It’s Not Just Window Coverings: Designing with the Whole Home in Mind with Jeff Low

It’s just window coverings… right? Not exactly. In this episode, I’m joined by Jeff Low of J. Glow Blinds, a window-covering professional who has spent years helping homeowners make smarter decisions about privacy, function, automation, specialty windows, and all the details that can easily get overlooked during the design process. But our conversation quickly became about much more than blinds. Jeff and I explore why window coverings should be considered earlier in the design process, how better collaboration between designers and specialty professionals leads to better outcomes, and why none of us should be afraid to bring another expert into the conversation when it benefits the homeowner. So why does this matter? Because the decisions we make during design can affect what’s possible later. From pre-wiring for automated shades to planning for specialty windows, thinking ahead gives homeowners more options, and can prevent expensive compromises after construction is complete. What You Can’t Miss: Bring the Experts in Early Why Jeff believes it’s never too early to start thinking about window coverings, and how early conversations can influence design, electrical planning, budget, privacy, and function. It’s Not Just Window Coverings Discover why something that seems like a finishing detail actually affects how homeowners experience their homes every single day. Designers Don’t Have to Know Everything Stefani and Jeff talk about checking egos at the door, knowing when to call in a specialist, and why collaboration makes all of us better at what we do. Give Homeowners Better Choices Learn why good design isn’t about making every decision for the client. It’s about educating homeowners, explaining their options, and helping them make informed choices. Build Your Professional Network Why relationships between designers, builders, electricians, interior designers, window-covering specialists, and other trades can create a smoother experience, and a better home, for everyone. Whether you’re designing homes, building them, or planning your own dream home, this conversation is a reminder that thoughtful design isn’t only about the big decisions. Sometimes, the details we leave until the end are the ones homeowners will interact with every single day. 🎧 Hit play to discover why designing with the whole home in mind means bringing the right people into the conversation at the right time. Connect with Jeff Low • J. Glow Blinds: https://www.jglowblinds.com • Facebook: Facebook: J.GlowBlinds • Instagram: Instagram: j._glow_blinds About Not a Licensed Architect Not a Licensed Architect is the podcast for residential designers who are doing the real work of designing homes that improve people’s lives. Hosted by Stefani Thatcher, each episode explores smarter design, better building practices, business growth, and practical strategies that help designers lead with confidence, license or not. Chapter Markers 00:00 – Meet Jeff Low of J. Glow Blinds 02:04 – How Jeff Found His Way Into Window Coverings 05:30 – From Side Business to Full-Time Career 10:23 – Why Window Coverings Are More Complicated Than They Look 13:48 – What Homeowners and Designers Often Overlook 17:21 – Specialty Windows, Function & Finding the Right Solution 20:49 – Giving Homeowners Options Instead of Making Decisions for Them 25:12 – When Should Window Coverings Enter the Design Process? 27:42 – Why It’s Never Too Early to Start Planning 32:09 – Collaboration, Expertise & Checking Your Ego at the Door 37:45 – Planning Ahead for Automation & Pre-Wiring 43:35 – Why Every Detail of the Home Matters 47:02 – Building a Trusted Network of Professionals 50:00 – Professionalism, Accountability & Caring About the Client 51:40 – Final Takeaways