The design process for the Captains Golf Course began with an existing identity logo for the course and a few firm conditions; There will be two courses of 18 holes each, Port (red) and Starboard (green). Each hole will have an actual sea captain's name assigned and the requisite hole diagram and pertinent numbers. It should probably reflect a nautical theme. And there was an absolute drop-dead time frame to adhere to.

Click to see one of the design sketches that was proposed.

That's easy enough, but  how do we forge a design theme that will not only work for the initial order of the tee signs, but carry through all phases of directional and identity signs for the project AND pass the scrutiny of the governing boards and committees. (Remember this is a municipal golf course.) Well, the only way was to take the project on as a whole, proposing designs for work we weren't even bidding on yet. Giving ample options and attending ample meetings. And performing ample revisions and explanations.

The design process consumed approximately 60 hours and we nearly lost the entire bid when, taken as a whole, the dollar amount exceeded what the Town could award without advertising for open bids. On the plus side, the contract would now be for a much larger package of work, but would it be awarded to Cape Craft Signs? And how would the delay of open bidding impact the timing of getting an actual contract so we could begin work - remembering that the ultra firm deadline was getting closer and closer.

Needless to say, Cape Craft Signs prevailed, based mainly on the strength of our submitted designs and that we were local vendors with a strong reputation. We would like to commend the Town of Brewster for listening to our input, taking our advice, and mainly, for protecting us at that critical time when the contract had to go out for open bidding. They looked after our interests, (validating the substantial investment we had made for them on speculation) by not revealing our designs to other bidders. Others were required to bid from the same base information we were given. That was the fair way to treat it. They are fair. And we really appreciate it.

For the record, we made the deadline! The Captains Golf Course opened right on schedule. Opening day ceremonies brought rave reviews from all attendants. It is a beautiful course and the signs compliment it perfectly.