Today we’d like to introduce you to Gary Bruckert.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have a BFA in Industrial design from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. I’m originally from Cincinnati, where One80 Design + Build began. I moved to Chicago and established the business here in 2013.
One80 Design + Build was founded in 2003 when I was approached by a client with a pretty unique design idea – he wanted a multi-story waterfall in his living room and couldn’t find anyone to build it. I was able to make his vision a reality in just four weeks, and subsequently realized there was a market for one off, bespoke design and interior build – not everyone wants to look like every other house on the block.
I have grown the business every year since then through a mix of residential and commercial projects, and recently have taken workshop/studio space. This allows us to complete more work away from our clients’ homes and businesses, and spend less time on site.
Has it been a smooth road?
There have definitely been some struggles along the way. Like all small businesses it can be hard to find the right people to work with you. When I’m sending people into my clients’ homes, I need to know that they will treat it with the same respect I do, and will complete the work to the standards I demand.
The financial crisis in 2008 was tough – spending on home improvement is often the first thing to go when people are tightening their belts. But we survived, and that’s one of the things I’m most proud of.
Another challenge I can face is ‘un-educating’ clients. With shows on channels like HGTV pulling off full home makeovers in just a few weeks, it’s not unusual for clients to think that I can do the same. But without the magic of television that’s just not possible. It’s worth taking the time to make sure a job is done right, rather than just papering over the cracks.
I get great word of mouth referrals from clients, which is the best recommendation I can get, but it can be challenging to find those clients who really want those completely unique projects in their homes, rather than just following whatever is in fashion in the home magazines. I’m hoping that I can grow that side of the business more over the next few years.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the One80 Design + Build story. Tell us more about the business.
One 80 Design + Build is a full service design and build contracting company, created to provide a fully integrated service to residential and commercial clients throughout Chicago.
Our professional team brings clients’ ideas to life using cutting-edge software and a structured creative process built on 20 years of training and design experience. Our design capabilities include one-off pieces of customized cabinetry and millwork, kitchen and bathroom renovations, and complete home remodeling to suit the needs of discerning and design-conscious clients.
We pride ourselves on our imagination, craftsmanship and fostering peace of mind.
We manage all aspects of the project from start to finish, resulting in a track record of successful delivery and exceptional client experiences.
Our clients talk about the quality of our work, and the respect with which we treat their homes. So many of our clients are families with young children, and when possible we even work around naptimes!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Trends in home design seem to change up every five years or so. I’m not sure what the next fashion will be, but I’d like to see a growth of more sustainable design, using repurposed materials to fulfill new ideas.
I hope that my own business will continue to expand during this time. I’m hopeful that the market for unique, high-end projects will continue to grow, giving me the opportunity to work with unusual materials and create special environments for my clients in both residential and commercial spaces.
Contact Info:
- Website: one80design.com
- Phone: 312.857.8868
- Email: gbruckert@one80design.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/one80design/
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