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It’s definitely a big growth area for us. Seven years ago, we really didn’t do much commercial work and now it’s at least a third of our business.” KEVIN FELLNER President, Covers Designer’s Edge
Windows of all shapes and sizes
Covers Designer’s Edge delivers for residential and commercial clients
By Ellen Ashton-Haiste
H
omeowners seeking the latest and greatest in window treatments often look to Covers Designer’s Edge. But the division of Covers Canada, launched in 2014 to provide in-home consultations and custom solutions for residential clients, is also seeing significant expansion in its commercial services, says president Kevin Fellner. “It’s definitely a big growth area for us,” he says. “Seven years ago, we really didn’t do much commercial work and now it’s at least a third of our business.” A large portion of this is condo and apartment complex builders. The company has worked with most London developers, Fellner says. It does virtually all Tricar projects, both in the city and out of town. It’s currently working on the new One
Richmond Row downtown high-rise and will be involved with the Riverstone retirement apartments in Sifton’s West 5 community. Other projects include a range of commercial spaces from medical centres to school renovations. A major job now under way is the new community centre in East London. “That’s a big project,” Fellner says. “It’s an aquatic centre and there are a lot of motorized shades. There’s more technical know-how required in projects like a community centre, where the shades will often be tied into the control systems.” Motorization technology is a specialty that Covers Designer’s Edge has established as clients look for smart automation in their homes and businesses. While it’s not generally
standard in the condos and apartments, Fellner believes that is coming. Builders are incorporating it in amenity areas and there’s an increasing demand for it from buyers as an upgrade, he says. This specialization is a factor in the growth of commercial work for the company. Another advantage, Fellner says, is the ability to fabricate products locally. “We often don’t have a long window of opportunity to get in, measure and install so we have to have a quick turn-around. To be able to fabricate the products here is key for us, both from a cost perspective and in quality control.” He also credits the company’s installation teams. “They’re trained, they’re up-to-date and they know motorization, all key elements.” n
● FOR MORE INFORMATION • COVERS DESIGNER’S EDGE • 297 Exeter Road • 519-652-0222 • www.coverscanada.ca 60 Lifestyle May/June 2021
