CRAFTING
PRESENCE
SINCE 1956.
We are a C-45 licensed [1032267] fabricator specializing in the design, permitting, and installation of custom architectural signs for single-location offices, tenant improvements, multi-site brands, and other coordinated commercial projects.
COORD_Y: 122.4194° W
LOC: BAY_AREA_CORE
VER: 69.1.2024
Your 3rd-Generation,
C-45 Licensed Partner
For over 68 years, AGS has been the Bay Area's trusted partner for sign fabrication. We're not a broker; we are a C-45 licensed 1032267 fabricator with an in-house team. This means we manage your entire project, from design and permitting to fabrication and installation, under one roof.
Capabilities
Site Survey & Field Verification
We review the wall surface, substrate, backing conditions, and any structural or electrical requirements before proposing materials.
Drawings & Blueprint Planning
We review drawings, room lists, and finish schedules to define the sign family before production starts.
Design & Permit Coordination
For scopes that need it, we produce fabrication-ready artwork, coordinate permit packages, respond to plan check comments, and track approvals through the finish line.
In-House Fabrication
For work we fabricate, our San Francisco shop gives us quality control and schedule flexibility that keeps production tight.
Install Crew & Field Execution
Our installation crew handles mounting, leveling, and site protection while coordinating with the GC and live jobsite schedule.
Signage Solutions For the Bay Area
Lobby & Office Branding
Make a strong first impression with dimensional logos, reception signs, and branded feature walls sized for single offices, clinics, tenant suites, and larger commercial interiors.
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Monument & Pylon Signs
Architectural entry signage for business parks and tech campuses. We handle all foundation engineering and city zoning requirements.
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ADA & Wayfinding Compliance
Code-compliant tactile room IDs, braille signs, and wayfinding systems for single offices, multi-tenant buildings, and larger commercial properties that need California accessibility standards met cleanly.
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Interior Signage
Lobby signs, room IDs, directories, and wayfinding systems that help office suites, clinics, and tenant improvements look finished from day one.
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Vinyl Graphics & Lettering
Custom vinyl lettering, vehicle wraps, window graphics, and cut vinyl for storefronts and commercial spaces.
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Wall Graphics & Murals
Transform bare corporate walls into branded environments with large-format murals and dimensional displays.
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Window & Privacy Film
Custom frosted vinyl, manifestation graphics, and daylight-friendly privacy film for offices, conference rooms, leased suites, and tenant improvements.
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Sign Design Services
In-house technical design, shop drawings, and finish specs that guarantee your sign can actually be permitted and built.
Learn More →A Full-Service Partner: From Design to Installation
01 Accurate Site Surveys & Code Checks
Accurate Site Surveys & Code Checks
We'll measure, photograph, and map your property lines and building façade, then consult with local planning departments to determine exactly what types of signs are permitted at your location.
02 In-House Design & Permitting
In-House Design & Permitting
Our team creates detailed concepts and shop drawings, ensuring fabrication readiness, while handling all permit applications and compliance reviews with local jurisdictions.
03 Quality Fabrication Backed by 60+ Years
Quality Fabrication Backed by 60+ Years
Signs are built in our Bay Area shop using premium materials and finishes, with quality control at every stage.
04 C-45 Licensed Installation & Maintenance
C-45 Licensed Installation & Maintenance
Our licensed crews install on schedule with minimal disruption, and we offer ongoing maintenance programs.
Let's Start Your Sign Project
Our team is ready to help bring your vision to life from design to installation.
Our Work in the Bay Area
A selection of recent sign projects across the SF Bay Area.
Built for Northern California
Over six decades of continuous operation in the Bay Area's demanding regulatory landscape.
Your Questions, Answered
Expert guidance on signage compliance, costs, and best practices for Bay Area businesses.
01. What is a C-45 License?
A C-45 license is the official classification from the state of California for a "Sign Contractor." It legally permits a company to fabricate, install, and wire electrical signs, as well as all non-electrical signs. Hiring a C-45 contractor like AGS protects you by ensuring your project is fully insured, bonded, and compliant with all state and local codes.
02. Do I need a permit for my sign?
In most Bay Area cities, yes. Sign permits are required for new installations, replacements, and sometimes even repairs. AGS handles the entire permitting process, including plan check submittals and code compliance reviews with local jurisdictions.
03. How much does a monument sign cost?
Monument sign costs vary based on size, materials, illumination, and site conditions. Simple post-and-panel monuments start around $5,000, while larger illuminated multi-tenant monuments can range from $15,000–$50,000+. Contact us for a project-specific estimate.
04. What are the basic requirements for ADA-compliant signs?
California has some of the strictest ADA signage requirements in the country. Signs must include Grade 2 Braille, raised tactile characters, proper mounting heights, and specific contrast ratios. AGS understands these requirements and designs compliant signage that still looks great.
05. What is the difference between a monument sign and a pylon sign?
A monument sign sits close to the ground on a solid base, blending with landscaping. A pylon sign is elevated on poles for maximum highway or roadside visibility. Both serve as freestanding identity markers, but the choice depends on your location, zoning, and visibility needs.
06. What is "Wayfinding"?
Wayfinding refers to the system of signs, maps, and visual cues that help people navigate a space — from campus directories and floor plans to room IDs and directional arrows. AGS designs and fabricates complete wayfinding packages for offices, hospitals, schools, and public spaces.
Where AGS works most often
Bay Area coverage from San Francisco to Silicon Valley.
San Francisco
Commercial interiors, tenant improvements, and dense-urban project logistics.
San Jose
Campus branding, wayfinding, and corporate interiors.
Sunnyvale
Office interiors, privacy film, and professional signage programs.
Oakland
Property signage, interiors, and practical tenant refresh work.
Berkeley
Permit-aware interiors, education-adjacent work, and durable systems.
Santa Clara
Lobby systems, campus environments, and branded workplace work.
Start Your Quote
We are a 3rd-generation, full-service C-45 licensed sign contractor based in the Bay Area. We manage every step in-house, from design and permitting to fabrication and installation. Call or email us to get started on your project.