Kiawah Island Golf Resort is a carefully planned community that balances development with environmental preservation. Since its first development in 1976, it has earned a reputation as one of the nation’s top resorts—renowned for world-class golf, excellent tennis facilities, and, more recently, the addition of The Sanctuary, a luxury resort hotel.

When our firm, led by founder Joe Sonderman, first designed Kiawah’s sign system, there were few existing examples to follow. Our multidisciplinary design approach eventually became what is now called Environmental Graphic Design.

Over time, we expanded the system to include wayfinding signs that not only guide visitors but also enhance the island’s beauty. In designing signs for planned communities, we focus on two main goals:

Practical – helping visitors easily navigate unfamiliar surroundings.

Strategic – reinforcing the community’s brand.

Creatively, we aim to make every visit memorable and to create a distinct “sense of place” that sets Kiawah Golf Resort apart from other destinations.

Client  Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Location  Charleston, SC
Services  Signage System, Visual Identity, Logo, Branding Guidelines