Our Legacy

Architectural Design Shutters, a third-generation business owned by Charles and Frazier Gardella, represents a rich legacy in window coverings. Their grandfather, Wallis Gardella, founded The Shade Shop in 1922 in Washington, DC, and Springfield, Virginia. Charles, having learned the trade from his father and grandfather, eventually decided to start his own venture, leading to the establishment of Architectural Design Shutters.

Growth and Expansion

In January 1982, Charles relocated to Naples, FL, and established Naples Discount Shutter and Awning. Thanks to the booming Southwest Florida housing market and the surge of vacationers and retirees, the business experienced rapid growth. Recognizing the potential for even more success, Charles persuaded his brother Frazier to join as a business partner in 1984. Their successful partnership led to a rebranding in 1986 as Naples Shutter, which aimed to attract high-end homeowners, designers, and architects.

Manufacturing Excellence

Initially, Naples Shutter sourced shutters and window coverings from manufacturers in California and Oregon. Over time, however, the company shifted to purchasing unfinished shutters and set up an on-site finish factory for trimming, painting, and staining. This transition enabled them to have greater control over quality and customization. Eventually, they established an on-site mill to create finished profiles from rough sawn lumber, customized to each customer’s specifications.

A New Chapter

After 22 years of operation, with a team of over 50 employees and three factories, Charles and Frazier decided it was time to sell Naples Shutter in 2004. Having built a thriving business, they were ready for a well-deserved break. Today, they own Architectural Design Shutters, which focuses on delivering exceptional customer service, high-quality products, and timely delivery. The company partners with top manufacturers, offering a broad range of price points to meet various needs.

Our Commitment

“Shutters and window coverings are what we know. It’s in our blood. It’s who we are. Returning to business is truly exciting,” Charles stated. Meanwhile, Frazier emphasized, “We excel at finding solutions for complex windows and are meticulous about design and detail. Therefore, an installation is not complete until our customer is 110% satisfied.”