It’s no mystery that lighting shapes every space we enter. The real question is: does the architecture respond? Does it reflect, bend, and echo that element through thoughtfully planned materials, structure, and illumination?

Exterior signage is a big part of our first impression and is the bow that ties up a building’s call to enter. The collection of lighting, signage, and art on the outside sets the tone and carries that energy throughout the entire property. Interior lighting and signage are not just finishing touches; they’re focal points. Whether bold or understated, these factors carry weight. They speak emotion, anchor identity, and transform space into experience.

What’s the energy of the space, and what visual story are we hoping to tell from the moment someone steps in, to how their eye travels from corner to corner without a word spoken? Like a great book, design should pull us in completely. It should help guide us, immerse us, and keep us inside - not snap us out with confusion or disharmony, but deliver that quiet feeling of applause when everything hits just right.

A few things to keep in mind when integrating signage and lighting into architectural design:

Involve them early. The earlier these elements are brought into the conversation, the more intentional and integrated they feel. Every detail should enhance and bounce off one another versus competing or sticking out as an afterthought.

Materials tell a story. Every material, texture, and color, carries energy through space. And each step in the fabrication process adds to that – like the difference between a hand sculpted ceramic and something mass-produced. Behind every design choice are people and craftsmanship, shaping not just the details, but the soul of the entire environment.

Function can be beautiful. Providing crucial building information doesn’t have to be dull. Design choices should be made to last, and that includes elements like wayfinding. What may seem minor often becomes what people interact with most. So make it exciting, thoughtful, and even luxurious. Creativity in the “small” things always gets noticed.

Stand out without disrupting the flow. The best work speaks for itself and adds to the story without stealing the show. Most spaces aren't meant to be one-time spectacles, but lasting havens that invite people to return and experience the magic repeatedly.

We’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some phenomenal architectural and design firms over the years. Their vision paired with our expertise in lighting, signage and art installations has resulted in environments that are both intentional and unforgettable. Here are a few project examples:

BOXWOOD

The Cove

Whether arriving by foot, car, or even boat, The Cove is the destination for a stylish and memorable night centered around fine wine and a curated mix of classic and new bottle selections. Designed by Boxwood and in collaboration with our team, the signage package captures the refined yet approachable feel of the brand. The corner entry sign is made from white acrylic lamp post globes positioned behind clear acrylic letters overlaid with digitally printed translucent vinyl and protected with UV laminate. The secondary signage complements the aesthetic of The Cove with its minimal sizing and style, fabricated from aluminum with back-lit aluminum lettering, and secured by lag bolts into the building structure.

Avennia

We worked with Boxwood on their concept for Avennia at their Red Mountain Estate location. This winery in Benton City, WA allows people the opportunity to dive deep into their world and connect from vine to glass in their beautiful setting. We fabricated four signs for this location, three external and one internal. Two monument signs were created for the exterior. One features a rust orange steel structure with flat cut aluminum lettering and delicate reeds cuts through the face to reveal background nature in their logo all year round. On the face of the building, we added a dimensional wall sign made from routed aluminum, finished in a bold black gloss. Inside, we fabricated and installed laser-cut letters with a refined blackened finish, adding a subtle layer of sophistication to the interior branding.

Follow Boxwood projects on Instagram.

NINE dot ARTS

The Spoke

This art installation for The Spoke, curated by Nine Dot Arts and designed by Tireman Studio, consists of 18 steel panels arranged across three sections, each soaring nearly 14’ high and installed with precision using a Western Crane. Each steel panel was intricately cut to create open spaces and finished with a powder-coated texture that mimics natural elements. Blending art, architecture, and The Spoke’s environmental awareness, this piece transforms industrial materials into a sculptural expression of sustainability and place.

WA 1000

We worked along with SuttonBeresCuller to bring their vision for Nine Dot Arts and Washington 1000 to life, hand fabricating 1 neon installation for their lobby and 3 neon tower sculptures for an exterior rooftop space. The lobby installation consists of 8 double-sided 16”x12” trees made from aluminum with clear acrylic faces and an aluminum retainer painted green and illuminated on both sides by 10mm green hand bent neon. To emphasize the feel of the forest, these trees were arranged at random and surrounded by greenery after installation.

The three neon tower sculptures defy logic and explore imaginative combinations of weather and natural elements, full of Pacific Northwest whimsy. One sculpture featuring symbols for wind, a mountain and a wave crashing over it is 9 feet tall. The other two are 14.5 feet tall, one featuring a tree, the sun, and a raincloud over a fire pit. The final sculpture, which might spark the most curiosity, displays a fish under an umbrella with a pinecone over the top. The challenging aspect to these sculptures is the way they are arranged to fit, stacked over each other, and all facing different directions to add energy and dimension to the collection.

Follow Nine Dot Arts projects on Instagram.

Graham Baba Architects

REN Seattle / Lobby Bar / Tutta Bella / Social Fabric Market

A standout project was our partnership with Graham Baba Architects for REN Seattle, also home to Lobby Bar, Social Fabric, and Tutta Bella. Together, we crafted a cohesive visual experience across multiple storefronts while celebrating the unique identity of each brand. The illuminated exterior canopy signage acts as a beacon, guiding patrons and setting the tone for the vibrant experiences within. Under-canopy blade signs add elegance and enhance visibility, ensuring each venue shines within the dynamic REN Building. The signage incorporates a mix of materials, thoughtfully chosen to emulate the diversity and layered nature of the shared space. Welcoming door vinyl greets visitors with a sense of warmth and hospitality. Inside, a custom mural display adds an artistic flourish that reflects the distinct character and ethos of each space.

Follow GBA projects on Instagram.

SkB Architects

Rocky Pond

WN was honored to partner with Boxwood, an integrated design studio, and SkB Architects, a full-service architecture and interior design firm for multiple Rocky Pond projects. Boxwood and SkB brought dynamic concepts that encompassed their vision of Rocky Pond's tasting room in Woodinville, WA. Together, we developed detailed designs that aligned seamlessly with the architecture and overall atmosphere of the space. The WN team was thrilled to fabricate and install three exterior signs and thirteen interior elements. This ranged from environmental graphics, custom blackened steel architectural details, laser-cut wayfinding elements, and exterior illuminated signage.

Stantec

Another notable project with SkB was for Stantec, a global leader in sustainable consulting and community-focused mission. We brought SkB’s concept to fruition, creating a cohesive package that reflected both the brand’s identity and the purpose-driven spirit of the space.

Follow SkB Architects projects on Instagram.

Western Neon creates custom signage, interiors, and public art. With 40 years of experience, we make your vision a success from the first idea to the finishing touch. Start a project today!