Designer’s Workroom is a family owned and operated business that got its start in 1976. Owners Donnie and Jaclynn Cauthorn began selling draperies out of their showroom in Plano Texas, and for 5 years they worked with residential customers in the design and fabric selection of custom window treatments. Donnie’s background in industry & technology, and Jaclynn’s study of interior design & clothing construction made for a great team in this venture.

Their enthusiasm turned to frustration when their carefully designed jobs were not always fabricated to their specifications by the workrooms that they used, so Jaclynn started making more complex designs herself and items that very few people were attempting. Donnie and Jaclynn decided to get out of the design end of the business and concentrate on fabrication. They sold the showroom and moved into the fabrication process. Donnie began calling on other designers and the workroom began.

The company was originally called “The Shade Shop” and they specialized in all types of roman style shades. Their reputation for paying attention to details and executing the job exactly as instructed, led their customers to request more products. This necessitated a move into larger facilities and a new name, “Designer’s Workroom”, to reflect the extended scope of their services.

More changes were in store in the late 1980’s when window automation came on the scene. Donnie has spent much time since then developing the motorization side of the business. This includes anything from system designs to product coordination between general contractors, electricians, and home electronics companies.

Donnie and Jaclynn’s daughter, Jennifer Coker came on board full time in 2002 after finishing studies in Graphics Design. She had previously worked in the workroom to learn all the details that go into the making of custom window treatments. She now works one on one with designers and customers on project specifications from start to finish. Her natural sense of design has helped and benefited her customers through many challenging projects.