diagrams, directory listing, etc. - to understand the built environment on paper.
Meet with key personnel to discuss project goals, specific needs, unique challenges, and any other input that will aid in developing the plan.
Conduct a site survey and collect data on existing assets, traffic flow, decision making points, finishes, messaging, etc.
Transfer all observations into a project outline - listing next steps, milestones, intent, and ROI.

Design

Our in-house graphics team combines the information gathered during the planning phase with our client’s vision to create aesthetically pleasing and functional signage systems. Using the research provided, we will compare colors, fonts, and materials in order to produce a design that fits within the environment and branding standards. By keeping up with the modern practices, we can provide the cleanest and most cost effective design solutions available.

Features

Full team of professional graphic, environmental, technical, and exhibit designers.
Consultation services to review desired finishes and drive creative intent.
Accurate photo rendering services showcasing before and after impact of intended design options.
Complete shop drawings including branding guidelines, location plans, specification drawings, and individual asset layouts.
User driven digital design solutions for interactive and static applications.
Members of all industry leading organizations on a global, national, and regional scale.

Estimating

Providing fair and competitive pricing on projects to our client base is the key to establishing long term partnerships. We pride ourselves on staying ahead of the curve on new materials and technologies that will reduce costs so we can pass the savings on to you. While timeline and scope play a role in the estimating process, we also consider value engineering and budget into the equation to control job expenses.

FEATURES

Contract pricing through nationally recognized programs such as GSA, Vizient, and Acurity.
Catalog pricing based on curated family of signs for easy ordering and cost control.
Budget considerations that drive value engineering in the design/fabrication stages of the project process.
Discounts based on recurring business and exclusive partnerships.
Will work with you on payment options, including deposits and terms.

Project Management

From the very start of a project, you have a dedicated project manager who will work with you every step of the way. We keep up with the city and state codes, and provide you with suggestions and on-site assessments to ensure your signage or wayfinding project is done perfectly and on time. GDS is in the business of helping execute a successful project and supporting our client and the work even after the last sign is hung.

features

Staff of certified Project Management Professionals (PMP) with over 50 years of combined industry experience.
Comprehensive knowledge of all national and local regulations pertaining to signage including ADA, NFPA, DOB, DOT, etc.
Utilize cloud based PM software and applications to monitor and communicate project milestones and deliverables.
Multiple members of the ISA Elite Program.
Over 40,000 completed projects within the healthcare, education, hospitality, transportation, commercial, residential and public service industries.

Fabrication

For over 23 years GDS has been at the forefront of implementing modern fabrication practices that translate into elite quality control, aggressive cost savings, and unmatched turnaround times. The team of seasoned craftsmen, who operate the state of the art machinery in our shop, has developed the most optimal system of production and ensures that each asset being handed over to our install technicians meets or exceeds our client’s expectations.

Features

10,000 square feet of shop space for complete interior and exterior fabrication capabilities.
Latest equipment and machinery available within the industry including CNC routers, waterjet cutting, laser engraving, code compliant braillers, paint booth, photopolymer processing, flat bed digital printing, print and cutters, direct color layering systems, etc.
UL certified electrical technicians with experience in neon, fluorescent, and LED lighting systems.
Classically trained sign fabricators with over 50 years of combined industry experience.

Installation

Acting as one of the last steps when completing a project, our install technicians take pride in their job and understand the importance of a clean and professional execution. Their ability to follow through on the project plan while being capable of adjusting to on-site conditions is paramount to the success of a job. The dedicated installers working under our roof bring integrity and critical thinking to each job site while guaranteeing that each sign is hung in a compliant and secure manner.

Features

All team members are OSHA 10 certified and follow all local and national requirements for on-site safety.
Fleet of vehicles including transit vans, extended carrier vans, flatbed trucks, bucket and boom trucks and available cranes.
Certified sign hangers and electricians able to mount any type of sign in any type of interior or exterior condition.
Large format graphic installation and custom vehicle wrapping.
Comply with all ADA/NFPA sign hanging regulations and requirements.