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

Interior Signs

From lobby logos to hallway and parking deck signs to room names and numbers, SouthWood creates an unlimited array of custom signage solutions. They are made from a wide variety of materials, utilizing dozens of processes. Show us your ideas, or let one of our account executives help you understand more about the many options available for interior signage systems. If you aren’t sure about just what you need, a brief discussion with SouthWood can clarify just how and where to start.

Entry Monuments

A facility’s largest and most permanent form of identification is its entry monument sign. This important statement of identity reinforces an image and sets the tone that viewers see. SouthWood has created thousands of these custom statements since 1970, and is uniquely qualified to help create yours. Using dozens of materials, methods and processes, we can implement your ideas, or help you create them. Solutions can be almost unlimited, and will either create an identity for you, or reinforce the brand identity you already have. Logos and logotypes can be faithfully executed in your signage, and SouthWood can help recommend methods and materials that show your logo to best advantage.

Sign Systems

Signage systems are a series of related signs and sign types, sharing multiple common traits. Among these traits are colors, shapes, typestyles, materials and fabrication methods, layouts, logos and graphic elements. If implemented effectively, they convey a consistent and recognizable look and feel to the built environment, and work together to create a sense of order and reduced chaos. Well planned signage systems can help route visitors and newcomers into and through a facility efficiently, while quietly reinforcing its identity. SouthWood creates custom sign systems for image conscious clients from a variety of industries, using a vast array of materials, methods and processes.

Architectural Signage

A term essentially unheard of in 1970 when SouthWood began, it has now become synonymous with a broad array of signage that is themed to compliment the surrounding built environment. It is “architectural” by its visual relevance to the materials, shapes, colors, finishes and details of the project in which it is used. Over time, as design styles change and new materials and technology enter the building industry, the look and feel of our products changes. However, our values and our services are still deeply rooted in the belief that effective and attractive signage should reflect the environment in which it is used, and be planned and designed in the same holistic approach.

Illuminated Signs

When circumstances determine internally illuminated signage is in order, SouthWood can help define and craft the perfect solution. This might include: reverse channel halo lit letters; backlit acrylic signs, polycarbonate or flexible faces; edge lit acrylic or glass; push thru lettering on aluminum faces, and other options. Lighting technology might utilize direct or indirect lighting with fluorescent, neon or low energy LED fixtures. From blade signs to channel letters and everything in between, a discussion with a member of the SouthWood team will help determine what solutions best fit your needs.

Exterior Signs

From large entry monuments and facility identity signs to vehicular and pedestrian directional signs to traffic control and regulatory signs, SouthWood creates an unlimited array of custom signage solutions. Fabricated from any of the dozens of materials and methods discussed elsewhere on our website, and as seen in the hundreds of photos here, exterior signage and sign systems will reinforce your image and support your identity. Show us your ideas, or let one of our account executives help you understand more about the many options available for interior signage systems. If you aren’t sure about just what you need, a brief discussion with SouthWood can clarify just how and where to start.

ADA Signs

Under standards established by the Americans with Disabilities Act, many facilities now are required to use tactile (raised letter) and Braille signs. As part of a comprehensive approach to signing a facility, SouthWood can provide custom ADA signs in zinc, photopolymer, magnesium and other materials to meet clients’ design and budgetary expectations.  ADA signage can range from very basic to highly decorative, creative solutions.  Because this type sign is often used in large quantities, it is important that proper sign planning and wayfinding be done to insure that all signs work together as a functional system. SouthWood can offer assistance in this regard by reviewing our clients’ proposed plan or helping them create a plan.

Traffic & Streetscape Signage

When the occasion calls for signs more attractive and innovative than “standard government issue” streetscape signage, SouthWood can offer solutions. While not overlooking the need for an official regulatory look to achieve a very important function, it is quite possible to create appealing signage that doesn’t lose sight of its mission. Use of decorative posts, frames, brackets and finials, along with custom typefaces, colors and logos, provides the opportunity to extend your unique presentation and blend all your signage into a cohesive look.

Letters & Logos

SouthWood’s offerings of custom letters and logos are as varied as our other types of signage. We provide lobby and reception area wall graphics, large exterior logos for building identification, pin-mounted metal plate lettering for monument signs and dozens of other applications. Custom letters and logos can be cut, cast or fabricated from a wide variety of materials including PVC and acrylic at the low end of the price spectrum to stainless steel, walnut and granite at the upper end. Sizes can range from less than an inch in height to over 10’, can be non-illuminated or illuminated, and are produced for interior or exterior applications. A brief discussion with SouthWood will enable us to help with creative and technical suggestions.