We recently sat down with David Zarin, President of Zarin Fabrics, one of the largest decorative fabric retailers in the United States and a trusted resource for interior designers, builders, and homeowners for over 85 years. Known for its extensive in-stock inventory and full-service custom fabrication—including upholstery, drapery, and window treatments—Zarin Fabrics plays a critical role in bringing high-end residential projects to life.
We spoke with David about how textiles integrate into the building process and why early coordination is key to achieving exceptional results.
Skaggs-Walsh: In high-end residential projects, timing and coordination are everything. Our teams are often involved early in new construction or renovation projects when plumbing, electrical, and HVAC are the focus. Where do fabrics fit into that process?
David Zarin: Ideally, earlier than most people expect. Fabrics often get treated as a final layer, but they influence a lot of decisions upstream—window dimensions, wall treatments, built-in seating, even acoustics. When we’re brought in early, we can align material choices with the construction timeline, which prevents delays and avoids last-minute compromises.
Skaggs-Walsh: How does your team collaborate with builders and project managers during a renovation or new build?
Zarin: We act as a bridge between design intent and real-world execution. A designer might specify a look, but we help translate that into materials that can actually perform in the space—whether that’s durability, cleanability, or code compliance. We coordinate with contractors on measurements, installation timing, and site conditions. The goal is to make sure that what’s envisioned is actually what gets delivered.
Skaggs-Walsh: What are some common challenges you see when materials are selected too late in the process?
Zarin: The biggest one is constraint. If window depths, hardware placement, or built-ins are already finalized, your options become limited. That can affect how drapery hangs, how upholstery fits, or how a space ultimately feels. Another issue is lead time. Custom fabrication takes time, and if it’s rushed, quality can suffer. When everything is planned together—from framing to finishing—the results are significantly better.
Skaggs-Walsh: You work with both designers and homeowners. How do you manage expectations across those different stakeholders?
Zarin: Communication is everything. Designers often speak in terms of vision, while homeowners speak in terms of lifestyle. Builders and project managers are focused on execution. We try to translate across all three. For example, we’ll explain how a fabric will wear over time, how it interacts with light, and what maintenance looks like. That clarity helps everyone stay aligned.
Skaggs-Walsh: We know from experience that in luxury homes, details matter. Where do textiles have the biggest impact?
Zarin: The places people interact with most—seating, window treatments, and anything at eye level. A well-upholstered piece or properly tailored drapery can elevate an entire room. It’s not about being flashy; it’s about precision. The stitching, the weight of the fabric, how it falls—those details register subconsciously. That’s where projects move from good to exceptional.
Skaggs-Walsh: What advice would you give to builders or developers aiming to deliver a truly high-end finished product?
Zarin: Bring your material partners in early and treat them as part of the team. The more integrated the process, the fewer surprises there are. High-end construction isn’t just about structure—it’s about how the space feels when it’s finished. Materials are a huge part of that, and they deserve the same level of planning as everything else.
Skaggs-Walsh: What’s next for Zarin Fabrics?
Zarin: We’re continuing to expand our work with residential builders and designers nationwide. More projects are becoming collaborative from the start, which plays to our strengths. We’re also investing in tools and content that help clients visualize and understand materials earlier in the process, so decisions are more informed and outcomes are more consistent.
