PG 18 10 Signage Design Manual May 16, 2023
Introduction
VA Signage
PG-18-10
May, 16, 2023
designmanual Section 1.1.1 1
PG 18-10 Signage Design Manual May 16, 2023
Forward Introduction
VA Program Offices, project teams, designers, and constructors, are obligated to make the most effective and
efficient use of resources, by providing a continuum of safe, secure, high quality, high performance, and high value
environments of care and service for Veterans. The VA Office of Construction and Facilities Management (CFM)
supports the Department's mission through development and application of standards as a basis for disciplined
planning, design, and construction of VA facilities. VA Standards are the culmination of a partnership among the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the VA Administrations, Program Officials, Clinicians, Industry, Academic and
Research Organizations, Expert Consultants, and the Office of Construction and Facilities Management. VA
Standards are developed through integration of VA-specific requirements, Federal law and regulation,
benchmarking of industry best practice, evidence-based research and design, and value-based analysis of leading-
edge innovation. The result is the establishment of best value standards which provide the basis of functionality,
quality, performance, safety, security, and compliance, while enhancing life cycle value of facilities throughout the
VA environment of care and service.
The VA Technical Information Library (TIL) (www.cfm.va.gov/TIL) provides standards for all VA planning, design,
and construction projects. VA TIL Standards are required to be utilized by project teams working on new
construction and renovations of existing facilities. VA Standards will maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of
the planning and design process, facilitate a high level of design, while controlling design, construction, operating,
and maintenance costs.
For all VA projects, project teams must comply with the following in all phases of project development:
1) All applicable VA Standards published in the VA Technical Information Library (TIL) must be applied as a basis,
foundation, and framework in planning, design, and construction. Any substantial variance from Standards shall be
considered only as required to accommodate specific site, functional, and operational conditions. Upon
consideration of variance CFM shall be consulted, and each Administration will function as Authority Having
Jurisdiction for decision. Each substantial variance shall have a basis rationale and be documented in the project
record.
2) Clinicians, providers, primary users, and other stakeholders shall be involved in all phases of project development
to best adapt Standards for specific functional, operational, and site conditions, and to provide optimum service
environments for Veterans. This includes installations and modifications of systems or technology involving safety,
security, functionality, or environmental quality. Stakeholder involvement shall be documented in the project record.
VA TIL Standards are not project specific. Each site and project will have unique requirements or conditions. Site-
specific issues must be addressed within the context of these Standards and applied to each individual project. Use
of these Standards does not preclude the need for, nor absolve planners, designers, and constructors of their
responsibility to provide complete, functional, high quality, high performance, safe, and secure designs suited to the
unique requirements of each project, within budget, and on schedule. Materials, equipment and systems are shown
in an illustrative, performance-based format and are not intended to depict, suggest, or otherwise constitute
endorsement of any specific product or manufacturer. Manufacturers should be consulted for actual dimensions,
configurations, and utility requirements. For additional information regarding the VA Technical Information Library
and development and application of VA planning, design, and construction standards, please contact Donald L.
Myers, Director, Facilities Standards Service.
Donald L. Myers, AIA, NCARB, AAH, ASHE
Director, Facilities Standards Service
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Office of Construction and Facilities Management
Section 1.1.1 2
PG 18-10 Signage Design Manual May 16, 2023
Summary Introduction
This detailed program manual provides baseline standards and criteria for the
design of signage and wayfinding programs at VA owned and leased facilities.
Executive Summary
This VA Signage Design Manual is a revision of the previous Design Guide
published in December 2012.
The VA Signage Design Manual includes revisions, which are the result of new
sign products, new sign manufacturing techniques and materials, regulatory
changes, expansion of VA facilities, procedural changes, and practical knowledge
gained from field experience. Revision of this manual has been a collaborative
effort, with input from medical center staff, Department of Veterans Affairs, Health
Administration, National Cemetery Administration, and Veterans Benefits
Administration program officials including designers, fire and safety, security, and
law enforcement.
