Washington D.C. native. Located in Dupont Circle. Supporting the Interior Design industry for over 39 years.
My Story
Client-FOCUSED ALWAYS
My clients are my priority. Exceptional customer service and personalized experiences define my company culture.
Over the past 39 years, I have had the privilege of working with some of the country’s top interior designers, which has allowed me to serve a wide range of clients — from private homeowners to dignitaries, entertainers, athletes, military leaders, business executives, hotels, and historic properties.
Some of the well-known clients and projects I have been connected to include Joan Rivers (comedian, actor, TV host, writer), Larry King (radio and TV host), Natasha Bedingfield (writer, singer, composer), John Glenn (astronaut), Colin Powell (Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State), Joe Gibbs (Head Coach of the Washington Redskins), Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Red Auerbach (GM of the Boston Celtics), Joe Biden (Vice President), Art Monk (Washington Redskins), Shawn Springs (Washington Redskins), Ernie Grunfeld (GM of the Washington Wizards), George McPhee (GM of the Washington Capitals), C. Everett Koop (Surgeon General), and so many others to mention!
I have also worked on projects connected to Pinehurst Country Club (NC), Morrison House Hotel in Old Town Alexandria, Georgetown Inn in Washington, D.C., The Inn at Little Washington, and television shows such as Trading Spaces, Design on a Dime, and America’s Extreme Home Makeover with Ty Pennington.
No matter the size or setting of the project, I have always taken pride in offering expert service with care, respect, and attention to detail.
My greatest pleasure has been meeting people from all walks of life and helping create spaces that feel warm, personal, and full of life!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How did you get started doing this type of work?
After serving six years in the U.S. Army’s Big Red One, I was honorably discharged in 1987 with the Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, and other awards. I served as a RATT Rig Operator and Crypto Specialist, and was also part of Ft. Riley’s Parachute Team.
Soon after leaving the Army, I met Mark Stamer of Bedells MFG. Company, a third-generation family business. He recognized my discipline, organization, and work ethic, and within a month, I was promoted to Production Manager. I began manufacturing vertical blinds for designers throughout the Washington, D.C. and Mid-Atlantic areas, which launched my career in the design industry.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
My typical process starts with being fully prepared. I arrive with what I like to call a “moving hardware store” in my van, equipped with the tools, hardware, and materials needed to handle a wide range of installation needs.
With over 39 years of experience supporting the interior design industry, I have worked on nearly every aspect of residential and design-related installations. This includes drapery and window treatments, artwork, picture galleries, mirrors, bath fixtures such as towel racks and toilet paper holders, furniture assembly, and more.
When working with a new customer, I focus on understanding the designer’s vision, the client’s needs, and the specific details of the space. From there, I make sure the installation is completed carefully, professionally, and with respect for the home and design plan.
I have had the privilege of working with many designers across the industry for many years, and many can attest to the level of support, preparation, and care I bring to each project. It has truly been a pleasure and a privilege to support them in the best way I can.
Am I insured and do I have a verified security background check?
Yes! I am fully insured, which means customers can feel more secure knowing that their property and project are being handled by a professional who takes the work seriously. Whether I am installing artwork, draperies, mirrors, or picture galleries, I treat each home with care and respect.
I also have a verified security background check, which provides an added level of confidence for homeowners, designers, and clients. After many years of working in private residences, high-end homes, government-related properties, and sensitive environments, I understand how important professionalism, discretion, and trust truly are.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My experience comes from over 39 years of hands-on work in the interior design, window treatment, and installation industry. I began my career in my early 20s as a production manager, manufacturing vertical blinds for Bedells MFC. By age 22, I had opened a retail store called Vertical Station, along with a service company called Metropolitan Installations and Repairs.
By 1988, I was providing consultations for draperies, shades, window treatments, and installations for many design firms. Over the years, I have owned and sold several companies within the design industry, including businesses with 30 or more employees.
