Case Study: Event Signage – Girton College, University of Cambridge

Project Brief

Girton College commissioned us to create high-quality, branded signage for a special event on their grounds. The signs needed to reflect the college’s prestige, maintain visual impact from a distance, and hold up to outdoor display conditions.

This wasn’t about engraving — it was about bold, clean lettering that stood off the background and commanded attention.

Our Process

🔹 1. Design Setup & Material Planning

Working from provided text and layout references, we designed large-format lettering and smaller directional elements suitable for CNC machining and laser cutting. The goal was to create cut-out lettering that could be applied to timber backing boards, providing depth and contrast.

🔹 2. CNC & Laser Cutting

The larger text elements were machined on our CNC router to ensure sharp edges and uniformity at scale. Smaller components were laser-cut for precision. We used MDF and birch plywood depending on the application.

🔹 3. Finishing & Spraying

All cut letters were sanded smooth and sprayed in our workshop using durable, high-quality paint to achieve a crisp, uniform finish. Once dried, the letters were carefully positioned and adhered to painted timber backing boards, ready for installation on-site.

Outcome

The completed signs delivered the visual clarity and professionalism Girton College needed for their event. The contrast between cut lettering and background created impact from a distance, while the fine finish gave the signage a premium look and feel.

This project highlighted our ability to combine CNC routing, finishing, and installation planning for fast-turnaround, high-profile work.