FAQs

Please click on any of the frequently asked questions listed below to view responses. If you do not see your question on this page, please feel free to contact us.

• How is Academy different from other companies that sell similar products?

  Academy has built a reputation for integrity, innovation, quality product lines, and extraordinary customer service. From our first interaction to the final installation, and for every moment in between, Academy promises to bring customers the appealing, tailor-designed, and customized product lines that have been the cornerstone of our company.

• What geographical areas do you serve?

  Academy is able to serve customers nationally and internationally.

• What is the profile of an Academy customer?

  Academy specializes in commercial clientele including restaurants, hotels, resorts, universities, schools, general contractors, theme parks, and property management companies, as well as shopping and retail centers.

• Who are some of your clients?

  When you become an Academy client, you join the ranks of some of the most nationally and internationally recognized companies. To see a sampling of our customers, click here.

• Do you manufacture exterior or interior products?

  Academy manufactures products that are constructed for both interior and exterior applications to meet our customers’ requirements.

• Can I just order an awning, cabana, or canopy from a catalog?

  Most of our products are custom made to fit your specific design intent, but once we receive the specifications of the job, we can replicate cabanas, awnings, canopies, or umbrellas as requested.

• Why are all of your products custom made?

  Academy’s products are a manifestation of the branding and image that characterize our clients’ businesses. For this reason, the team at Academy spends time understanding our clients’ goals, which enables us to provide recommendations and eventually create a final product that exceeds expectations.

• What should I look for in an awning professional?

  Because an awning serves as a first impression for your established or potential customers, it is essential that you look for a company that will ensure its final product meets and exceeds your standards. Ensure that the company you select is an active member of the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association and serves is a licensed contractor. Lastly, ask for references of other similar work completed by the firm you are considering, along with a photographic portfolio.

• How does Academy ensure a quality product?

  We begin by collaborating with you on the design, aesthetics and functionality of the project. During this time, we provide renderings, drawings, and material samples for your selection. Next, we schedule a field measure. After that the customer approves the overall intent via written approval on the drawing. Once that is completed, we commence the purchasing of raw materials and move to production of the final product, including frame welding and powder coating to the exact paint finish that you selected. Next, the fabric is sewn to fit to the frame structure (if it is a fabric based product). Lastly, a thorough quality control inspection is completed to verify size specifications, overall fit and design. After passing through this rigorous process, the product is ready for installation or shipping.

• What if something goes wrong? Who do I call?

  Unlike many other competitors, our manufacturing and production is done in-house by a member of the Academy Team. Each client is assigned his/her own project manager that works in our facility, who will be there to handle any problems should they arise.

• Do I come to your location or do you visit my place of business?

  Depending on the location of your business and the complexity of the job, a sales representative will come to the jobsite to survey the property. Alternatively, in many cases, drawings, engineering specifications, floor plans, and other pertinent documents can be exchanged electronically. All clients are welcome to visit our 30,000 square foot facility in Commerce to view our process.

• How many fabric colors do I have to choose from?

  At Academy, we work with various high quality fabric manufacturers, who offer thousands of fabric types and colors.

• What if I do not have a specific design, color, or fabric in mind? Can Academy help me bring my idea to fruition?

  Yes we can help! Visit our various galleries in the product section of our homepage to see some examples of our past jobs. Once you become an Academy customer, a member of our design team will work collaboratively to ensure your vision becomes a reality.

• Do I need to know the dimensions or measure the area myself?

  During the quoting process, some approximate measurements are necessary to formalize a proposal. After the scope of the project is finalized, Academy will schedule a project manager to the site to take the final measurements for manufacturing.

• From start to finish, how long does it usually take to get the job done?

  At Academy we attempt to accommodate our customers’ schedule. Each job is determined by the complexity of the work that needs to be done to ensure a quality job.

• What payment methods do you accept?

  We accept checks, cashiers checks, MasterCard, Visa, or American Express.

• Are all estimates free?

  Yes, all estimates are free! Please call 1-800-422-9646 or visit or click here to contact us for an estimate.

• Are you a licensed contractor and fully insured?

  Yes, we hold both a California Contractors B and a D03 license. We are also fully insured.