Southwood Corp Forum About Architectural Signage So..
About Architectural Signage Southwood Group Custom Graphics Specialists10 Years AgoSince
1970 SouthWood has provided
turn-key signage services for clients all across the US, the Caribbean, and
beyond. The full-service sign company employs approximately 50 people in our
40,000 square foot facility located in Charlotte, NC. Our emphasis is
design/build, although much work is done for outside design and specifier
firms. Likewise, most of SouthWood's
work is for large, sometimes multi-site signage systems. We use a wide
variety of signage materials and manufacturing processes, and our long history
and vast experience have given us the knowledge to find the right solution for
every client, every look and every budget.
History In
1970, upon graduation from college, Ernest Dwight began producing wooden signs
as an extension of his new wife's embroidery business. Mr. Dwight's interests
in architecture and woodworking, coupled with the graphics and lettering
aspects of the embroidery and monogramming in his wife's business, provided a
unique mix of capabilities with which to enter the sign business. The company,
then known as F&D Wooden Signs, initially focused its energies calling on
architectural and design firms in the Carolinas. The goal was to offer those
firms a dependable, quality driven source for the production of the
newly-coined term "architectural signage," but in methods and
materials which had a different look from the norm. Literally pioneering the
methods and materials used to create "natural" looking wood signs,
the company soon had to add staff and move to a larger facility. As a part of
this move, and anticipated future growth, the decision was made to change the
firm name to SouthWood Corporation.
Facility SouthWood
is pleased to be housed in a modern, new, company-owned 40,000 sq ft facility
on 6+ acres of land in southwest Charlotte. We are located on Westinghouse
Blvd, exactly 4 miles west of I-77, and about 10 minutes from Charlotte's
Douglas International Airport. We encourage you to visit and tour our
operation, but until you do, view our video to see what we can do. Affiliations Organizations
we are affiliated with and whose trade shows we regularly attend or exhibit
include: ASLA – American Society of Landscape Architects ALFA
– Assisted Living Federation of America AAA
– Atlanta Apartment Association CAA
– Charlotte Apartment Association NAA
– National Apartment Association News Room / Press Historic Latta Plantation Named Grant Recipient
Historic
Latta Plantation is a circa 1800 cotton plantation and living history farm,
located within Latta Plantation Nature Preserve. It's the latest recipient of
SouthWood's "Identifying Our Community" grant program. Read more Key Personnel Ernest
Dwight, President Ernest
is the President and Founder of SouthWood Corporation. Started upon his
graduation from Belmont Abbey College in 1970, SouthWood has grown from a
one-person shop into a full-service design/build firm, servicing clients across
the US, the Caribbean, and into Europe. Equally familiar with the technical and
manufacturing aspects of the business as well as the creative and design side,
Ernest spends most of his time in executive management, marketing and business
development. He has written articles about, and given presentations on,
signage, identity and wayfinding to local and national associations and
publications serving the architectural, lodging, housing and recreational
industries. He is recognized as one of the most knowledgeable and experienced experts
in his field. Ernest has served on the Board of ULI Charlotte, the Caribbean
Hotel Association Education Foundation, the Charlotte Apartment Association and
others. He and his wife, Vicky, have 4 children and 7 grandchildren. He is a
native of Charlotte, NC and enjoys traveling, woodworking, and auctions.
Testimonials "Suitable
words to describe the way in which SouthWood does business would be efficiency,
attention to detail, a consistent understanding of our requirements and a
singular commitment to quality. It
is their approach to dealing with their clients that sets them apart from and
above their competition. From
the initial brief through installation you'll find you're working with people
who are genuinely concerned with your particular problem, and who ensure
customer satisfaction quietly and professionally." Simon
Barwick Creative
Director BB&P |