We flip chairs. We study trends. We surf the web ‘til late hours in the night keeping up with the latest in office environments around the world. We listen. We learn. We share. We blend passion, knowledge, and creativity to deliver extraordinary results. We never say no. We turn small budgets into innovative spaces. But we love developing solutions for big budgets too. We are designers and craftsmen. We are meticulous and we are dreamers. We work hard and play hard. We love what we do, and it shows.
At AIREA we are devoted to developing environments that reflect today’s working culture, while planning and forecasting for future change. We embrace an Integrated Solution strategy that delivers complete, harmonized interior solutions to our customers. We are aligned with Haworth, as well as over 300 manufacturers and service providers to deliver the best, most cost competitive solutions the industry can offer.
As manufacturers of quality handmade products, Shinola headquarters called for an interior that echoed the same level of meticulous craftsmanship. Shinola moved into the Taubman Building at the College for Creative Studies in 2012, introducing the first watch factory in Detroit. Like AIREA, Shinola is dedicated to the Detroit community and its regeneration, making this an especially meaningful project. AIREA worked with Kraemer Design Group and the Interior Design department at CCS to create an elite collaborative establishment featuring timeless furniture solutions aligned with Shinola’s functional and aesthetic standards. AIREA worked diligently, balancing character and cost to provide an innovative solution.
Product Lines: Haworth, Indiana Desk, Primeway
SF:30,000 sf
GM desired a space that would accommodate two primary functions: small group collaboration and large group workspaces. IBI Group provided architecture and design services, and AIREA provided furniture solutions for the project. In the interest of flexibility and adaptability, movable furniture was used throughout an open plan. Modular lounge pieces contribute color and style for an entirely innovative and interactive space.
Architect/Designer: IBI Group
Product Lines:
SF:10,400 sf
DFC’s new office needed to serve various roles and functions, providing space for meetings, events, and presentations, as well as an everyday workplace for DFC employees. Hamilton-Anderson devised an architectural solution for the office, and AIREA provided the furniture to bring their vision to life. The nearly all-white walls of the space highlight reclaimed wood millwork and showcase the modern furniture pieces.
Architect/Designer: Hamilton-Anderson Architects
Product Lines: Haworth, Primeway custom benching
Progressive. Sustainable. Forward thinking. All were key factors in the design and completion of Bartech’s Southfield, Michigan headquarters. AIREA worked in conjunction with Compendium Design Group to develop a total solution for this global workforce management firm, blending several diverse furniture lines to create a cohesive design reflecting Bartech’s brand and culture. The design team balanced individuality and cost to develop a network of collaborative areas and private spaces supporting various job functions. The Bartech headquarters opened its doors in November 2012, and was joined by the remainder of their Michigan employees a year later.
Product Lines: Haworth, Global, Allermuir, Arcadia
SF:16,000 sf
Lear Corporation’s dynamic new headquarters includes open office areas, conferencing spaces, and a showroom. Lear ditched the traditional cubicles in favor of a more inviting open office configuration. They wanted to maximize their space while still providing their employees with some leg room, so AIREA devised a new standard for the corporate and plant environments: workstations occupying a 6x6 footprint in lieu of the former 8x8. These smaller workstations support today’s work style by encouraging employees to make better use of collaborative space. The new furniture solutions come with a smaller kit of parts, allowing the internal facilities team to reconfigure quickly with as few parts as possible.
Product Lines: Haworth Unigroup II
SF:20,000 sf
AIREA is a multidisciplinary group from all different walks of life. We work in customer focused teams comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds and strengths that when combined make great things happen. From right brains, to left brains, to the combination of the two, we have the right personnel for whatever situation or project that arises.
AIREA STUDIO is a forward thinking resource, work lounge, and event studio embedded in the heart of downtown. We promote knowledge sharing and problem solving through inspiration, dialogue, collaboration, and networking. It’s a place where designers, small businesses and corporate work-groups can connect, share, and evolve ideas.
We are passionate about design: the STUDIO is a constantly evolving space showcasing the latest in furniture, materials, technology, and design. At the end of the day, our goal is to serve as a catalyst in the development of projects across a multitude of disciplines throughout the City.
We exist to Connect.Think.Share.Solve.
Alice has over 22 years of experience in the commercial and interior design field. Her A/D experience along with product knowledge allows her to provide a complete service to our clients. Alice is the lead designer on our Health Care Team providing interior design, space planning, furniture documents and specifications.
