KOAN Cannabis

The Project

KOAN Cannabis, a premium cannabis dispensary in Hagerstown, Maryland, came to ShieldCo to design and fabricate a comprehensive signage package that would set the tone for their brand — clean, modern, and elevated. Co-founder Adam Emral Shaool wanted signage that would distinguish KOAN from the typical dispensary aesthetic and communicate the sophistication of their brand to customers from the moment they approached the building. The project encompassed multiple sign elements: exterior-facing channel letter signage, a custom interior register sign to anchor the retail experience, and precision-cut lettering fabricated through Gemini. The scope required close coordination across fabrication methods and materials to ensure a cohesive visual identity throughout the space.

3D Mockups

Design visualizations created before fabrication begins.

The Challenge

Cannabis dispensaries face unique signage challenges. Local regulations often impose strict limitations on sign size, illumination, and placement — and in many jurisdictions, cannabis-related signage requires additional permitting review. The KOAN project required navigating these constraints while still delivering signage that was bold enough to establish brand presence and refined enough to match the premium dispensary experience Adam envisioned. The multi-part fabrication also demanded careful sequencing. The exterior signage, register sign, and lettering elements each used different materials and processes, but all needed to share a unified design language. ShieldCo managed the fabrication timeline to ensure each component was ready for a coordinated installation, minimizing disruption to the buildout schedule.

The Solution

ShieldCo fabricated the full signage package at their Frederick, Maryland shop — just a short drive from the KOAN location in Hagerstown. The exterior signage featured precision-cut aluminum elements designed for durability and visual impact. The register sign was custom-built to serve as the focal point of the retail counter area, reinforcing the KOAN brand at the point of sale. Gemini-fabricated lettering was integrated throughout for a polished, dimensional look. The installation was executed in phases to align with the dispensary buildout timeline, with ShieldCo coordinating closely with the general contractor and Adam’s team to ensure each element landed perfectly. The result was a complete brand environment — from the street to the sales floor — that elevated KOAN above the competition and created a welcoming, professional atmosphere for customers. At over $50,000 in project value, the KOAN project exemplifies ShieldCo’s ability to deliver end-to-end signage solutions for specialized retail environments, managing regulatory complexity while maintaining the highest standards of design and craftsmanship.

The Finished Product

The final installation on site.

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Client Reference

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