The Grace Awards Announces Esteemed Panel of Judges for 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: September 24, 2025

Charlotte, NC – For more than 30 years, the Grace Awards have stood as the window covering industry’s highest recognition of artistry and innovation in custom window treatments. Each year, the awards spotlight the designers and artisans whose creativity, vision and craftsmanship inspire the entire window fashion community.

“This year’s Grace Awards are set to raise the bar like never before. With an all-star panel of judges and a wave of exceptional talent from across the industry, we expect the 2026 competition to be our most inspiring and impactful celebration of design and craftsmanship yet.” — Lindsay Brown, Managing Editor, Window Fashion VISION

Submissions for the 2026 Grace Awards will open October 1, 2026. Designers and artisans from across the industry are encouraged to showcase their most exceptional projects and compete for this prestigious honor.

Window Fashion VISION is proud to unveil the extraordinary panel of judges for the 2026 Grace Awards. This powerhouse group of leaders brings unmatched expertise, vision and credibility to the competition—ensuring that this year’s awards will be bigger, bolder and more inspiring than ever.

Judging will take place between January 12 and January 31, 2026. Each judge will review and score entries independently and anonymously to determine the winners across all categories.

The 2026 Grace Awards Judges

DESIGN

Eric Ross — Eric Ross is a seasoned interior designer with more than 20 years of experience. His work has been published in Traditional Home, Southern Style, Southern Lady, The Cottage Journal and many other publications. His passion is to fan the flame of traditional decorating with a deeply Southern aesthetic. A Kentucky native, he now lives in Nashville, Tennessee.

Cheryl Draa Moran — Cheryl Draa Moran is an award-winning interior designer with over 30 years of experience, specializing in helping people navigate life transitions through thoughtful, functional and beautiful spaces. A recipient of multiple prestigious Grace Awards, she blends creative vision with technical expertise, particularly in the complex art of custom window treatments and workroom design. Known for her warm, client-focused approach, Cheryl transforms change into opportunity—guiding clients with confidence, style and lasting comfort.

Zinaida Shikhanova — Zinaida Shikhanova is an award-winning designer and the founder of ZCurtains, where she combines her love of sewing and handcrafting with a strong technical background. Drawing inspiration from her parents—her mother’s artistry and her father’s precision—she has built a career defined by creativity and problem-solving. With experience leading large teams in corporate settings, Zinaida brings both vision and discipline to her work, delivering custom window treatments that blend beauty, functionality and exceptional craftsmanship.

ARTISAN

Vicky Serany — Vicky Serany is the founder and principal designer of Southern Studio Interior Design, a nationally recognized firm based in Cary, North Carolina. For more than 20 years, she has led her team in creating casually sophisticated interiors that balance texture, pattern and color with livable luxury. Her work spans primary and vacation homes along the East Coast and has been featured in numerous publications, earning recognition such as Southern Living’s Designer of the Year and Women of Western Wake. Dedicated to mentoring emerging designers and supporting local nonprofits, Vicky extends her passion for design into leadership, education and community impact.

Donna Cash — Donna Cash is a nationally recognized sewing and business educator with over 38 years of experience in the soft furnishings industry. As founder of Designs by Donna, she is known for her signature pillows and bedding, as well as her ability to mentor makers through expert instruction and practical business strategies. Donna blends technical mastery with a focus on wellness, helping professionals build sustainable, profitable businesses while creating with confidence and joy.

Keely Hersh — Keely Hersh, owner of Right at Home Interiors, is a true authority in window treatments and interior design. In her 35 years in business, she has earned her reputation as a detail specialist with custom-made drapes, roman shades, bedding, pillows and more. Her award-winning designs are consistently picked up and shared on social media, and she’s been featured in multiple local and national publications as a subject expert in fabrics and trims, drapes and interior design.

ABOUT THE GRACE AWARDS:

The Grace Awards, formerly the VISION Design & Workroom Competition, were founded by Window Fashion VISION publisher Grace McNamara 33 years ago to recognize and honor the talented professionals in the window covering industry. As the only award program that exclusively recognizes excellence in the design, fabrication and intricate details in the work of window covering professionals, these honors call attention to the importance of window coverings and the professionals behind the scenes. Learn more at Grace-Awards.com.

ABOUT WINDOW FASHION VISION MAGAZINE:

As the premier window covering magazine in North America, we offer professionals the latest information on design trends, business and education. We highlight the best in our field to give you the hottest products from manufacturers and knowledge from leaders in the industry. With your subscription, each issue is jam-packed with useful information to help you grow your business, find new inspiration and learn from your peers. You’ll find all you need to take your business to the next level.

ABOUT IWCE:

The International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE) is the only conference and trade show of its kind in North America, the world’s largest market for window coverings. The conference offers a unique experience/opportunity for like-minded business professionals to see the latest product innovations and experience world-class educational sessions and unprecedented networking opportunities. Learn more at IWCE-Vision.com.