Comprehensive Signage System for the Episcopal Diocese of Newark
To: Nina Nicholson
From: Libby Clarke, Stoneroller Cooperative
Re: Signage and Wayfinding System for New Diocesan Offices
Date: [Insert Date]
Overview
The Diocese's move into its new offices marks a vibrant and hopeful chapter — one the Bishop is deeply excited about. This relocation offers more than updated space — it offers a powerful opportunity to embody the Diocese’s mission of Invite Welcome Connect at an institutional level.
This aligns with the Diocese’s mission to follow Jesus Christ through bold acts of justice, peace, and love, and supports the vision of a world transformed by God’s life-changing love.
A thoughtful, visible signage system will:
-
Invite the public with clear, welcoming cues from Route 10 and local roads
-
Welcome guests and staff with consistent messaging and easy navigation
-
Connect individuals more deeply with the Diocese's identity, leadership, and ministry
With that in mind, I propose a comprehensive signage system — both exterior and interior — that will:
-
Replace outdated references to St. Peter’s, which currently cause confusion
-
Visually affirm the Diocese’s current identity, presence, and leadership
-
Improve accessibility and hospitality for clergy, lay leaders, and visitors
-
Provide a cohesive, modern presentation that supports your ministry from street to door
If this project can move forward promptly, we could aim to have it in place ahead of the Presiding Bishop’s mid-May visit — a compelling opportunity to demonstrate how the Diocese lives out the values it encourages across its congregations.
Scope of Work
Site Audit and Consultation
-
Walkthrough and mapping of signage needs
-
ADA and accessibility review
-
Visual assessment for consistency with brand and message
-
"Before" photos to highlight current gaps and clarify the case for investment
Signage Plan & Design
-
Exterior signage: roadside, building-mounted, directional
-
Interior signage: office directory, door signage, room markers
-
Visual mockups for all recommended signage
Production Support
-
Coordination with fabrication vendors
-
Assistance with quotes, materials, and install timeline
Brand Integration
-
Use of existing brand assets (colors, logo family, typography)
-
Optional refinements to align with physical signage materials
Deliverables
-
Full signage system plan (PDF and editable formats)
-
Print-ready production files for all signs
-
Vendor coordination documents
-
Optional: On-site visit for final review (travel/time billed separately)
Proposed Timeline
-
Week 1: Site walkthrough + kickoff
-
Week 2–3: Plan development + visual mockups
-
Week 4: Final files + vendor handoff
Note: If desired, we can target a mid-May completion to align with the Presiding Bishop’s visit, assuming prompt kickoff.
Investment
Based on the scope and a desire to keep this accessible for the Diocese, I propose the following range:
$3,500 – $6,000 total for design and consultation
-
Lower range: minimal interior signage, simple materials
-
Higher range: full suite of branded signage, directory system, and vendor oversight
Note: Production and installation costs are separate and vendor-dependent.
This work supports the Diocese’s ongoing ministry infrastructure and is best understood as part of the new building’s identity-building process — a visible investment in shared hospitality, clarity, and welcome.
If you'd like to phase this or scale to a specific budget, I’m happy to adjust the scope accordingly.
Why Now
A signage system is more than directional — it’s spiritual infrastructure. It signals that people belong here, that they are expected, that their presence is seen and supported. This project gives the Diocese the opportunity to model Invite Welcome Connect at the institutional level — just as it encourages parishes to do across the region.
It’s also a chance to complete the Bishop’s vision for a diocesan home that is not only functional, but deeply inviting. As a vibrant and varied community of over 90 congregations, the Diocese is uniquely positioned to model welcome and clarity for all who visit — from longtime Episcopalians to first-time guests.
A well-crafted signage system will eliminate confusion, reinforce your presence, and serve clergy, staff, and visitors for years to come.
I’d love to support this work as a partner who understands Episcopal identity, parish life, and mission-driven design.
Looking forward to your thoughts,
Libby Clarke
Stoneroller Cooperative
917.821.7776
libby@stonerollercoop.com
Appendix: Visual Reference
Historic and Current View of the Former St. Peter’s Church
These images illustrate the architectural continuity of the space now serving as the new home of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark — and underscore the importance of clearly signaling the Diocese’s presence.
Image 1: Original St. Peter’s Church building, c. early 20th century
(black and white photo)
Image 2: Current exterior of building as of 2024
(color photo, courtesy of Natalie)
While the structure remains largely unchanged, the identity and purpose of the space have evolved significantly — which makes intentional signage essential for clarifying ownership, purpose, and welcome.