Honoring Excellence: Heather Hill, 2024 Jill Robson Memorial Scholarship Winner for Interior Designers
The Window Coverings Association of America is committed to fostering talent and professional growth within the window coverings industry. We are excited to announce that Heather Hill, an accomplished interior designer, has been awarded the 2024 Jill Robson Memorial Scholarship for Interior Designers! In this blog, we dive into Heather's journey, her achievements, and her aspirations, while highlighting the impact of the scholarship on her career.
Meet Heather Hill
Heather Hill’s career in the window coverings industry started by chance but soon evolved into a passion. With a background working for notable companies such as Calico Corners and Ethan Allen, Heather has acquired a wealth of experience as a soft goods coordinator. In 2001 she joined Sheffield Furniture, to start their 1st window treatment department. Opening new accounts for fabrics, trims, blinds and drapery hardware, training their interior designers, having seminars for the public, she spent 15 years collaborating with a team of interior designers. After gaining additional experience as a sales representative for companies like Robert Allen, Thibaut, and Stout Textiles, Heather realized how much she missed the creativity of working on window treatments as a team with a designer and seeing the finished product.
This led her to launch her own business, Hill Drapery Design, where she partners with designers to offer concierge drapery services. Heather plays a hands-on role in every project, assisting with everything from pleat styles and proportions to hardware selection and installation, ensuring that every detail meets her high standards.
Our Conversation with Heather
Can you tell us a little about your background and how you got started in the window coverings industry?
"I actually stumbled upon it. I was going to school at Temple University in 1997 to get my BA in American History (I wanted to teach High School History) when I needed to take the train to school, I passed a Calico Corners. A perfect part-time job! I started not knowing what a yard was! Now 25 years later I LOVE this career. Collaboration, networking, learning, learning, and learning. I always say every project is a prototype. I have never used the same fabric in the same treatment for the same window. Every client, every designer, every space needs something unique."
What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
"I missed window coverings and being creative, so I started my own business, Hill Drapery Design. I work with designers to be their concierge drapery coordinator. I measure the jobs, help the designer with pleat styles, proportion of valances, appropriate linings, hardware selection, and attend every installation with the installer."
What are some of your proudest accomplishments in your career so far?
"In my earliest years, winning two 1st place awards at the IWCE for Window Fashions in 2012 and 2013, and then in 2014 winning 2nd place. An accomplishment that I could not have done without the amazing team I had at Sheffield Furniture and a very talented workroom: Yvonne Czekai. And now, later running my own business, being able to create truly custom artisan window treatments for interior designers and their clients to complete their projects. Rooms without custom window treatments or custom pillows are never complete, I know you agree with me!”
The Jill Robson Memorial Scholarship
What does receiving the WCAA Jill Robson Memorial Scholarship mean to you?
"I sat in a class with Jill years and years ago and was inspired by her grace, smile, and willingness to answer any question I whispered to her while Deb Barrett was speaking. I know she always loved to learn and gain new information; how to make something different, a new trick, a new fabric, a new system. So I wanted to learn more about the sewing techniques of all of the beautiful window treatments I design and install to enable me to create something new like Jill did so many times."
How do you plan to use the scholarship funds for your professional development?
"I attended the Custom Window Coverings Conference run by Susan and Roger Woodcock in Rhode Island. I HIGHLY recommend everyone attend next year In Tennessee. I can design and create in Minutes Matter what I want the treatments to look like, but I rely heavily on my incredible workrooms!! I want to learn more about workroom techniques and tricks and how I can specify my projects more succinctly."
What advice would you give to others in the industry who are considering applying for this scholarship?
"Do it! You don't know unless you try. And in this industry, we all help each other. There is so much opportunity to learn with great organizations, like WCAA and IFDA, along with generous scholarships that can help you become a better designer or workroom. The window coverings industry is growing and getting to know people in different areas and different parts of the design community is so beneficial to grow your business and network."
Professional Journey
How do you stay motivated and continue to grow in your profession?
"Networking, volunteering, and listening are my 3 motivations. Networking with other professionals who specialize in so many different aspects of the window coverings business, I always learn something new by asking questions. I love volunteering in organizations that change the lives of those less fortunate, Marvin’s Home is close to my heart. They decorate small apartments for young adults who have aged out of the foster system. To give them a space they can come home to for the first time when they have never owned anything. We are all so fortunate to do what we do, giving back is so important. My last motivation of listening and learning is my most passionate one. I love learning from new clients and designers what their pain points are and what I need to help them with. I love meeting new people and educating them on all of the options. Starting with a designer or a client being overwhelmed with all of the choices and whittling it down to the perfect fabric and shade and style of treatment, you know when it’s right, it’s right!”
Can you share a memorable moment or experience from your career that has had a significant impact on you?
"I could say the incredible projects I have had over the years with the companies I have worked for. But in all honesty, the most memorable moment is when I gave Stout Textiles my notice last August to start my own business in October 2023. I was scared I was not going to be busy! HAHA! I am so thankful for the designers who have trusted me with their clients' projects. It is just the start, and I can see many memorable projects coming in the future!"
How has being part of the WCAA community influenced your professional journey?
"Everyone is so friendly and helpful! I have a great group of friends from the Philadelphia/NJ chapter that I can ask questions to. Everyone shares their experiences, their tricks of the trade both good and bad. That is how we all learn together. To be a part of this community makes each of us better! There is so much business in our area, I love watching what everyone creates and shows in posts online! I might be biased but the PA/NJ area has the most talented workrooms and designers!”
Heather Hill’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and continuous growth. As the 2024 Jill Robson Memorial Scholarship winner for Interior Designers, Heather is dedicated to furthering her knowledge and contributing to the community that has supported her journey. Her achievements and contributions exemplify the positive impact of the WCAA and the enduring legacy of Jill Robson.
We look forward to seeing Heather’s future accomplishments and continued contributions to the field. Congratulations, Heather, on this well-deserved recognition!