FULL FRAME: Workroom

WINNING PERSPECTIVE

BY TINA FONTANA, WORKROOM OF THE YEAR, 2022

I have been involved with the International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE) Design Competition for many years and have submitted many entries, but, until this year, I never won Workroom of the Year. I joked with my staff that when I win Workroom of the Year I will retire.

It was such an honor to be recognized in this way, especially after the past two years. It was nice to know that my 18-hour days of fabricating and sewing was recognized. Since the start of the pandemic, I have been inundated with work and have limited assistance while also dealing with supply chain issues.

When my seamstress of 24 years retired, I had to jump in and return to sewing to finish the work. The recognition by IWCE is also a little extra sweet because I served as the workroom/ seamstress for all the projects I submitted to this year’s VISION Design + Workroom Competition.

It’s hard to believe that my company Fontana Designs is 30 years old. Throughout this time, I have seen the good, the bad and the beautiful of being a small-business owner. I started the design studio in 1991 in my home’s basement, which, at the time, it was looked down upon to have a business in your home. Now, working from home is the norm.

My business started to grow, and I soon needed more than my basement for my studio and library wallpaper, flooring and fabrics. I also found that I wanted more control of my business, so, in 1995, I decided to open my own workroom. I attended trade shows to learn about running a workroom and to purchase equipment.

One of the first things I realized was constructing drapery was very time-consuming and the going rate at the time was only $9/width. I felt that there had to be a more accurate and faster way to make drapery panels that saved time and allowed the opportunity to make more money. After much research, I found out about the drapery table, which was a game changer for creating and tabling draperies, bedding, valances and so much more. I found two companies that sold workroom equipment and ended up purchasing five machines from Morgan Manufacturing.

At the beginning, I flew to Kentucky and met Wade Morgan and his daughter, Drew, who trained me on the equipment. The purchase of the equipment and my training has paid for itself many times over.

As I continued in my business, I had to add staff who would be able to do the sewing, fabrication and upholstering so I could focus on the design. In 1997, I needed to secure more work for my workroom, so became a vendor at the American Society of Interior Designers show to connect with designers in my area who would need a workroom for their clients’ custom window treatments. I was able to offer local designers my workroom services, as well as the use of my extensive resource library to share with their clients.

At first, the designers were hesitant to work with me as they were afraid I would steal their clients. I assured them I did not need their clients and I was there to assist them with their projects. This allowed me to start offering wholesale fabrication for the designers who assisted in keeping my staff and machines busy while I was out securing additional projects. My business is built on my belief of

Fabrication of a 16' cornice in the Fontana Designs workroom.

Fontana Designs made coats for lambs from a patented pattern.

providing much more than what is expected. This has allowed me to secure many referrals from my clients.

In 2007, I remember when I first entered the Design + Workroom competition. I won an honorable mention for an awning that I built. Now, 15 years later, Fontana Designs has taken home 26 design competition wins from VISION magazine.

After three decades, I have seen a lot of changes in the industry and have had to adapt. I also think never saying no to anything— including different types of jobs and not focusing on a single product or service—is how Fontana Designs has been able to survive regardless of the economy. When we didn’t have window treatment work, we offered to repair car covers and horse blankets, as well as making coats for lambs for client who has a special patent for the pattern.

I am excited to see new faces in the industry and younger people coming into the business. There was a time when I thought the fabrication business would fade as many workroom owners retired or went out of business. It was very hard to find younger recruits who knew how to sew or make old-school window treatments.

It’s a breath of fresh air to see so many new seamstresses coming into the industry and keeping custom work alive. I have been fortunate enough to have my daughter-inlaw work at Fontana Designs for the past six years.

I want to continue showing clients the benefits of working with a small business. There is nothing more personal than someone’s home, and I’m honored our clients continue to trust us with their projects. V

Drapery fabrication and installation. A must-have for window treatment professionals. Discover the largest selection of wide-width drapery fabrics in the world. Guaranteed in stock!

www.interiorfabricsinc.com

info@interiorfabricsinc.com | 215-957-0908