From Creative Design Solutions to Installation: Transforming Spaces with Branded Graphics

Recently, Bolton and Menk, an engineering, design, and planning solutions company asked BIG INK to collaborate on interior and exterior corporate branding at their multiple locations throughout the upper Midwest. From initial design to production to installation, BIG INK worked closely with their team to deliver creative design solutions with a cohesive look and visual impact, while considering the unique architecture of each building.

Dave Breiter, Bolton and Menk’s Visual Communications Director | Associate, discusses the collaboration with BIG INK’s Creative Solutions Team during a recent Q and A session.

What core values or message do you want your interior space to communicate to clients and staff?

We approach the design of our interior office spaces with two guiding principles: a commitment to excellence in serving our clients, and a deep appreciation for the dedication of our team. We want our space to reflect a culture of professionalism, integrity, and collaboration, where clients feel confident in our capabilities, and staff feel valued, inspired, and empowered to do their best work.

Who are your primary visitors—clients, partners, or mostly staff? 

Primarily it is our employees occupying the spaces we design. However, we do have clients come through from time to time as well.

How do you envision the balance between functionality and aesthetics in the space?

We strive for a balance of thoughtful branded elements throughout the spaces we design that are not overpowering or obtrusive but provide staff with an understanding of the core values of the company and a feel for the company brand throughout their day. We keep the design and installation of the graphic elements simple, so they don’t hamper staff members’ day-to-day performance in the space.

How well do you feel the printed elements reflect your brand and company values?

The printed elements BIG INK produced and installed absolutely reflect our brand and values. They followed our brand guide and produced elements that not only aligned with elements we had previously produced and installed in other locations but also pushed the boundaries of the brand to give us new options to try going forward.

How was your experience working through initial concept designs, etc?

My experience working with BIG INK on the initial concept designs was my absolute favorite part of the process. Coming off a bad experience with a previous vendor I was a little gun shy and wanted to make sure we were going to be compatible. Normally we would design all the branded elements that go into our offices ourselves within our in-house creative team, but for our first venture with BIG INK, I challenged them with a blank slate. I gave them the freedom to design the office space how they thought it would be best suited based on our brand guide and what we had done in other office locations. They totally hit it out of the park. Like I said earlier, they kept everything within brand but pushed it enough that it shaped some of the elements that we have, and will continue to install in other offices. It was fun to collaborate with them and watch them work with the blank canvasses of our space.

What kind of feedback have you received from staff, visitors, or clients about the interior branding?

The feedback we have received on the artwork in the offices that BIG INK has worked with us on has been positive. People are happy with how well the look of the items installed and how well they adhere to our brand coincide with the overall aesthetics of the office space.

Did the final result meet your expectations in terms of timeline, quality, and visual impact?

The overall visual impact of the items BIG INK produced and installed is great. With every project of this type, you run into hiccups. I’ve worked in the industry long enough to know they are unavoidable. How I gauge the success of a project or the impact those hiccups have on a partnership is how a vendor handles themselves in the face of those issues that come up. Our initial project with BIG INK was no exception. There were issues with materials, and hardware and things somewhat out of anyone’s control. However, when these issues came up, Monique met with me directly, in person, to talk through options for how they could solve the issues (to the point of even climbing up into the ceiling herself to check some hardware). When parts needed to be ordered and were taking a long time to come in and I was getting frustrated, Monique communicated regularly with me what the status was and that they were doing what they could and that they were developing a backup plan if the parts took much longer. This level of communication and collaboration was something I had rarely found when working with other sign vendors and it’s what kept me in collaboration with BIG INK. We have worked together on a few other location installations since that first space and everything has run incredibly smoothly. Deadlines have been communicated up front and hit, and the quality is fantastic.

And finally, can you explain a little bit about what its been like working with Team LAMB, aka “The Wonder Twins”?” 

I can honestly say I’ve never had more fun working with a vendor than I have with Lesley and Monique. “The Wonder Twins” are a perfect mix of sharp professionalism and hilarious banter, making every project feel like a collaboration with friends who just happen to be incredibly good at what they do. Their communication is top-notch, and they’re not afraid to speak up when something we’re asking for is outdated or just doesn’t make sense, which I genuinely appreciate. From my very first meeting with Monique, when I said I was looking for a true signage partner, BIG INK has absolutely delivered.

In Conclusion

A BIG thank you to Dave Breiter of Bolton and Menk for taking the time to discuss this project in depth. It’s projects such as this that showcase BIG INK’s capabilities from creative solutions to production and finally installation. Choosing the right partner for a collaboration can make a ordinary project extraordinary. BIG INK continues to strive to Genuinely Care and Create Delight with our partners – two of our core values as a company.