By Meena Mangalvedhekar, Speaking of Home

When a public art project like Speaking of Home speaks demands high accuracy, precise quality and innovative solutions to create the design experience, Archetype Signmakers has got our back. This welcoming group of perfectionists is not only extending pro-bono printing solutions but their professional installers will take charge of St. Paul skyway interiors to install everything overnight. Also, we are fortunate to have Jenny Kruse, vice president of Archetype Signmakers as a core team member. For this project, Jenny is managing the production schedule and scrim production: from art file prep to proofing images to coordinating with Banner Creations for finishing to make them ‘ready to install’. Today, Speaking of Home (SOH) checks in with Jenny to share some ‘behind the scene’ thoughts with our readers.

SOH: How was the company established? Jenny: Steven Carpenter established Archetype in 1999 as an interior signage company. Over the years, Archetype expanded its’ capabilities to include digital printing and exterior signage, becoming a premier signage company in the Twin Cities. At Archetype, projects are approached with a collaborative mindset, partnering with clients to create and produce custom graphics and signage.

SOH: How is Speaking of Home unique from other projects where you have led the graphics production and installation? What engages you about the Speaking of Home project? Jenny: Speaking of Home project is a unique opportunity to partner with other industry leaders that share an appreciation for art.  This project is a collaborative effort that speaks to our core philosophy as a company: Honoring design, dedicated to precision, beauty and longevity

SOH: How can projects like this advance the field of environmental design? Jenny: Speaking of Home project advances the field of Environmental Design by creating awareness in common places. A skyway, used by thousands, becomes part of the experience.

SOH: Please tell us about any new printing techniques featured in the environmental design elements that you find noteworthy? Jenny: The use of Polytype’s SwissQPrint Oryx UV flatbed printer produces high resolution on tiny copy, lines and geometrical shapes. Same technique will be used in project because it is perfect match for the Speaking of Home project. The integral bio panels that combine photos and text will be printed on a translucent panel.

[Archetype Signmakers has a vast portfolio of signage installed all over the nation at museums, foundations and key public spaces. For more information visit their website]