Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Grubb.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Christopher. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up with my Grandfather who was a contractor and I spent summers on job sites and my Grandmother who had a bridal and fine giftware business that was in my family for over 100 years. Both gave me a lot of hands on experience with architecture and construction and the retail world doing windows, working with color and pattern etc, I was always intrigued with architecture since I was four or five and I’m lucky I had this early passion that became my career.
When I was a teenager, my mother suggested interior design. I had viewed interior design as “decorating” but I was fortunate to find a cooperative program at the University of San Francisco and the Academy of Art College for a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. It was perfect because it involved the architectural part of drawing full sets of floor plans as remodels or new construction as well as fabric and furniture finishes and supervising the construction of projects to fruition. I was also fortunate to receive a scholarship to study in Milan for a year and an also had chance to spend 4 months in Tokyo. It was an amazing opportunity to experience a multitude of cultures and architecture, I travel as often as I can as a source of inspiration.
I accidentally started my own business in college but knew I needed more experience in not just design but in marketing and running a business. I worked for an architectural / interior design firm in San Francisco specializing in commercial, retail and hospitality work and another when I moved to Los Angeles that focused on high end residential and hospitality.
Arch-Interiors is now 25 years old. We specialize in high end interior and exterior residential projects, commercial, health and beauty design and have completed over 650 projects during that time span. It’s been an honor to have our work published in hundreds of media outlets globally, we have won a multitude of awards and I enjoy the time I spend lecturing around the country and in Canada and various television and radio outlets to share my design experience and tips with my colleagues and the public. I have also ventured into product design which I enjoy immensely and am flattered one includes a creation of mine in their own project.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There is a joke that interior design is the least glamours – glamours business! You have to be fully impassioned to succeed. Often people say I would love to do what you do based on what they have seen on television. I jokingly tell them to come work in my office for a week and they will change their minds. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make a beautiful reveal. You are relying on a multitude of vendors and fabricators to fulfill your vision and also the client’s individual personalities. But, you can never forget what the final result will be with any and all of the challenges that arise in the process. I am fortunate to have the team I have and yes, there have been many obstacles and road bumps because a design in progress is something that is “alive” and in constant motion.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Arch-Interiors Design Group – what should we know?
We are a full-service boutique interior and exterior design company. Our projects include residential, commercial and medical and beauty projects. I would say we are known for our skill in working with traditional, transitional and contemporary style projects to create a project our clients love. What is exciting about the work we do as a firm is the variety and types of projects and clients we have. Our projects range from condominiums, large scale remodel or ground up residences, corporate offices, retail, surgery centers, plastic surgeons or high end dental offices and beauty related enterprises.
My pride is based on how well we are respected in the design community and our referrals. Additionally, the publicity we receive for our work, the opportunities I have to share my experience in the industry on television, radio or international lecturing is gratifying as is the multitude of awards we have received and having been acknowledges as one of the top 10 firms in Los Angeles as well as in California.
I would say one thing that sets us apart is our commitment to customer service. It is a design project but the client will have their lives disrupted for months and it can be extremely stressful. We want to make sure they know we are committed to them and with them during and after the project.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I always say my success is listening. With the hundreds of details that go into a project, you have to constantly be proactively and attentively listening. Missing one small detail can derail the process completely.
Commitment is also important. Because you don’t have individual control and so many vendors, laborers and fabricators involved, there will be times of frustration and knowing you are committed to the end result gets you through those times. You also need as much patience as humanly possible not being in full control.
And passion is quintessential. It’s what drives you to create, run and manage a business and employees, and to cherish the moment when a project is completed and the client says “I love what you created for us. Press etc. is nice, but having a happy client is the reminder of why I went into this business.
Pricing:
- Vanities in The C.G. Collection range from $899 to $2,199.
Contact Info:
- Address: 311 N. Robertson Blvd. #907
Beverly Hills, CA 90211 - Website: www.christophergrubb.com
- Phone: (310) 652-7600
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: arch_interiors_design
- Facebook: @ArchInteriorsDesignGroup
- Twitter: @Arch_Interiors
- Other: @TheCGCollection
Image Credit:
Traditional Living Room : Dana Hoff
Penthouse Suite in Gray Tones: Sascha Vaughan
Zen Master Bathroom : Scott Mayoral
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
