Walk into the office of any executive and you'll likely see a few awards sitting on the shelves or the credenzas. Some you see. Some fade into the background. The ones that stick out usually have one thing in common: they look like they belong there. A building model with a laser etched stone base award would fit that description. It has weight, in every sense of the word. This article explores where these awards are used and what makes them a popular choice for certain recognition events.
What the Stone Base Adds
The base is the first impression. Stone feels different than plastic or acrylic. It is cool to the touch, dense and heavy. In this category, marble and granite are most often seen. Black marble is a popular choice as the laser etching is more apparent. The laser removes a thin layer from the surface to reveal the lighter-colored material underneath. The upshot is a mark that sits in the stone rather than on top of it.
This marking is a permanent one. The stickers peel. Paint fades. Laser etching doesn't either. The text is legible as long as the stone holds together. That's why durability matters for awards that are meant to last. The laser etched stone base award on a building model is also resistant to moisture and handling. The stone surface is resistant to scratches and so the award remains presentable years after the presentation ceremony.
Building Model Iconography
The distinctive character of the award comes from the miniature structure that is placed on top of the stone base. For construction and architectural companies, the model could be a finished building. For real estate companies the model can be a building project. In these cases, the link between the award and the work is direct.
The model as such can be made of a number of materials. Metal casting gives a sleek, professional look. Crystal pieces catch the light and give a decorative element. Resin models allow for more fine detailing on complex designs. The maker may use any material he chooses, but the model must be securely attached to the stone base. A loose or off-center model gives a poor quality impression.
Where These Awards Are Utilized
A building model laser etched stone base award is displayed at times. And big builds means construction companies pass them on to project managers. Practices hand them out to partners who have brought in a lot of business. They are used by real estate brokerages to recognize top sales.
Beyond the built environment, organizations sometimes use the building model as a broader symbol of growth and lasting achievement. The imagery is also easily transferred to contexts such as fundraising campaigns and long-service recognition.
Things to Consider When Ordering
The size of the base dictates what you can engrave. A normal base is approximately 5 inches by 4 inches. Usually the space has a name, a title and a date. There is less room for text if you add a logo. Some manufacturers provide larger bases for recipients with long titles and for multi-honoree events.
The size of the model also matters. A model that is too big for the base will look daft. Too small and it looks like nothing. Proportion relative to base dimensions should be recommended by the manufacturer.
Why This Style Succeeds
Awards that sit on desks and get forgotten often have a few things in common: cheap materials, generic designs, or minimal personalization. A laser etched stone base award with a building model avoids all of those. The stone base reads "permanence". Laser etching provides a clear and permanent personalization. The building model provides context. All together, these elements create an award that appears costly and deliberate. The awardee is more likely to keep it in a prominent place, which is exactly what a recognition program is trying to achieve.