Architectural Design Shutters, owned by Charles and Frazier Gardella, is a 3rd generation window covering business. Charles and Frazier’s Grandfather, Wallis Gardella, started The Shade Shop in 1922 in Washington DC and Springfield Virginia. As a young man, Charles learned the trade from his father and grandfather doing installation and sales. In January 1982, Charles moved to Naples, FL and started his own shop — Naples Discount Shutter and Awning.

Within a few years, Naples Discount Shutter and Awning grew by leaps and bounds. It was clear there was more growth on the horizon as the Southwest Florida housing market was booming and Naples was becoming a hot spot for vacationers and retirees. In 1984, Charles convinced his brother Frazier to move from Virginia and become his business partner. This launched a successful partnership that continues to this day. In 1986 Charles and Frazier changed the company name to Naples Shutter to attract more high-end home owners, designers and architects.

At first, Naples Shutter purchased shutters and window coverings from manufactures in California and Oregon. In time, Naples Shutter started to purchase unfinished shutters. The finish factory would trim, paint and stain on site. Eventually they started an on-site mill to manufacture finished profiles from rough sawn lumber to each customers window specification.

After 22 years of business, 50 plus employees and three factories, Charles and Frazier needed a long, well deserved vacation. In 2004, they sold Naples Shutter.

Today, Charles and Frazier own Architectural Design Shutters, a shutter and window covering business with an emphasis on customer service, quality and quick on-time delivery. Architectural Design Shutters represents some of the best quality window covering manufactures in the country with a wide range of price points. “Shutters and window coverings are what we know. It’s in our blood. It’s who we are. It’s exciting to be back in business,” remarked Charles. “Our strengths are coming up with solutions for complicated windows and our attention to design and detail. An install isn’t complete until our customer is 110% satisfied,” added Frazier.