Hunter Douglas Architectural

As a division of Hunter Douglas Group, Hunter Douglas Architectural continues to find new ways to benefit its customers, dealers and employees, which have established the company as an innovator in manufacturing and distribution methods all over the world. For nearly 100 years, Hunter Douglas Group has been manufacturing quality, sustainable products. Hunter Douglas Architectural specializes in window shades, suspended ceilings and facades for commercial, educational and hospitality clients in the architecture and design industry.

A global company

The story of Hunter Douglas dates back to 1919 when Henry Sonnenburg founded a machine tool distribution and manufacturing company in Düsseldorf, Germany. In 1940 Sonnenburg moved to the United States where he founded the Douglas Machinery Company. In 1946, after establishing a joint venture with Joe Hunter, the company developed new technology and equipment for the continuous casting and fabrication of lightweight aluminum. This led to the production of venetian blinds.

In 1985, Hunter Douglas once again revolutionized the industry with the launch of Duette Honeycomb Shades, which feature a unique honeycomb construction that makes them soft, durable and highly energy efficient. Hunter Douglas continued to grow as a company and over the years presented the industry with innovative products, such as its Wide Panel Ceiling system, Silhouette Window Shadings, Vignette Modern Roman Shades and Techstyle acoustical ceilings. In 2005, Hunter Douglas Contract was established as an umbrella for the individual architectural brands, though each division remains a separate entity.

With a presence all over the world, Hunter Douglas is a global company offering diverse services and products, as well as a strong research and development team. “Mermet Sun Control Textiles, a Hunter Douglas company that is based in the United States, as well as Europe, has several Cradle-to-Cradle Certified fabrics,” says Stephanie Tichenor, senior marketing manager for Hunter Douglas. “We also use recycled aluminum for our ceilings and window blinds.”

In 2013, Hunter Douglas was involved in the construction of the largest LEED Gold-certified commercial facility in the state of Illinois. The Hub Group headquarters, located in the Chicago suburb of Oak Brook, Illinois, was designed to harmonize with human health and building performance as well as with the environment. Hunter Douglas installed more than 150 RB 500 motorized roller shades to help shape the look of the facility. Due to their architectural design, ease of operation, durability and versatility, the RB 500 shades proved to be the ideal solution in keeping with the sustainable concept of the facility.

The motorized roller shade system that was installed by Indecor Inc., a Hunter Douglas installation partner, enables the shades to position themselves appropriately based upon angles of the sun. This intelligent programming ensures that occupants remain comfortable throughout the day by managing daylight and reducing the glare and solar heat within the space.

Future sustainability

As a member of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), Hunter Douglas is committed to the movement toward sustainability and green building. As a company that believes in the purpose of USGBC, Hunter Douglas is able to align with the council and leverage relationships and become educated and updated on what is happening in the green building industry around the country. “What we learn from being involved in USGBC allows us to educate our partners, sales reps and clients. Everything in the industry is becoming even more than LEED-certified. Now there is the new WELL Building Standard, it’s all about what you can do beyond the certification to create comfortable, productive and healthy spaces for occupants.”

As part of the Hunter Douglas Group, Hunter Douglas Architectural is able to build upon the rich history of such an innovative company. By continuing on the path of sustainability, the company will remain a leader in the manufacturing and distribution of products that assist architects and contractors in creating spaces that facilitate wellness and sustainability.