So after years of client inquiries, we’ve decided to create a division that specialized in smaller remodeling projects and home maintenance called Airmen. At first it was just a separate unit, but as more and more people demanded those services, it was necessary to turn it into a separate company.  But here’s the good part, even though it’s different from Airoom, AIRMEN still has access to all the design, project management and financing resources.  So we can support our clients with the best ideas and solutions for design, construction and funding in a much more streamlined system.

Q: What are the remodeling trends right now in the western suburbs?

MM: What we’re seeing a lot of right now are a lot more simpler interior projects, like renovating a kitchen or bath, reorganizing floor plans or doing exterior renovation work. The additions we’re seeing people looking to add tend to be simpler things like sun rooms and family rooms and not the million dollar projects people were doing. People are taking a 25-year-old house (in inner-ring suburbs like Wilmette, Oak Park or Skokie) and bringing it up to modern standards now rather than larger projects.

To see the rest of the interview with Marty, click here.

Robert Heilman:

2010 marks Bob’s tenth year at Airoom.  Bob holds both a Bachelors and Master of Architecture from the Univ. of Il – Champaign – Urbana and became a Licensed Architect in 1993. He is also a Certified Green Builder.

Before joining Airoom, Bob held positions in project development for companies such as White Hen Pantry, Hertz, Gateway, Hallmark, etc. leading new store and facility project creation, but residential work has always been his passion. 

“I feel that over the last ten years I have excelled at understanding client’s needs/wants and translating those wishes into functionally beautiful projects!  I especially like kitchen and family room design as these spaces truly are the heart of the home!”

Some projects that Bob particularly enjoyed developing are:

Bob’s wife, Sheila and two daughters, Kelsey and Erin have resided in Oak Park for the last 20 years.  They love the community and are now in the midst of their third home renovation project!  You can say it’s a hobby that the whole family can enjoy!  When time allows you can find Bob and his family in northern Wisconsin sitting on a dock watching the loons and eagles. 

1. What is your favorite project you’ve worked on and why?

McCune kitchen before

It’s hard to pick a favorite because every single project has been a unique and exciting experience. If I had to narrow it down, I would say the McCune kitchen is one of my favorites. I am still in awe when I look at the before and after photos. The transformation was incredibly dramatic, and the family was thrilled with the results, which always make a project feel like a success.

2. What is your greatest source for inspiration?

McCune kitchen before

The family is undoubtedly my greatest source of inspiration when I am designing a space. It’s really important to me to understand why the family wants to remodel their home and what they are hoping to accomplish with the new bathroom, kitchen, playroom, etc.

At the initial meeting I try to ask as many questions as possible and just watch the interaction between family members. I want the design to fit their needs, desires and lifestyle, and the only way to create a design that accomplishes this is to talk to the family, get to know and understand them, and ultimately look to them for inspiration and ideas.

3. What 5 things does a well designed home need?
Flow
Consistency
Adequate space
Functionality to the occupants
Style

4. What are some of the toughest obstacles you see these days in redesigns and remodels?
Without a doubt, the biggest obstacle standing in the way of home redesigns and remodels is the financial aspect of the process. With the economy in the shape it’s in, people are reticent to commit to spending a large chunk of money on anything, let alone something that could be deemed unnecessary.

I’ve seen more and more clients who have the financial means and the desire, but the uncertainty holds them back. In instances such as this, I try to open up a conversation about the reasons for the redesign (usually, it’s pretty important to the homeowner and something they’ve been considering for years), and then I discuss the of financing options Airoom offers. I like to think that fear can be assuaged when homeowners understand that the reward far outweighs the risk.

5. Where do you think people should splurge on their homes?
I think that people should splurge on creating beautiful kitchens and baths in their homes. When done properly, these rooms add a great deal of value and aesthetic appeal. Clients derive great joy out of a luxurious bathroom or amenity-filled kitchen. Plus, when homeowners want to sell their home, high-end kitchens and baths are at the top of every prospective buyer’s list — it’s just a solid investment.

6. How do you help a client in identifying and clarifying their own personal style?
Some clients have a very clear and well-articulated personal style while others have a difficult time explaining what they like and want. In the case of the latter, I find that you can’t ask enough questions. Even the most insignificant discussion can help you as the designer understand what the client is looking for. Sometimes it’s easier for clients to discuss what they don’t like than what they do like. As the designer, you may have to work backwards — or by the process of elimination — to help them identify their personals style.

7. What are some of the benefits of using a design professional versus a do-it-yourselfer?
When you use a design professional, you’re pulling from a deep well of professional ideas. Professionals know everything that’s going on in the industry and their knowledge base will undoubtedly have greater depth than someone who is taking on the project on his own. That’s not to say that do-it-yourselfers aren’t capable — often times they are — but, a team of one is never as good as a team composed of numerous talented individuals.

