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The wonderful world of windows, walls and all things architectural
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By Rob Ivers
Rob Ivers owns Rob Ivers Inc. (Raymore, MO), a vehicle graphics and installation company. He’s installed vinyl since 1978 and taught vinyl-graphics installation since 1993. For more information, visit www.robivers.com
Architectural graphics encompass walls, windows, floors and more. I’ve also decorated tabletops, store fixtures and coolers, just to name a few. I really enjoy these projects because they pay well, and they’re usually completed indoors, so weather isn’t a problem.
However, all vinyl-graphics jobs present challenges. With architectural-graphic jobs, construction delays, which lead to frequent rescheduling, often occur. Sometimes, it’s difficult to determine whether lifts, scaffolding or any installation equipment will allow you to safely navigate the jobsite. And, the work must almost always be completed “after hours.”
On the other hand, architectural graphics also offer considerable upside. Most such graphics involve flat-surface application, which simplifies design and installation. Vehicle wraps now receive most industry hoopla, but architectural graphics offer a quicker return on investment.
-->In a tough economy, it’s tempting to just take whatever work comes in the door. But, if not enough new business arrives, or what does arrive isn’t profitable, maybe it’s time to walk out your door and look around. Would any businesses in your area benefit from a wall mural, some lively window graphics, or maybe a seasonal floor graphic? I think you’ll find more opportunities than you can imagine. If you find any blank walls, windows, or floors, consider them graphics waiting to happen! A friend told me he hates blank spaces and has made money filling them.
All on the wall
I’ve installed hundreds of wall murals. Some are long-term solutions for stores and restaurants, whereas others provide temporary graphics for museum exhibits or barricade graphics that conceal ongoing construction. For instance, Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, is undergoing a major renovation. The team is taking advantage of 3M’s IJ 8624, which is designed for brick and other rough surfaces, to order hundreds of new graphics that decorate cinder block, concrete walls and columns. I’m not directly involved, but I trained some of the installers and have served as an onsite consultant a few times.
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