inspiration : window treatments transform commercial spaces
Gil Breef SHADES BY DESIGN — MIAMI
ShadesByDesign.com How do you determine the best window coverings for a commercial space? When
considering window coverings for a commercial space, we look for the product efficiency in the space based on the client’s needs and to keep a healthy work/ study environment. Most large commercial projects are being specified by the design architects and we have to follow their guidelines. On smaller projects we look at the budget, the operation system (if the shade system will be motorized or manual), how it supports the decorative motives and the product’s ability to serve the client’s needs.
Are there certain materials/fabrics, colors or patterns for commercial window coverings that you prefer over others, depending on the type of space you are designing? In most of our
commercial projects, the architects are the ones specifying fabrics and materials. When looking at roller shades, we recommend dark color shades for glare reduction and light fabrics for privacy and heat reduction. On the other hand, when considering soft
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| MARCH + APRIL 2022 | wf-vision.com
treatments, such as drapes, we recommend materials that are easy to maintain.
What are some of the most popular window coverings you use in commercial settings? For interior office spaces, we prefer roller shades in varying opacities and control systems. With housing projects, we also recommend faux-wood or aluminum blinds. For restaurants, we install outdoor pergolas, awnings and retractable screens since outdoor dining has been a trend due to COVID.
Are you seeing any new trends in window coverings for commercial spaces in 2022? It’s all about home/office automation and outdoor coverings. We are integrating interior shades to building automation systems and extending to outdoor spaces by offering automated pergolas, retractable awnings and screens.
What commercial project has been the most challenging for you? We recently
installed a 560 roller shades for a residential building and the developers insisted that
we install it before the painters completed their work. We strongly discouraged the developer from making this decision since we have had experience with painters damaging our roller shades. We ended up having the developer sign a waiver that we would not be responsible for any damages. A week after we completed the installation, the developer called us to replace over 100 shades due to paint marks.
Is motorization a big draw for your commercial clients’ windows? Why or why not? Are there some commercial environments or conditions that make motorization a better choice? To me,
motorized window covers are always better in a commercial setting since you can rely on programming the system to operate on schedule. In settings where rooms are being used by individual guests who may not be used to motorized operation, such as in hospital rooms and assisted living facilities, it can be more of a challenge and nonmotorized may be a better option.