In my experience, a do-it-yourselfer is often looking for one of two things: to save money or to derive pride from accomplishing the project. These should not be the main goals of a project, and thus can hinder the quality of the job. A design professional’s job is to pull out the ideas and wishes of the client and provide a clear direction to accomplish them. In the long run doing it right once with a clear direction can actually save money.

8. If you could redo any space past or present what would it be?
If I could redo any space, I would redo my grandparent’s home. They live in a relatively small, somewhat outdated house in northern Wisconsin, with which they are perfectly happy.

But, as a designer, I can’t help but want to make changes to their home that I know would make them happier — especially my grandma. She has little counter space and a single stove, yet she bakes endless batches of cookies for every holiday. I would love to remodel their kitchen and dining area, to give them the space and appliances they deserve.

Over the course of their lives they have spent an inordinate amount of time in this area of their home — she’s always cooking and baking, and he is enjoying the delicious fruits of her labor. I can’t think of two people who deserve or would benefit from a redesign more.

Karen and Tom decided to go the home addition route with the help of our design experts and sent us this letter about their experience:

Last month, Airoom finished a family addition and office remodeling project at our home in Naperville and we wanted to let you know how happy we are with the results.

After living in our home for almost six years, we debated over moving because our home seemed too small for our growing family. We especially liked the area surrounding our home and we were torn over the idea of leaving the neighborhood. In working with the great people at Airoom, we were able to create the additional living space needed and the rooms blend almost seamlessly with our homes existing structure. We have already received numerous compliments from our friends and family on the completed job.

We were especially pleased with the carpentry and supervisory work of Chuck. Chuck not only provided excellent carpentry work, he also did a great job of giving us daily updates on progress and upcoming work. Chuck was very pleasant and we really enjoyed getting to know him during the project. We would be happy to give a recommendation for his work, if needed in the future.

Again, thanks to you and your staff for expanding the home we love.

Karen and Tom

If you find yourself looking to expand your home just like Karen and Tom make an appointment to visit an Airoom Design Center in Lincolnwood or Naperville today.

Marty has been with Airoom for 17 years and has been designing and managing remodels for the last 30 years. Previous to Airoom, Marty was involved in custom home building and ran his own custom home design and build business.

1. What is your favorite project you’ve worked on and why?
My favorite projects are whole house expansions and renovations.  I love to take an old house and make it into something new; to take a rundown, tired home and update it and bring in modern design and make it something special. The recent projects I’ve worked on like this would be a residence in Oak Brook and another in Winnetka.

2. What is your greatest source for inspiration?
My client and the home I am working in always inspire me.  I find it hard to design until I hear what my client’s wants and wishes are for their home.  Then I take a look at the house and it tells me what to do (strange as that sounds).  It’s sort of magic.  Not sure where it comes from.

3. What 5 things does a well designed home need?
Family space: A place to gather and share.
Private space: A place to escape and reflect.
Entry space:  A way to enter and feel the home.
Personalization, uniqueness: A statement of the individuals who live there.
Energy efficiently, greenness:  A home should make minimal impact on resources.

4. What are some of the toughest obstacles you see these days in redesigns and remodels?
The number one obstacle is matching your client’s wants with budget.  There is always more wanted than the available to invest in the home.  The choice can be hard.  Put a basement in or re-side and replace the existing windows?  Both would be good choices but what is the right answer?

Zoning is another issue.  Many times you are restricted to size, setbacks, required heights. Building codes also are tough obstacles (i.e. second stair case in Chicago).

5. Where do you think people should splurge on their homes?
People should splurge on anything that makes them feel good.  I have found if you like it, odds are others will too.  Obviously the kitchen, bathrooms and front exteriors get you the most return and the most oohs and ahhs.

6. How do you help a client in identifying and clarifying their own personal style?
If they have a style you will pick it up when you see their home, look at their art or the clothes they wear.  Pictures help as well.  You need to walk them through the picture to make sure you understand what they are seeing.

7. What are some of the benefits of using a design professional versus a do-it-yourselfer?
A design professional will help you see something that you cannot see yourself.  Typically I am able to come up with something the do-it–yourselfer doesn’t see in their home because their minds are set that the house lay out has to stay the way it is.  I can come in and say “let’s put the kitchen over here, or let’s move that powder room.”  I also have readily available the cost and implications to make those changes. Good design is not necessarily more money, it’s knowing what makes the maximum impact.

The design professional should keep you out of trouble by knowing what is required to do the work, knowing the building codes and be able to make sure you understand the scope of work required.

8. If you could redo any space past or present what would it be?
Human nature is such that as soon as a project is complete you can see how it can be improved.  That is very true in the design.  However there is another axiom I have seen is “if you like it on paper you will love in reality.”  The short answer is there is always something I see that I would change, but never felt the project was a failure.