
At Empire Design Lab, we offer a curated, à la carte selection of services designed to support the trade throughout every stage of the design process.
Our resource library features an extensive collection of fabrics, trims, wallpapers, rugs, hardware, and furnishings.
Our on-site workroom creates custom soft goods and upholstery to your exact specifications.
We manage a climate-controlled warehouse for receiving, inspection, and delivery.
Our installation team provides expert measuring and precise installation of window coverings.
Choose only what you need—we’re here to bring your vision to life.
Our Services
Resource Library & Sourcing
Since 1998, Empire Design Lab has cultivated an expansive and meticulously curated materials library, supporting both residential and contract design projects. Our longstanding relationships and purchasing volume allow us to offer our vetted trade partners highly competitive pricing across a wide range of premium resources.
Our knowledgeable "librarians" are here to assist with sourcing and memos, bringing deep expertise in the nuanced characteristics of materials. Well-versed in FR codes, double rub counts, finishes, repeats, material orientation, and application appropriateness, our team ensures that every selection you love also meets your project's functional and creative requirements.
Already working with a preferred workroom? We’re happy to collaborate directly with them and can coordinate drop-shipping materials to their location for your convenience.
-
Our materials library operates much like your local book library. For those nearby, we invite you to browse our collections, sign out samples, and return them within two weeks. For our remote trade partners, once vetted, we are pleased to extend sourcing support, offering memo samples from a wide network of vendors–helping you expand your options without opening new accounts.
-
At Empire Design Lab, we pride ourselves on offering a broad spectrum of materials to suit every project and budget. From iconic, high-end vendors such as Schumacher, Brunschwig & Fils, and Vervain, to versatile mid-range brands like Fabricut, Stout, United, and Barrows, we believe excellence exists across all price points.
Here’s our secret: while a timeless Scalamandré hand-blocked print may be unmatched, we can also source a beautiful Belgian linen at a fraction of the cost–without compromising quality where it matters. We believe there is a place for both luxurious splurges and practical, utility-driven choices. Our experienced staff affectionately refers to these smart finds as our “Blue Ribbon Best” selections.
Whether your project calls for the very finest or demands thoughtful budgeting, we are here to help you make selections that align beautifully with your vision.
-
We believe in clarity and value. Even trade partners with their own vendor accounts often choose to order through us, appreciating our concierge-level service and the peace of mind that comes with experienced procurement of materials. This attentive service is seamlessly included with all products purchased through Empire Design Lab.
Custom Fabrication Workroom
At Empire Design Lab, craftsmanship is always within reach–our custom fabrication workroom is located just 30 steps away. Led by our head seamstress, who brings over 32 years of experience to the local trade, our workroom has been a trusted partner in transforming design visions into beautifully crafted realities since 1993.
Our process is designed to be seamless and efficient: simply request a quote, ship your materials (or order through us), and complete our streamlined work orders. From there, our team handles every detail with precision and care, ensuring you can focus fully on your creative work. We often speak of the “alchemy” that happens when inspired design meets expert execution–and we are committed to fostering that magic through constant communication, collaboration, and attentive follow-through.
As always, our services are offered à la carte. You are welcome to use our fabrication expertise whether or not you source your materials through us. No project is too large or too small, and we proudly ship nationwide to support your work wherever it takes you.
-
From drapery and curtains to shades, pillows, cushions, and bedding, our skilled artisans bring a refined touch to every project. Drawing inspiration from international techniques, we incorporate European methods, such as specialized interlinings and distinctive drapery headers, to elevate fabrication into a true art form.
-
We believe in honoring craftsmanship and sustainability. Reupholstering a furniture frame is one of the most impactful ways to champion sustainability within the design industry. Our upholsterers are not only masters of their craft but artists in their own right, capable of standard recovering, custom designs, and even frame modifications to refresh and reimagine your furniture pieces. Few ideas are beyond the reach of their artistry.
-
For functional elegance, we proudly offer products from Alta and Norman, including honeycomb shades, shutters, shadings (similar to Hunter Douglas’ Silhouettes), wood blinds, roller shades, and bamboo shades. Whether you're seeking light control, privacy, or the perfect first layer of texture in a space, our team is ready to recommend solutions tailored to your project’s needs.
Receiving &
White Glove Delivery
Our 1,600-square-foot, climate-controlled warehouse is purpose-built to securely receive, inspect, and store goods until they are ready for final delivery. Strategically located at the intersection of two major interstate highways running north-south and east-west, our facility offers straightforward accessibility for all major shipping carriers, ensuring a smooth and efficient logistics process from start to finish.
-
We have thoughtfully developed systems to make every stage of receiving and delivery as efficient and transparent as possible. In constant communication with our clients, we provide thorough tracking updates and timely reporting via shared documents, detailed photographs, and, when needed, direct personal calls.
Should any damage occur, it is reported immediately. Whenever feasible, we work quickly to assess whether an item can be repaired on-site by one of our skilled trades, often saving valuable time and eliminating the frustration of returns whenever possible.
-
Our dedicated warehouse team approaches every delivery with precision, professionalism, and genuine care. Working seamlessly as a unit, they unpack, tag, and place each item according to the detailed room plans provided. Wrapping and debris are meticulously collected and removed, ensuring the site is left clean, orderly, and ready for the final reveal.
At Empire Design Lab, we believe that impeccable service doesn't end at the loading dock, it extends all the way to the last perfect detail.
Professional Installation
Installation is the final touchstone of a window treatment–when weeks of sourcing, design, and fabrication come together in the space. At Empire Design Lab, we understand that installation is not simply the end of a project, but the unveiling of your creative vision. Every detail matters, and any misstep along the way will reveal itself here. That’s why we approach this phase with meticulous care, preparation, and a commitment to excellence.
Accuracy begins at the very start with precise measurements. Our installation team employs advanced digital tools to capture exact specifications, while also thoughtfully assessing the nuances and quirks of each space that could impact the design or installation process.
On installation day, our team is not only highly skilled but also courteous, clean, and deeply respectful of the environments they enter. Should unexpected challenges arise on site, our mindset is solution-driven: we are prepared to adapt, troubleshoot, and make every effort to ensure the project’s success without compromise.
Our team is also well-versed in motorization technology, they hold certifications in both Somfy and Lutron systems and are continually advancing their knowledge to meet the demands of today’s lust for technology and smart home integrations.
The final phase of your hard work deserves to unfold just as you and your client envisioned. Trust our installation team to deliver a flawless finish that brings your vision to reality.
Wondering What It’s Like to Work With Us?
See how we bring your projects to life—step by step, with precision, professionalism, and a deep respect for your creative vision.