Interview by Michelle Heslop. Photo by Jody Beck.
How did you get into the build industry in Victoria? I started as an apprentice cabinet maker at the Royal BC Museum, building exhibitions, showcases and constantly working around artifacts. I appreciated the value that was put on detailed work and discovered I had the patience to work at a project to make it perfect. Numerous colleagues started to ask me to work on their homes and it naturally progressed into a home renovation company. After just over a decade at the Royal BC Museum, Güte Renovations was created.
How did you choose the name, Güte Renovations? Previous to starting my company I had spent some time in Germany and Switzerland visiting one of my best friends and discovered how much attention to detail these countries invest in their builds which resonated with me and inspired my own meticulous work. I wanted to use a word for my company that came from the German language and would be unique here in Victoria. Güte is roughly translated to “quality,” which is the backbone value of my company.
You have done a great job of branding. Why is this an important aspect of your business? Branding is the customer’s first impression of a company. It’s my first chance to show my customers my values, standards, and how we at Güte Renovations strive for quality and aim to provide as close to perfection as we can get.
Tell us about one of your most rewarding jobs. It seems that every subsequent job I do is my most rewarding. For my team and I, we thrive when we can connect with the clients and family we are working for. Spending a significant amount of time together can often result in a great friendship. The most rewarding part is when we become “part of the family.”
Renovations can always reveal some unusual or challenging obstacles. How do you face and overcome renovation hurdles Renovations are just a series of challenging puzzles. I not only get to figure out how to build my portion of the project, but I also get to think through how the last team built the house whether it was 10 or 100 years ago. In many ways, building a new house can be a lot simpler, as we don’t have to rely on how the existing structure was created or determine how to blend the new with the old.
Would you say you have a specialty or a style you prefer? I love incorporating a blend of materials such as wood, concrete, and glass for a quintessential west coast feel that values both functional and beauty. I seem to specialize in unique builds/renovations and enjoy pushing the limits of materials. My dream build is always a project where I get to be creative alongside the clients and designers. Close proximity to the ocean while we work is also an added bonus which brings great inspiration!
What would be your dream renovation/build? I love pairing materials together, such as wood, concrete, and glass. I seem to specialize in unique builds/renovations and enjoy pushing the limits of materials. My dream build is a project where I get to be creative alongside the customers and designers. Close proximity to the ocean while we work is also an added bonus which brings great inspiration!
When you aren’t working, what do you do on a day off for fun? Recently, our family has been spending as much time as we can on the ocean whether it’s to go crabbing, water skiing or just taking in the scenery. I also enjoy golfing in the summer and surfing in the winter. We try to take advantage of the natural playground that this beautiful island offers us.
