Today we’d like to introduce you to Ken Newberry.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ken. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started Newberry Architecture with the theory that the typical culture of an architecture firm could be different while the focus on the design of every project would be all about the client. Our roots were humble, to say the least. The staff worked in two small rooms out of my home, sharing desk space and phones. We gave a whole new meaning to “multi-tasking” when we made the one bathroom double as the print room.
Over the course of 20 years, as our projects and client list grew, so did our staff. We are proudly represented by 27 of the most talented individuals in the industry. And I can honestly say we have achieved what we set out to accomplish in attaining a culture that promotes our team members and keeps our clients at the forefront.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The 20-year road to where we are today has been interesting and definitely an adventure. Starting in the back of my house to a team of 27 will bring out some growing pains but our team has always been a strong group of individuals. When the recession hit in 2008, that was a struggle. A lot of projects were put on hold and the phones stopped ringing. I knew I didn’t want to let anyone go, but after not taking a salary for 6 months and another principal going with a reduced salary for two months I knew we had to make changes to survive.
So I gathered the entire team together and gave them two options: we can lay people off or we can all take salary cuts. I left the room for them to discuss and decide. My only requirement was the decision had to be unanimous. The team made the decision to take salary cuts. We survived and came back stronger than ever. Within a 2 year period, we were able to reinstate everyone’s original salaries, extend promotions with raises and I proudly paid back all lost wages.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Newberry Architecture story. Tell us more about the business.
We really believe in each project being all about the client, whether it’s residential or commercial. The design has to be all about the end user. I am asked all the time; ‘What’s your style?’ Our focus is to listen to the client and see what fits the project the best so the client’s style is our style.
We specialize in custom residential and commercial architecture that is focused on listening to our clients. Although we are in many books and have been published in many magazines including Architectural Digest our growth has all been from our reputation, repeat clients and client and consultant referrals. Of course, none of this is obtainable without maintaining a dynamic and diverse team. Our culture and our team set us apart from the others.
What were you like growing up? Personality wise, interest wise, etc.
As a child, I was always building and creating things that I could share with family and friends. Whether it was turning the ground level of our house into a maze with vignettes for Halloween or building an ever-expanding tree house from tree to tree my goal was to create so people could have a joyful experience.
It gave me great joy as a child and still does now seeing other people enjoying life. I did everything around people having a good time. And that really brings me full circle to where I am now. This is why I think architecture is so fulfilling for me; I truly believe we make a difference in people’s lives by creating architecture that fills people with peace and joy.
Is there any pricing information that is relevant to our readers? If so, and if you would like us to share it, please include details (in bullet form) below.
We are a custom architectural firm therefor every project is different. The scope, the needs, the budget and the requirements of every project are different therefore we customize our pricing according to the client’s needs for each project.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6990 Portwest #190 Houston, Texas 7724
- Website: www.newberryarchitecture.com
- Phone: 7138627992
- Email: info@newberryarchitecture.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newberryarchitecture/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewberryArchitecture/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/newberry-architecture-houston
Image Credit:
Keith Huckabay Photography, Peter Molick Photography
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