One of the most satisfying and interesting things about working at Draper is the people you meet. And recently one of the most interesting I got to work with decided to call it a day after a long and successful career. Richard Wilson retired after 12 years with Draper and decades overall in the custom window coverings industry.
Richard joined Draper just as we were contemplating our entry into the custom and exterior shading market. He brought with him a great deal of knowledge and experience with specialty shading systems.
At the time, my role was in specialty shading and I worked closely with Richard. He helped us understand the demands and needs of large specialty shading projects. He showed Draper how to work with consultants and design architects on creative one-of-a-kind solutions.
During his years with Draper, he helped us with large shading projects for end users such as:
- Wilshire Grand Tower (Los Angeles)
- Canadian Parliament – West Block
- The Shed (New York City)
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- MoMA
- Northwestern University
- Harvard University
- Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
- Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Richard had a unique ability to work with the design community in creating solutions that fit the design aesthetic while performing the proper shading function. Richard worked with many different companies and individuals outside of Draper to pool resources and knowledge on projects. This collaborative approach helped Draper, sometimes with the support of partners, accomplish some stunning projects. And he did it all traveling the United States monthly from his home in western England, near the border with Wales – making his commute around 7,000 miles!
Richard, like many of his shading projects, is one-of-a-kind. In addition to following rugby, he is a keen cyclist, with some iconic rides including a trip through the Pyrenees with his son, Ralph, and several classic climbs, such as the Col du Tourmalet, the Col d’Aubisque, and the Col du Soulor. In 2018 he brought his cycling to Indiana, participating in the Ride Across Indiana (RAIN), a 160-mile one-day bike ride running west to east across the middle of the state. He even convinced President Chris Broome, Director of Sales Jentry Wittkamper, and Vice President of sales Lee Denhart to go along.
Richard brought deep enthusiasm and joy to his work. We will miss both – in addition to his unparalleled knowledge.
Below is a gallery of just a few of Richard’s projects:
