Requirements and Solutions for Automating Shades & Window Coverings

Earn 1 AIA HSW LU.

This course gives best practices for assessing building conditions that impact the design of automated shading/window covering systems and shows how they relate to occupant well-being (comfort) and the management of daylighting and solar heat gain.

It then compares the main approaches to automation in terms of system complexity, functions, and the costs of installation and ongoing maintenance.

Learning Objectives

• Be able to discuss shading-automation objectives to optimize performance for various types of shading applications and site locations.
• Be able to discuss shading-automation objectives so all building users—including those who require ADA accommodation — will be safe and comfortable.
• Identify elements of automated shading systems and discuss tradeoffs among the main system designs for a range of structure types.
• Create a basic automation specification that meets a number of the identified objectives.

Jessica Maddocks

Technical Operations Manager

Hunter Douglas Architectural

Jessica Maddocks

Jessica has worked in the window covering industry for over 20 years, starting her career at her grandmother’s business as a project manager for Division 12 products. Her responsibilities were to provide take-offs, estimates, design services, and support the installation of all window coverings, from draperies to motorized roller shades. She has spent the last 15 years working for various manufacturers, most currently for Hunter Douglas Architectural, providing project planning, designing for automated systems, supporting installation services, and technical support.