Signage projects can often feel like complex puzzles, with multiple pieces that must fit together perfectly. From design to installation, the process is traditionally fragmented, requiring clients to juggle different vendors and teams. But as Brent Cobb from the Carolinas office at Modulex explains, the Design + Build process changes all that. Combining design and construction into one streamlined solution ensures better collaboration, faster timelines, and a better client experience.
“With the traditional method, we were always responding to someone else’s designs,” Brent says. “You’d just get a set of plans, maybe some drawings, and then you’d be one of many vendors bidding on the same project. There was no opportunity to shape the vision. But with Design + Build, we’re involved from day one.”
Cost-efficiency and Simplified Coordination
One of the standout benefits of the Design + Build approach is its cost-efficiency; as Brent explains: “When clients hire an outside design firm, they’re paying premium prices. By offering in-house design, we cut that cost significantly. Not to mention, it simplifies coordination for the client. Instead of juggling multiple teams, they get everything under one roof—design, manufacturing, and installation. It’s a one-stop shop.”
This simplified coordination is particularly beneficial for contractors. “They’re dealing with enough moving parts already,” Brent adds. “Having just one partner handle everything related to signage is a huge relief. It makes the entire process more efficient, and they appreciate that.”
Early Collaboration = Fewer Delays
Brent points out that early collaboration between the design and construction teams prevents costly delays and changes during installation. “We push to get a complete submittal package approved early—everything from the sign designs to the location plans. That way, when the walls start going up, we know where every sign will go, how they’ll be mounted, and what electrical components are needed.”
This proactive approach prevents the all-too-common scenario of walls being closed off before the necessary signage infrastructure is in place. “If we don’t get that information early, you end up with situations where you have to go back and open up walls or rework installations. That’s expensive and frustrating for everyone involved.”
Building Stronger Relationships Through Collaboration
For Brent, one of the most rewarding aspects of the Design + Build process is the trust it fosters with clients. “When you’re involved from the beginning, you become a partner in the project, not just a vendor. Clients see you as a collaborator, and that builds trust. They’re more likely to return to you for future projects because they’ve experienced the difference firsthand.”
He emphasizes that this collaborative approach is not just about getting the project done; it’s about creating lasting relationships. “When you’re working side-by-side with clients throughout the process, they know you have their best interests in mind. That’s not something you get with a traditional bid-based project.”
The Future of Design + Build
As the Design + Build method continues to grow in popularity, Brent is confident it’s the future of signage. “We’re seeing more and more clients opt for this approach because it saves them time, money, and a lot of headaches. It’s a more streamlined process from start to finish, and at the end of the day, that’s what everyone wants—efficiency and a high-quality result.”
Looking forward, he sees the process evolving even further with technology. “As we incorporate more tech solutions into the design phase, like virtual reality for previewing signage installations, it’s only going to get more efficient. The future is about integrating tools that make the process smoother for everyone involved.”
Brent Cobb’s insights into the Design + Build process reveal how this approach transforms how signage projects are handled—from concept to completion. The process ensures a better experience, fewer delays, and better overall outcome by simplifying collaboration and involving clients from the earliest stages. As Brent puts it, “We’re not just putting up signs; we’re crafting an experience that’s efficient, flexible, and focused on delivering real value.”
About Brent
With over 30 years of experience in the design and manufacturing industry and over nine years with the Carolinas office at Modulex, Brent Cobb, Sales Executive, is a seasoned expert in signage solutions. His extensive background spans diverse sectors, including higher education, healthcare, multifamily housing, corporate environments, and retail spaces. Brent is known for his practical approach to sales, focusing on understanding his client’s needs and delivering tailored solutions that align with their specific project goals.
