About Architectural Signage Southwood Group Custom Graphics Specialists

About Architectural Signage Southwood Group Custom Graphics Specialists
Architectural Signage Southwood Group Custom Graphics Specialists
Since 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