This Manual includes sections to assist VA facilities planning and/ or implementing
signage projects of various sizes and complexities. It provides guidance for the
development of a signage system that assists VA customers and staff as they
approach the property, locate buildings, and navigate to destinations within the
facility. These sections educate program officials, designers, and planners on
identifying the need for a signage program and describes implementation
processes and procedures. The manual also provides in-depth information on
wayfinding methodologies and the importance of a cohesive wayfinding master
plan.
Structure of the Manual
The manual is composed of four primary Sections containing new content and
information from the previous version that has been consolidated and updated to
improve readability and meet the practical needs of modern signage projects. Each
Section covers different aspects of the signage process from planning through
implementation.
Section 1: Planning, Wayfinding, and Technology
Foundational information about planning and implementing a signage project,
principles of wayfinding, and how technology can assist with signage and
wayfinding.
Section 2: Sign Type Guidelines
Helpful guidelines, recommendations, and information specific to each category of
signage building on the information detailed in Section 1.
Section 3: Sign Type Drawings
Drawings and specifications for all standard sign types applicable to each category
of signage discussed in Section 2 Sign Type Guidelines (Interior, Code & Life
Safety, Mandatory, Specialty, Exterior, Parking Structures, and Cemetery).
Section 1.1.1 3
PG 18-10 Signage Design Manual May 16, 2023
Introduction
Structure of the Manual
(Continued)
Section 4: Supplementary Information
Standard design elements, including the specifications for use of the VA logo,
typeface, and color palettes. It also includes supplemental information about
Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) requirements for signage, VA department
nomenclature, room and floor renumbering, frequently asked questions (FAQ),
sign drawing index, and glossary of terms.
What’s Changed
Universal Changes:
• Changed from “Design Guide” to “Design Manual” to reflect the document’s
purpose more accurately.
• Transitioned the document per VA requirements to Microsoft Word to meet
accessibility guidelines.
• Added hyperlinks throughout the document to easily reference other
sections and websites.
• Streamlined layout and titling systems.
• The Manual now fully follows Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) requirements.
• Added & modified sign types in all categories.
• All narratives and notations have been revised or re-written.
Changes to Content:
• Section 02 “Need a Sign Program” from 2012 is now Section 1.1 “Planning
a Sign System.” The entire section has been overhauled to align more
closely with modern VA signage projects and provide more practical
guidelines and suggestions. It covers the entire process from evaluating
existing conditions to planning and implementing a sign program, hiring a
firm, and reviewing submittals.
• New Section 1.2 “Fundamentals of Wayfinding” is added to help readers
understand basic principles of successful wayfinding design such as the
different categories of wayfinding, and components that make up a
wayfinding master plan.
• New Section 1.3 “Signage and Wayfinding Technology” is added to inform
readers of the current technologies and processes relevant to digital
wayfinding and signage fabrication.
• Sections 04 through 12 from 2012 have been completely reorganized and
consolidated into two sections, separating the narrative guidelines from the
sign type drawings. Section 2 “Sign Type Guidelines” and Section 3 “Sign
Type Drawings”. Sign categories in both have been prioritized to align with
typical VA signage projects.
• Section 2 “Sign Type Guidelines”
- Each sign category in Section 2 is consistently structured to
provide specific guidelines and suggestions for Planning,
Programming, and Implementation. All narratives from 2012
have been revised and updated.
Section 1.1.1 4
PG 18-10 Signage Design Manual May 16, 2023
Introduction
What’s Changed (Continued)
• Section 3 “Sign Type Drawings”
- Each sign category in Section 3 has been updated to include
new and revised sign drawings and notations.
- Improved note consistency and information for increased clarity.
- Imperial dimensions have been prioritized over metric.
- Changes to mandatory VA policy and directives have been
incorporated.
- Sign types have been added, removed, and revised from all
categories to reflect the modern needs of VA facilities.
• Section 4 Supplementary Information
- The “Design Elements” section has been updated to clarify ABA
requirements, and revised guidelines for using typography, VA
logo and seal, arrows, and colors.
- “Room Renumbering” has been moved to this section with
revised narratives.
- A “FAQ” section has been included to help readers find quick
answers to many common questions.
Section 1.1.1 5
