Architectural awnings can do many things for your business. Understanding the possibilities allows you to use your imagination as well as your practical side when designing your awning. Not only will it look better – more distinctive and more appealing – but you’ll get more use from it. And you’ll get a better return on your investment.
Often it’s the little tricks that make a big difference in how architectural awnings look and how well they perform. Here are some tips to ensure you get the best from your awning.
Tip #1: Partner with a pro.
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by all your options – shapes and sizes, the myriad fabrics available, detailing options. Or should you choose an all-metal awning instead? Working with a full-service commercial awning company right from the start assures your awning project will be a success.
Tip #2: Do some reconnaissance.
You know you need or want an awning, but what? Look around as you go about your daily business, making notes about awnings you like – or dislike. Jot down questions to ask your awning expert. You’ll be better prepared to talk to them about your choices. Be ready to show them graphic elements you want to display on your awning, such as your logo or decorative designs.
If you have something specific in mind, sketch it out. (Not a sketch artist? No worries. Your commercial awning pro can easily translate your ideas to the drawing board, or help you dream up some ideas “from scratch.”)
Before you get to the actual design phase, they will want to conduct their own reconnaissance – a site inspection. They’ll check out your building, looking for any physical impediments to awning design and verifying the façade will be able to support your awning’s weight. They’ll look for environmental factors that could also affect the types of materials you should use – does your street carry bus or truck traffic that produces heavy exhaust? Are you at the beach where it’s salty and windy?
They’ll also take in the “look” of your location. Do your business neighbors have awnings? What styles and colors? You’ll want architectural awnings that stand out among the others so your business is easy to find and people can easily tell what you do or sell.
Tip #3: Awnings can do more than shade your windows.
When people think about architectural awnings, they usually picture the traditional attached shade “roofs.” But today’s awnings come in many forms:
- Umbrellas are seasonal favorites that are both practical and decorative.
- Retractable awnings can expand coverage for permanently-installed fixtures.
- Tension structures or canopies that stand alone can define and enhance auxiliary space.
Combining these options with a consistently branded look can help make the most of whatever space you have available.
Tip #4: Think about ways to augment your architectural awnings.
Use awnings indoors to mirror your exterior look, add whimsy, define merchandise areas or customer service stations. Think of them as an enhanced form of signage, just like your outdoor awnings.
Consider window coverings that complement your architectural awnings. Innovative new window films and roller blinds add pizzazz, promote products or services, increase privacy and filter light. They attract extra attention from people right in front of your business, helping draw them inside.
Think 3D. New Yorkers count on Macy’s Herald Square to put interesting things on the roof over their main entrance. It’s an imposing awning, with a flat deck – the perfect place to display decorated Christmas trees, a giant football, a bouquet of larger-than-life flowers. Dunkin Donuts has their famous coffee cup. Many of these eye-catchers are really just “awnings” constructed in the round using the same materials and techniques. You might do something similar, or create something smaller to display indoors.
There’s really no trick to designing great awnings when you have imagination and good advice.
