NextDC Data Centre: Illuminated Sky Signs

Drawing to Built Object

This is the strongest physical portfolio piece in my collection, and the only project where three things align: the vector shop drawings, the built photographs, and my name on the specification title block: “Designer: H Mascall,” job NEXT3185DM, 23 September 2013.

I designed, drafted and managed fabrication and installation of 3 large illuminated lightbox SKY signs, one per building facade at NextDC’s Malaga data centre. The Factory formally trained me in SolidWorks for this class of work, a funded, employer-invested capability, not self-taught.

Technical Specification

The shop drawings document the full construction: 100×50mm RHS 3mm steel frames, LED shoebox letter construction, 3M Scotchcal TRANSLUCENT 3630-33 and Avery 900 face specifications, electrical runs, and 11.3198m² total surface area. Engineering coordination notes are included for structural mounting.

End-to-End Delivery

I managed this project from design through to installation, coordinating fabricators, electrical contractors, and installation crews. The role required spatial precision (every dimension matters when you’re mounting illuminated signs on a building facade), material expertise (LED performance, translucent film specifications, steel gauge selection), and project management across multiple trades.

Why This Matters

In a portfolio that bridges physical and digital, this is the most tangible proof. The drawings show spatial thinking, precision, and material knowledge; the photographs prove it was built. Very few UX designers can point to large-scale fabricated installations with their name on the engineering specification.

Hard Skills

SolidWorks, vector drafting, LED signage specification, material specification (steel, 3M films, Avery media), engineering coordination, project management

Soft Skills

End-to-end project delivery, trade coordination (fabricators, electricians, installers), precision specification, spatial problem-solving