Creative

design, prototype, collaborate

We offer the ideal balance between creativity and practical translation expertise

A 3D letter "E" with pink sides and blue top outlined in yellow.

Unmatched creativity combined with expert product knowledge

Our designers deliver the perfect blend of creativity and practical knowledge for your branded signage solutions

Each member of the design team demonstrates a deep understanding of sign-making and the creative opportunities available through the careful use of materials, color, and illumination.

This expertise allows them to provide enhanced consultancy in developing effective signage schemes. Their practical knowledge, combined with direct access to the shopfloor, enables them to drive innovation, oversee sampling, and deliver solutions that balance aesthetics with budget considerations.

astley’s studio regularly wins work through its unique practical implementation insight, working within a manufacturing environment. Our designers understand opportunities but also limitations when it comes to actually making the product, achieving the ideal balance between aesthetics and sign specification. From survey interpretation to manufacture-ready, compliant drawings by our in-house technical team, we offer the ideal solution for any type of program.

Alex explains how the design process helps transform ideas into practical, impactful signage solutions.

Don't take our word for it, hear from Alex himself

Person working at a desk with dual monitors displaying a presentation and a spreadsheet.

No artwork? No problem

We understand that clients may have an idea of how they want their brand, wayfinding or experiential graphics to look, but aren’t sure about the finer details. Our in-house design team can work as an extension to your own, learning about your brand characteristics, values, and how these can translate into your physical space.

Illuminated large 'W' sign on workbench in industrial workshop with tools and equipment; overhead lighting and surrounding piping visible.

Not sure what materials to select?

Don’t worry – our design team work with our procurement and manufacturing teams to help develop the exact aesthetic you are looking for. Our prototyping service offers clients the valuable opportunity to review materials, finishes, colour and illumination before proceeding to manufacture.

A computer monitor displays a technical drawing with detailed measurements and the word "staycity.

Know what you want and just need it made?

Our in-house technical team work with our design and manufacturing departments, translating concepts into manufacture-ready solutions.

With BS EN 1090 certification, our team work closely with structural engineers to ensure every shopfloor drawing meets legislative requirements – guaranteeing a safe build and installation.

Our creative services include:

A worker in a high-visibility jacket labeled "astley" inspects a BP fuel station sign displaying fuel prices: Regular Unleaded at 119.9, Regular Diesel at 123.9, and Ultimate Diesel at 168.9. The sign also features branding for Costa Express.
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Capturing accurate site data is key to successful branding. With a UK-wide network of surveyors and engineers, Astley ensures every project starts with the right insight.

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Black sign with yellow text "staycity*" and mirrored reflections on the wall below.
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Trialing a new concept, planning a rebrand or simply refreshing a specification warrants exploration at the design stage.

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A computer monitor displays architectural plans with technical drawings and text, labeled "AJ Bell" and "astley.
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Trialing a new concept, planning a rebrand or simply refreshing a specification warrants exploration at the design stage.

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Open booklet displaying branding specifications for "staycity" with logos, color schemes, and design layouts.
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Trialing a new concept, planning a rebrand or simply refreshing a specification warrants exploration at the design stage.

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Large, intricately carved wooden sculpture mounted on a wall with horizontal wooden slats.
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Whether it’s a highly bespoke, experiential solution or a large rollout program of works, our teams offer award-winning solutions.

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Why choose us?

Practical knowledge

Our designers offer enhanced practical knowledge of how product is made, meaning that concepts they propose to clients can actually be made, can meet a budget and are value engineered.

Partnership & collaboration

Our studio can act as an extension to a client’s own marketing / brand team, collaborating with stakeholders to develop concepts, ensuring that brand guidelines and over-arching brand characteristics are adhered to in the end result.

Expertise

Our design and technical team offer over 25 years of industry expertise, utilising the latest DTP software and hardware to deliver results that balance creativity with practical requirements.

Our process

01

Site visit

Site visits allow our designers to understand challenges on site, discuss brand objectives and capture key information that will drive specifications.
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02

Concept design

If concept design is needed, our team draws on site insights, brand guidelines, and sector research to develop solutions that meet key objectives and budgets—always ensuring designs are practical and buildable.

03

Prototyping

Prototyping, while optional, supports concept development by enabling material sampling – often with a focus on sustainable options -and build input from our Technical Team, ensuring designs are practical and fit for purpose before production.
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04

Technical drawing

Our technical team work alongside our studio to help take concepts into practical, manufacture-ready solutions. Through collaboration with quantity surveyors and structural engineer partners, our team ensures each manufactured sign meets legislative, structural, and site-specific requirements.
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05

Customer journey analysis

For wayfinding design, our team analyses the customer journey, brand identity, and key locations to create a signage family that meets navigational goals while delivering a user-focused, brand-aligned experience.

06

Signage manuals

Our team create comprehensive signage manuals that define asset specifications, materials, dimensions, fixings, and usage rules – providing a clear reference for consistent signage application across any site in the estate.
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07

Site packs

Our team excels at creating site packs, expertly translating brand identity into physical spaces by tailoring signage to each site’s unique characteristics for seamless, effective integration.
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If you’d like to collaborate with our in-house design studio, feel free to get in touch today.

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Our creative team have collaborated on:

Large Sainsbury's store with an Argos sign, glass windows, and a parking lot in front.
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Large, intricately carved wooden sculpture mounted on a wooden slatted wall.
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Large green sign for The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre and Northumberland National Park.
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A brick Coop store with large windows and a green logo on the facade.
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Entrance of a Boots store with pharmacy and beauty sections visible inside a shopping mall.
View client work

Contact Us

We'd love to learn more about your project and how we can help.

If you have a project you'd like to discuss, even if it's still early on in development, our team would be able to advise and consult on a number of key elements for consideration.

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Fill out our contact form below and our team will be in touch!



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