Totem Signage – Architectural Statements with Purpose and Presence
Totem signage plays a dual role in the built environment, acting as both a bold brand landmark and a high-function visual guide; More than simple identification, a well-designed totem becomes a permanent architectural marker, anchoring a site with clarity, authority and distinction. We engineer totems that balance structural performance with design expression, manufactured at our Excelsior House facility using premium materials, precision fabrication and advanced illumination solutions tailored for commercial, retail, transport and multi-use environments.
Totems as Vertical Brand Architecture
A totem sign acts as a three-dimensional brand beacon, visible from distance, instantly recognisable and capable of communicating identity before a visitor reaches the door. Modern totems integrate illumination, graphics, digital interfaces or bespoke architectural finishes to create a cohesive arrival experience; Their height, proportion and placement are carefully considered to maximise visibility, comply with planning requirements and reinforce the architectural language of the site. For businesses requiring strong visual impact and clear wayfinding across busy or expansive spaces, totems remain the preferred choice.
Engineered for Longevity, Stability & External Performance
Totem signs operate in exposed outdoor environments where durability and structural integrity are vital, NES combines fabricated metalwork, steel frameworks, engineered foundations and certified illumination systems to ensure consistent performance across:- High-traffic commercial sites
- Retail parks and roadside environments
- Corporate campuses and multi-building developments
Scale, Visibility & Impact
Large-format totems deliver maximum presence, often forming the primary visual anchor within a development; Their scale enables high-level communication, from illuminated branding to directional guidance, while providing clear sightlines across car parks, forecourts or roadside entrances.- Landmark visibility across wide viewing distances
- Clear wayfinding for vehicles and pedestrians
- Strong brand statement achieved through height, lighting and proportional design
Communication with Flexibility & Intelligence
Digital totems merge architectural presence with dynamic digital capability; Ultra-bright, IP-rated displays offer year-round daylight visibility, while sealed enclosures protect hardware from weather, temperature changes and vandalism, touchscreen interfaces can be incorporated to provide interactive wayfinding, marketing or customer-engagement functions.- Interactive engagement for navigation or real-time updates
- Flexible communication with instant content changes
- Future-ready functionality that evolves with technology
Bespoke Forms for Premium Identity
Signature totems push beyond standard geometry to create a distinctive design language; We manufacture sculpted, multi-plane and non-standard forms using advanced fabrication techniques, premium finishes and custom illumination details.- Exclusive design identity
- Bespoke form and finish aligned with architectural intent.
- Memorable visual impact that reinforces brand value
Versatile Signage for Modern Environments
Totem signage remains a preferred architectural solution due to its ability to unify brand expression, wayfinding clarity and external durability within a single vertical structure; Whether driven by impact, digital capability or bespoke design ambition, totem signage plays a vital role in shaping the visual identity of contemporary sites.
Typical Totem Signage Process
Consultation
Following your initial brief consultation we will review your requirements and propose construction options based on your budget, environment and project constraints whilst keeping in line with your brand identity, we then provide a fully itemised quotation for the proposed works.
Structural Calculations
Once a proposed construction detail and sizing are agreed and following instruction to proceed with works we will if required conduct a site survey to assess site constraints, review access requirements, ground conditions and undertake CAT scanning if required, this information is passed to our design office who will then appoint our structural engineer team to produce a full structural report including foundation and wind-loading calculations to suit survey information and client agreed construction proposal. Following the structural engineers report, we will prepare detailed construction drawings from this for client approval to enable us to commence manufacture.
Groundworks
In advance of installation we can complete all required groundworks, including the manufacture of any steel root cages specified in the structural engineer’s report along with carrying out required excavation and concrete foundation requirements which should be completed approximately 30 days before works are due to be installed to allow the concrete to fully cure.
Manufacture
All our structural steel frameworks and totem signage components are fully fabricated at our Excelsior House manufacturing facility, once fabrication is complete, we fully assemble the totem, conduct illumination and quality checks where required and prepare the totem sign for delivery to site ensuring that everything that can be completed within factory conditions is carried out to make installation on site as smooth as it can possibly be.
Logistics
Working with our logistics partners we can schedule delivery to site ensuring the totem arrives exactly when our installation team requires it, we utilise HIAB crane lorries, mobile cranes and various logistical vehicles and machinery to ensure even the most difficult of installations can be achieved.
Installation
Our professional and dedicated installation teams have many years experience with these bespoke installations, once the final electrical connections are made by the site electrical engineer where required, our team will then conduct full testing and cleaning of the finished works; We can also complete any required surrounding ground repairs or reinstatements.
