Latest news with #NewZealandSignDisplayAwards
NZ Herald
29-06-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Herald
Big Ideas wins multiple awards at NZ Sign Display Awards
This article was prepared by Big Ideas and is being published by the New Zealand Herald as advertorial. At Big Ideas, design is more than aesthetics – it's about bold thinking, meticulous execution and a relentless drive to exceed expectations. That ethos was proudly recognised at the 2025 New Zealand Sign Display Awards, where Big Ideas once again led from the front, collecting multiple accolades across a range of categories. Each year, the NZ Sign Display Awards honour the country's most outstanding signage projects – and this year, our team was privileged to have their work recognised among the best of the best. It's a moment that reflects not just our capability, but the shared passion and precision our team brings to every brief. Excellence at every level Among our standout wins was the Gold Award for our work with branding Emirates Team New Zealand's racing helmets, our goal was to match the boat livery while adhering to strict safety rules – including 125mm² of reflective or bright colour for visibility. We used a reflective chrome blue and oilslick glitter vinyl, applied by two skilled technicians using knifeless tape. The chrome's spherical application was challenging, with every design element hand-laid for precision. Digitally printed lower sections matched the boat, while swish designs and logos were carefully placed by hand. Helmets were sealed using a 2-pot clear coat in layers for a glossy, durable finish. Our team engineered the artwork in-house, meticulously aligning every sponsor logo for maximum impact and compliance. See the award-winning project here. But it wasn't just our senior team being recognised. One of the most meaningful moments of the night was seeing apprentice Beau Little take the stage – twice. First, to receive the Gold Award for Work by an Apprentice, and then again to accept the Keith Langstone Highflyer Award, given to a rising star in the industry who shows drive, commitment and huge potential. Learn more about Beau's journey here. Celebrating our team For Big Ideas director Ross Hall, the night was more than a celebration of success – it was a proud reminder of the strength of his team. 'Every award is a tribute to the people behind it,' says Ross. 'From apprentices to seasoned professionals, every member of our crew brings skill, curiosity and heart to their work. These accolades are the result of their tireless commitment to doing things better, smarter and bolder.' Always evolving, always creating Whether it's an ambitious nationwide rollout or a bespoke local installation, Big Ideas approaches each project with the same belief – that great design makes people stop, engage and remember. It's this thinking that has cemented our place as one of Aotearoa's leading creative signage firms. As the industry evolves, so too does our commitment to pushing boundaries. With new technologies, materials and ideas constantly emerging, we're proud to remain at the forefront of innovation – never standing still, always moving forward. See what's possible
Scoop
17-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Big Ideas Celebrates Multi-Award Success At NZ Sign Display Awards 2025
One of New Zealand's most respected creative signage firms, Big Ideas, has cemented its place at the forefront of the industry with a series of wins at the 2025 New Zealand Sign Display Awards. Big Ideas, known for its bold, design-led approach and exceptional production values, walked away from this year's awards with a haul of accolades — including Gold, Silver and Bronze in key national categories. The awards recognise excellence in visual communication and design across Aotearoa, honouring both standout individual projects and the teams who bring them to life. Company Director Ross Hall says the recognition reflects not just Big Ideas' technical capability, but the strength of its culture. 'We're proud of the calibre of work we consistently deliver, but more than that, I'm proud of the people behind it. These awards are a celebration of our team's relentless pursuit of quality, innovation, and craft,' says Ross Hall. A Double Win for Emerging Talent One of the most notable highlights of the night was the recognition of apprentice Beau Little, who earned not just the Gold Award in Work by an Apprentice, but also the Keith Langstone Highflyer Award, given to an emerging signage professional showing outstanding commitment, drive and potential. Little's award-winning work on the Royal New Zealand Navy plinths involved a mix of design precision, hands-on fabrication, and a strong understanding of the project's cultural and historic importance. 'Beau's win represents everything we value at Big Ideas – passion, care, and a genuine desire to keep learning,' says Ross Hall. 'He's a great example of where the future of our industry is heading.' You can explore Beau's award-winning project in full here. Gold for Excellence in Public Sector Storytelling The Royal New Zealand Navy Plinths project also earned a Gold Award in a general category, recognising the project's strategic design, precision fabrication and high-impact visual storytelling. Designed to honour Navy personnel and educate the public, the installation brought together signage innovation with cultural sensitivity and robust craftsmanship. From concept development through to final installation, the Big Ideas team worked closely with defence stakeholders to ensure every element met the highest standards of visual and historical integrity. This project exemplifies how creative signage can move beyond wayfinding and branding, becoming a platform for community connection and education. View more on the project here. Silver and Bronze Showcase Breadth of Capability While the Gold wins made headlines, the team's silver and bronze awards speak to the depth of expertise and diversity of skills across the studio. Projects awarded Silver included high-end corporate installations, innovative retail signage, and creative environmental design. In each case, judges commended the seamless blend of form and function — signage that not only looked impressive but delivered results. The Bronze Awards included internal branding activations and community-focused signage work, where Big Ideas demonstrated its ability to tailor solutions for a wide range of environments and audiences. A full breakdown of award-winning projects can be found on the Big Ideas News page. Building a Culture of Craft and Innovation Big Ideas has long been known for pushing boundaries in signage design. But for Ross Hall, the team's success comes down to one thing: people. 'Our strength lies in our people — in their creative curiosity, their care for quality, and their drive to constantly challenge what's possible in signage. These awards aren't the goal — they're a byproduct of the way we work every day.' The team includes a mix of seasoned industry veterans and emerging talent, creating an environment where knowledge is shared and new ideas are constantly explored. That blend of experience and fresh thinking allows Big Ideas to deliver both large-scale corporate work and deeply personal community projects with equal impact. From custom displays to experiential fitouts and high-profile branding, Big Ideas has developed a reputation for producing work that's bold, brave, and beautifully built. You can explore more of the studio's recent projects here. Shaping the Future of Signage in Aotearoa As signage evolves to meet new challenges — from digital integration to sustainability — Big Ideas is investing in innovation across its processes and materials. This includes ongoing development of environmentally conscious production methods, upskilling programmes for staff, and greater collaboration between design and fabrication teams to deliver smarter outcomes. 'We're not here to just follow trends,' says Ross Hall. 'We want to lead in every sense — creatively, technically, and culturally. These awards tell us we're on the right path, but we're only just getting started.' With multiple national accolades now added to the firm's name, Big Ideas is setting the pace for what signage can and should be: memorable, meaningful, and masterfully made.
