Take 10 with David Arbogast

Did you know that Amplified Lifestyles has an Automated Shade Division? In March, window covering expert David Arbogast joined the Amplified team bringing over thirty years of experience developing shade solutions for interior designers, architects, and general contractors. David has designed automated shade solutions for skylights, curved windows, slanted windows, and crooked windows; he is up for any challenge.

AL: Congratulations on joining Amplified Lifestyles as Shading Project Manager! How did you get your start in Automated Shading Systems?

DA: Back in 1990, I answered an ad in the newspaper. I previously worked as a metal fabricator, doing welding, forging, machining, and foundry work. I was planning on purchasing a small machine shop but couldn’t reach a fair deal with the owner. On my first day installing shades, I discovered a new way to apply my skills of precision fabrication and the joy of clean hands at the end of the day! The variety of job sites over the years keeps things interesting. Each window I hang a shade in provides a new view of life!

AL: What are the benefits of having automated shades as opposed to manual? 

DA: I would say the primary benefit would be ease of use. For most windows, the shades are only needed for part of the day.  They don’t need to be deployed all the time. With automated shades, you can have your view back at the push of a button, saving you the chore of going around the house and manually lifting the shades. Automated shades can also be set to operate on their own at pre-programmed times. Not only is this helpful for regular day-to-day life, but it also helps keep the house looking lived in while you are away on vacation. 

AL: At what stage in the project should the automated shading expert be brought in and why?

 DA: It’s best to bring us in as the floor plans are being laid out. For automated shades built in, to conceal the hardware, we sometimes need a thicker wall than normal. Being involved early on helps the shading system look like part of the original, intentional design instead of an afterthought.

AL: What have been some of your most challenging window solutions? 

DA: The ones that come to mind are windows that don’t have right angles or have curved sections. These are even more challenging when they slant in or out (not plumb). Thankfully, it seems my life experiences have provided me with an advanced degree from the “MacGyver” Institute. I enjoy being able to design unique window shading solutions. One of my more memorable projects was in an operator’s cab of a large crane in the Port of Oakland. I was lifted up on top of a container!

AL: How have you seen shading solutions change over the last 30 years? 

DA: Traditional draperies and blinds have stayed pretty much the same, with some improvements to the durability of the fabrics. The most significant changes have been on the automated side of things. Electronic drives have become smaller, quieter, and much more robust. Battery-powered shades have come a long way, too, for those projects where it is not feasible to go behind the walls to run wiring. Some of these battery-powered shades can go 3-6 years before replacing the common “D” cell batteries. It has also become easier to pair automated shades with the various digital assistants in the market today.

AL: How do you collaborate on a residential project that can include a systems integrator, GC, architect, and interior designer?

DA: I’ve gotten used to the new “normal,” with zoom calls, emails, and texts. And I quite often resort to the “before time” habit of site visits!

AL: When you are not shading the Bay Area, what do you enjoy doing? 

DA: I enjoy spending time outdoors, whether hiking, mountain biking, playing golf, or sailing. While indoors, I enjoy cooking and watching old movies (the kind where the dialogue is more entertaining than the special effects!).

AL: Vintage or new? 

DA: I lean more towards vintage classics with original patina.

AL: A book that everyone should read? 

DA: I would unapologetically recommend the best-selling book of all time, known as The Bible. If it’s your first time, I suggest starting with the Gospel of John.

AL: What is one thing no one knows about you? 

DA: How much I treasure the personal connections made with others!