In 2004, I co-founded Designers Choice Design Center, a design-trade-only center serving several hundred design firms. As a wholesale design center connected to the Washington, D.C. design market, we represented some of the most respected names in the industry, including Robert Allen, Kravet, Duralee, Fabricut, Scalamandré, and other leading fabric, wallcovering, drapery hardware, furniture, and accessory companies.
In 2006, I opened The Silk Tassel Rod Shoppe in Arlington, Virginia, along with a drapery workroom serving mostly high-end design firms. There, we manufactured custom draperies, euro shams, bed skirts, pillows, and other soft goods for the trade.
Throughout my career, I have also mentored many interior designers and interns from various universities, many of whom have gone on to build successful careers in the design industry.
After many years of owning companies, managing payroll, and working through the demands of the trade, I have now settled into doing exactly what I love most: providing the public with high-quality, professional service at a fair and affordable cost. I believe the public deserves the very best.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
I have been fortunate to work on many projects throughout my career that I am proud of. Some of the most meaningful work has been supporting U.S. Navy Admirals, Vice Admirals, Marine Corps Generals, U.S. Air Force Generals, U.S. Army Generals, and even projects connected to the Vice President’s residence at the Naval Observatory.
For over 25 years as a DOD contractor, I had the privilege of working in every house at the U.S. Naval Academy, the Navy Annex near the State Department, and the houses at the Washington, D.C. Navy Yard. My work included hanging artwork, installing draperies, shades, and other custom design elements.
Another part of my career that I am very proud of was supporting the model home industry across the country for over three decades. I worked with leading design firms such as Furniture Brands, Hickory Chair, Model Home Interiors, Builders Design and Leasing, Home Builders and Design, Carlyn and Company, and many others.
These projects supported major builders including NVR/Ryan Homes, Ryland Homes, Beazer Homes, Toll Brothers, Craftmark Homes, Pulte Homes, and more nationwide. I was responsible for the window treatments, artwork, and installation details that helped complete the finished look of the model homes.
Some of my favorite and most memorable projects involved installing shades in air traffic control centers at commercial airports, Naval airports, and military airfields. There is nothing quite like working in an air tower and getting buzzed by an F-16 fighter jet. That happened to me three times, and every time was a thrill!
Project timelines varied depending on the size and scope. Some installations could be completed in a single day, while larger model home, military, or government-related projects could take several days or longer. Each project was unique, but all of them were a privilege to be part of.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
My advice is to hire someone who specializes in the type of work you need done. In my experience, installation work requires precision, the right tools, and years of hands-on knowledge. It is not just about getting something on the wall or assembled; it is about making sure it is done correctly, safely, and with respect for the design of the space.
While a general handyman may know a little about many different things, I believe customers are best served by hiring a professional who focuses on one area and does it extremely well. Drapery, artwork, mirrors, shades, bath fixtures, and furniture installations all require careful measuring, proper hardware, and an understanding of how to work within finished homes.
A true specialist knows how to avoid mistakes, solve problems properly, and complete the job without cutting corners. My advice to customers is to look for someone with proven experience, strong references, and a history of doing this kind of work professionally. In the long run, hiring the right person protects your home, your investment, and the final look of the project.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Before talking to a professional, customers should think carefully about the type of experience and expertise they want for their project. The best outcome usually comes from hiring someone who truly knows their business inside and out.
Customers should ask themselves: Does this provider specialize in the work I need done? Do they have years of proven experience? Can they solve problems if something unexpected comes up? Do I feel confident that my home and project are in good hands?
In my opinion, it is important to hire a professional or company that has a specific area of expertise. When someone has spent many years doing one type of work, they can often get a customer out of a difficult situation quickly and correctly.
I see many contractors offering dozens of different services without one clear area of specialty. They may get the job done, but maybe not to the highest standard. Customers should look for a true professional who understands the details, uses the right tools and hardware, and has the experience to complete the project properly without cutting corners.
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