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A 30,000-Square-Foot Drapery Project That Pushed Every Limit

As we celebrate 20 years of Stitch Above the Rest, I’ve been reflecting on the projects that shaped this journey and stretched my skills in new ways. Some projects teach you something small. Others redefine what you believe is possible. This one did both.

Inside No18 at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, where layered textiles and custom drapery help soften the architecture and shape the atmosphere of this 30,000-square-foot members’ club.

For the final installment in our throwback series, we’re revisiting one of the most ambitious commercial projects we’ve ever completed. Finished in 2019, this large-scale window treatment installation took place inside No18 at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, a vibrant members’ club and co-working space spanning more than 30,000 square feet.

Looking back, this project still represents what we believe custom window treatments and handcrafted drapery should be: thoughtfully designed, carefully fabricated, and executed with persistence, creativity, and a commitment to craftsmanship.

Lavish drapery frames an intimate meeting space.

A Bold Space Designed for Work and Connection

No18 describes itself as “a cosmopolitan members’ club meets co-working space,” offering areas for work, meetings, and social gatherings, along with a bistro and bar. The space features a modern design layered with retro influences and vibrant color throughout, all curated by an interior design firm based in Sweden.

For a space of this scale, the window treatments needed to do more than simply cover windows. They needed to complement the design while providing practical solutions for privacy, light control, and flexibility throughout the club’s multiple levels.

Ripplefold sheers allow natural light to flow through the space while providing the soft texture and privacy needed for a busy commercial environment.

Tackling a Large Commercial Drapery Project

When I first accepted the project, I expected to have help fabricating portions of it. But construction timelines rarely align perfectly. Sometimes fabric hadn’t arrived yet. Other times measurements needed to be reconfirmed as the building progressed. And occasionally the deadlines simply became too tight to coordinate additional help.

Instead of waiting for everything to fall into place, I focused on the pieces that were ready. Panel by panel, the finished drapery began stacking up in the workroom. As the project moved forward, I realized something surprising: I might actually be able to complete the entire job myself. And that’s exactly what happened.

In the boardroom, drapery installed on a traverse rod provides both light control and acoustic softness, two essential elements in collaborative work environments.

Behind the Numbers

Fabrication for the project ran from June through September of 2019, totaling 86 days of production and 529 documented hours of fabrication. Many days started before sunrise and stretched late into the evening as I worked through the growing list of window treatments.

Behind the scenes, my family stepped in to help keep life running while I focused on the work. My husband took over many of the day-to-day household responsibilities, and my kids pitched in wherever they could. Their support made it possible for me to keep moving forward and meet every deadline this project required.

Detail of the ripplefold drapery system used throughout the project.

By the time installation wrapped up, the project included:

  • 147 feet of vertical blinds installed
  • 519 feet of traversing drapery track
  • 1,393 feet of ripplefold draperies and sheers
  • 1,309 yards of fabric used
    15 installation days on site

Projects of this size are typically handled by large commercial workrooms with multiple tables and teams of fabricators. In this case, it was completed with one workroom, one fabrication table, and a lot of determination.

A Project I’ll Never Forget

Looking back, this remains one of the largest undertakings of my career. It pushed my endurance, my problem-solving skills, and my commitment to craftsmanship in ways I had never experienced before.

I’m incredibly grateful to the team at No18 for trusting me with such a significant part of their space and for allowing me to share the finished project today.

Drapery isn’t just for windows. Thoughtfully placed panels can define a space, frame architecture, and bring softness to large commercial interiors.

Planning a Large Commercial Window Treatment Project?

Large commercial projects require careful planning, precise fabrication, and a partner who understands how to manage every detail from measurement to installation. Whether it’s a hospitality space, restaurant, office, or multi-use property, Stitch Above the Rest has the experience and craftsmanship to bring complex window treatment projects to life.

If you’re planning a large-scale project and need a partner who can handle the details, we’d love to talk. Contact us today to start the conversation.

Photography by Woodie Williams Photography.

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