Course Objectives

Our course, Architectural Sign Programs, will focus on 4 central issues:

• Signs are a small, but important, part of the design program for almost all facilities. We know that signs represent a tiny fraction of a project’s total cost, but we also know they are extremely visible. Unfortunately, signs are often handled as an afterthought and as a result, many sensitively-designed projects are visually diminished by poorly conceived sign programs.
• The design and implementation of an architectural sign program, regardless of the type, size, or complexity of a specific project, is more likely to be successful when a consistent process is followed, and minimum construction document requirements are satisfied.
• Currently, on a majority of projects for which signage is specified by an architect, a consistent process is not followed, and minimum documentation requirements are not met. There are some serious consequences to this fact.
• Architectural sign companies and EGD studios offer a range of services that can be of value to the architect as he approaches the task of creating a well-designed sign program. These services include consultative sales assistance, design, programming and documentation services, and turnkey design-build sign packages.

Our goal is to provide architectural sign firms and EGD studios with an educational tool that can be used to create sales opportunities for their services and products.

Course Information

Title:	Architectural Sign Programs
Number:	IDNTA-01-A
Length:	One hour
Credit:	1.0 HSW (Health, Safety, and Welfare category) Learning Unit

How the Program Works

• Identia will develop AIA/CES registered educational courses and license them to qualified firms (Affiliates). Courses will not promote the Identia Sign System or any other particular products or techniques.
• Identia will perform the bulk of the administrative and record-keeping tasks required by AIA/CES.
• Identia will train course presenters and ensure that they follow AIA/CES policies.
• Affiliates receive an "off-the-shelf" course that is ready to be presented to architects.

Licenses

Identia will issue approximately 100 total licenses.

These licenses will be spread throughout 80 market areas, with the quantity of licenses in each market area corresponding to the size of that market area.

Fees

Basic

• Annual Fee: $1,400.00
• License holder is permitted to present the course within 1 AIA/CES designated region.

Regional

• Annual Fee: $1,700.00
• License holder is permitted to present the course within 2 AIA/CES designated regions.

Regions

New England
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont

Middle Atlantic
New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania

East North Central
Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin

West North Central
Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota

South Atlantic
Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico

East South Central
Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee

West South Central
Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas

Pacific Northwest
Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming

Pacific Southwest
Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah

Course Presenter Qualifications

All license holders must have a broad understanding of the process by which architectural sign programs are designed and implemented. In addition, they must thoroughly understand the course content, and be able to present it in a manner that is professional and consistent with AIA/CES policy.

The license holder’s knowledge should include an understanding of the design process, construction documents, and signage materials and fabrication processes.

Presenters must have the expertise to engage in a consultative sales approach with architects for the purpose of creating a sign program.

What Identia Provides to Licensed Affiliates

• Identia is the liaison with the AIA. As such, Identia will report Session instances and attendance information to the AIA/CES in compliance with AIA/CES standards, as well as retain copies of attendance records for the 6 year period required by many state licensing boards.
• Identia will send out certificates of completion to attendees that request them, or send the certificates to the Affiliate for distribution, depending on Affiliate’s choice.
• Identia will conduct mandatory training for all Course Presenters.
• Identia will provide a customized version of the course slides for each Presenter. The customization includes the Presenter name and company name on first and last slides.
• Identia will provide a Course script.
• Identia will provide written evaluations that Presenters can give to attendees. The evaluations will evaluate both the Presenter as well as the content of the Course.