Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Custom Architectural Signage Solutions
Desk & Door Nameplate has been a trusted leader in architectural sign systems for over 50 years. Founded in 1954 as a family-owned business, we have evolved into a premier designer, manufacturer, and installer of custom signage solutions for corporate, industrial, educational, and government clients worldwide. Our expertise spans interior and exterior signage, ADA-compliant wayfinding, dimensional letters, and donor recognition systems, all crafted with meticulous attention to detail. With two primary facilities in Chicago and Tampa, we serve clients nationwide while maintaining in-house craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology.Our commitment to quality is reflected in our adherence to ADA standards, use of premium materials like aluminum, acrylic, and bronze, and a dedicated team with decades of collective experience. We prioritize client collaboration, offering design assistance, budgeting guidance, and fast-track reordering to ensure long-term satisfaction. From concept to installation, our goal is to deliver signage that enhances brand identity, ensures compliance, and stands the test of time.
Services
Nameplates
Interior Signage
Exterior Signage
ADA Compliance
Dimensional Letters
Donor Recognition
Plaques
Vinyl Graphics
Business Directories
Monument Signs
Details
- Year established: 1954
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in architectural sign design and manufacturing.
- Our family-owned business combines tradition with cutting-edge technology for precision results.
- We offer nationwide service with local expertise in Chicago and Tampa markets.
- Our in-house team of craftsmen ensures quality control across all materials and finishes.
- We provide FastTrack reordering for quick sign replacements within 14 calendar days.
Services
Nameplates
Custom nameplates for desks, doors, and cubicles in materials like acrylic, metal, and wood. Available with magnetic inserts, laser engraving, or updateable paper inserts. Designed for durability and professional branding in corporate environments.
Interior Signage
Wayfinding and identification signs for office spaces, including security signage, restricted entry indicators, and directory systems. Customizable with various materials, colors, and finishes to match brand identity and functional needs.
Exterior Signage
Durable exterior signs including monument signs, wall panels, and corporate logo letters. Constructed from weather-resistant aluminum with long-lasting finishes. Available in illuminated or non-illuminated options for maximum visibility.
ADA Compliance
Braille and tactile signage meeting ADA standards for accessibility. Includes directional signs, room identifiers, and safety information displays. Designed to prevent regulatory penalties while ensuring usability for all visitors.
Dimensional Letters
Architectural-grade dimensional letters and logos in acrylic, metal, or glass. Custom-finished to match brand colors and decor. Ideal for corporate lobbies, reception areas, and exterior building identification with professional installation.
Questions
What types of signs do you specialize in?
We specialize in custom architectural signs including nameplates, ADA-compliant signage, dimensional letters, interior/exterior signs, donor recognition displays, and business directories.
Do you serve clients outside Chicago and Tampa?
Yes, while we have physical locations in Chicago and Tampa, we provide custom sign manufacturing and installation services nationwide.
How do you ensure ADA compliance?
Our team follows ADA standards for tactile elements, braille placement, and visual contrast. We handle all compliance-related projects to prevent regulatory issues for clients.
Can you help with sign reorders?
Yes, our FastTrack system allows reorders of existing signs within 14 days using stored production records and custom color specifications.
What materials do you work with?
We use aluminum, stainless steel, acrylic, wood, glass, and bronze. Our craftsmen apply finishes like polished, brushed, etched, or painted surfaces to meet client needs.
Do you offer design assistance?
Yes, our graphic designers provide custom packages and value engineering support. We work in design-build or design-assist capacities for complete project management.
Reviews (4)
Lou Cerino
May 13, 2025
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BEWARE ANYONE DOING INSTALLS FOR THIS COMPANY!!!! GET YOUR MONEY UP FRONT!! I only give them one star because they don't give you the option for zero. I have a sign shop in Philadelphia and we were contracted to do an installation for them, they did not pay their bill. Let it sit unpaid for over 2 years, then Jay tried to block my phone number. I called from my cell phone, he tried to claim he was not himself, and finally relented to tell me he's not paying me.
Larry Sacco
May 09, 2021
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Desk & Door Nameplate replaced my sign and painted the sheet metal and they did an AWESOME JOB! I couldn't be happier with the result, the raised letters on the sign really make it POP and the new blue paint job makes it look like a brand new sign. I recommend Desk & Door Nameplate to everyone, Jon you and your crew did a great job, Thanks Larry Sacco
David Beck
Mar 06, 2021
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Lutheran Church of the Cross has used DDNC for several signage projects, interior and exterior. Workmanship and attention to detail in fabrication and installation have been consistently superb. Jon also provides excellent design assistance/advice, and has always worked with us to get just the look we want. Highly recommended.
Barbara Nightingale
Dec 16, 2020
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I went in with two examples of signs we were trying to match. The first was what we currently have that are falling apart. The second was a sample I had made elsewhere. Jon showed me a sample of how they do it and told me that they could match the Terra Cotta color. I went to pick them up today, and they were Orange! Jon said that this was the closest to Terra Cotta that they had. He could have done a color match for an extra $85.
He did not offer a color match when I ordered, he told me that he could do it in Terra Cotta. I have attached pics of my samples, Jon's quote showing Terra Cotta, and the actual finished sign color (303) over my sample (605) Jon was not willing to work with me to make this right.
He did not offer a color match when I ordered, he told me that he could do it in Terra Cotta. I have attached pics of my samples, Jon's quote showing Terra Cotta, and the actual finished sign color (303) over my sample (605) Jon was not willing to work with me to make this right.
