INSIGHT take note
Case Study in Communication Talk it through to work it out by Roger Magalhaes
I recently completed a challenging project that would have been a disaster had there not been excellent and thorough communication between myself, the client, the workroom, the additional contractors, and the suppliers. I know this because I was the fourth window treatment specialist called in on the project. The previous three all turned down the job because, I assume, the difficulties involved. Project Introduction In June 2017, I received a call to look at circa 1900 building that was undergoing major renovation. The major concern I had to address was a bank of five angled windows that varied in heights from 192" high on the far left to about 60" high on the far right.
20 | wf-vision.com | Jan + Feb 2018
Prior to my on-site visit, the first option that came to meet was “plantation shutters” which I knew could have perfectly constructed angle-tops. However, in our first meeting, the client mentioned that she did not want plantation shutters or draperies for those windows. She was hoping to see some roller shades instead that could “disappear” when not in use. Project Concerns I explained that we would have a few challenges there: 1. Finding a fabric that would roll 192" without seams. 2. Create a top treatment to hide the rollers because the shades would have to be mounted across at the top. Without a top treatment, it would look odd—the
horizontal header of the shades set against the angle of the windows. 3. We would also need electrical power installed at the top of each window and wood blocks so we would have a secure location to mount the shades. The client and her construction team (architect, general contractor, and electricians) were all present at the meeting. And everyone agreed that all my requirements were doable as long as I was supplying all of the necessary information and specs for the project. After researching the shade fabric options and developing some ideas for the valances, the client made her selections and the project was a go.
