2025 Network Award Winner out of more than 750 FASTSIGNS locations worldwide, FASTSIGNS of Missoula has claimed the top spot! We are incredibly proud to announce that our team won 1st Place in the 2025 Customer Solutions Contest. This honor reflects our dedication to solving complex challenges, pushing the limits of custom design, and delivering exceptional visual transformations for our local community.
Stunning 38,000 Sq. Ft. Transformation Inspires Campus and Community Buzz at the University of Montana
When the University of Montana—a top-tier research institution and alma mater to 29 Rhodes Scholars—needed a massive visual overhaul for a new state-of-the-art dining facility, FASTSIGNS of Missoula was ready to answer the call. Here is an inside look at the award-winning project that earned us this incredible recognition.
The Challenge: A Race Against the Clock
The university inherited a complex visual communications challenge and needed custom visuals for a massive, multi-level space. We faced several major hurdles:
Massive Scale: A sprawling 38,000-square-foot footprint requiring cohesive wayfinding and branding.
Extreme Time Crunch: A strict 60-day deadline from start to finish.
Evolving Designs: Architectural design specifications that still needed finalization as the project began.
The Solution: Creativity Meets Project Management
Ready and willing to take on the challenge, FASTSIGNS of Missoula provided a high level of professionalism and creativity to put all stakeholder concerns at ease. We implemented carefully detailed, time-sensitive project management strategies to navigate varied architectural hurdles, complicated installations, and diverse application surfaces.
Exterior Signage Highlights:
Dimensional Mascot: A massive, 11-piece lit dimensional bear paw paying homage to the university's beloved mascot.
Illuminated Branding: Striking channel letters hung on the exterior for maximum visibility and impact.
Interior Signage Highlights:
Custom Restaurant Branding: A combination of lit and non-lit channel and dimensional letters tailored to individual dining concepts.
Statement Pieces: A stunning, free-floating neon skeletonized sign that serves as a modern focal point.
Comprehensive Coverage: Everything from ADA-compliant braille signage to custom-designed wall and window graphics.
The Result: A Vision Brought to Life
This new, state-of-the-art dining facility has been featured for its creative architectural design and has quickly become a vibrant meeting place for both students and the local Missoula community.
Despite the compressed timeline and architectural complexities, FASTSIGNS of Missoula successfully brought the university's vision to life. The cohesive and striking signage solutions created an attractive, welcoming space that has significantly boosted student and community engagement.
Ready to Transform Your Space?
Whether you have a tight turnaround, a multi-level architectural challenge, or a vision that needs to become reality, our award-winning team is here to help.