With nearly 10 years of experience, Amy is a designer who specializes in Marketing, Branding, Graphic Design, and Interior Design. As an advocate of collaborative problem solving and design thinking, Amy believes that an interdisciplinary approach is essential in creating meaningful dialogue, and innovative outcomes. Her work has been published in MONU Magazine on Urban Revitalization, and her latest Interior Design concept was awarded Best Un-Built Work by AIA Las Vegas. Previously living in Nebraska, Florida, and Boston, Amy now lives in Detroit with her husband James.
Contact:abos@aireainc.com
Andrea brings 5 years of Design and Marketing experience to AIREA. She is the pulse of our customer base, and makes her priority to stay current on product knowledge, new perspectives, value added ideas and client satisfaction. Having a dual degree in Architecture and Interior Design from Lawrence Technical University, and a MA in Creative Advertising from University Falmouth in the UK, Andrea had a broad knowledge base that makes her vital on all accounts.
Contact:agesquiere@aireainc.com
Annette brings over 25 years of design and sales experience to AIREA. She has built and continues to maintain an impeccable reputation with some of AIREA’s biggest clients such as Roush, Lear, Compuware, Delphi, Crain’s, and Oakland County. Annette is proud to give each of our clients a responsiveness that makes them feel they are number one, and always heard. She holds a BS in Interior Design and minors in Sales and Marketing from Western Michigan University and is an active Member of Crew Detroit.
Contact:apopiel@aireainc.com
Christine brings 5 years of public accounting experience, and 9 years of corporate accounting experience to the AIREA Team. She received a BBA in Business Administration from California Baptist College, and a Master of Science in Professional Accountancy from Walsh College. Christine enjoys reading, movies, bowling, running, and vacationing with her husband and three children.
Cristina brings 10 years of experience to AIREA that she gained while designing corporate and educational interiors in A/D industry. She has a fantastic eye for detail, as well as experience in furniture, finish selection, and space planning. Merkel is a graduate of Eastern in Interior Design, as well as a mother of three beautiful girls and a competitive triathlete.
Dave brings over 25 years of industry knowledge and leadership to AIREA . Dave leverages his extensive relationships with vendors, architects, designers and industry influencers to motivate & educate the AIREA Team. Driven by creating a “best of class” customer experience, Dave sets the bar high and drives the organization to exceed it. He is a graduate of THE Michigan State University, an Eagle Scout and an avid fisherman.
Contact:dkiwior@aireainc.com
Erica is a recent graduate in Interior Design from the College of Creative Studies in Detroit. She brings a fresh approach to our design process at AIREA, while always searching for the next ‘new’ product. She’s a dynamic team player who strengthens AIREA by providing quality presentation documents and out of the box thinking.
Erika brings over 15 years of experience in the furniture industry. Her vast knowledge gained by working with corporate clients, schools, universities, automotive and banks allows her to navigate her clients through the buying process from idea conception to project completion. Erika adds great value to each assignment coupled with a dedicated work ethic that is recognized and appreciated by her team and clients. Erika is also a volunteer at Leader Dogs for the Blind, and received an award in 2006 from the State of Michigan for her volunteering efforts.
Contact:erukas@aireainc.com
Jane has worked in the contract furniture industry for over 26 years. Along with her leadership role, organizational skills, and detail oriented style, her also works closely with vendors throughout the project to ensure completion from order entry through installation. Jane also has great experience with the order process, and has managed very large projects including Metro Detroit McNamara Airport, Crain Communications Headquarters and the new Lear Corporate Headquarters.
Contact:jbuckner@aireainc.com
Jeff has over 25 years of experience as an installer and a project manager for the contract furniture industry. In this time, he has developed vast knowledge of furniture, installation, and warehousing that provides an extended service to all clients and projects. Hitting the road on his Harley is Jeff’s form of therapy – “Weekend road trips are the best; just pack the bags and go.”
Kathy brings 28 years of Customer focused service to AIREA. She has 13 years of retail Sales and Customer Service and 15 in the Commercial furnishings industry. Kathy keeps the Team organized through the production of proposals and the ordering of product. She keeps order logs for customers, Sales and the Project manager so all are able to keep customers aware of delivery dates and install dates. Sullivan holds a BA in Psychology and a Minor in Art History from Oakland University, and a dedicated Tigers fan.
Kristie has over 15 years of customer service experience in the contract furniture industry. Beyond her attention to detail and relentless positive attitude, Kristie is mainly responsible for working with our operations department. She assists with all receiving and repair service requests from our customers, and has great product knowledge of parts from a wide variety of manufactures. Kristie is a family person; she likes to spend time outdoors, and enjoys cheering for her two children at their sporting events.
Mary Ann has over 20 years of design and sales experience in the contract furniture industry. Since 2008, Mary Ann has been leading the Healthcare team and is integral in growing AIREA’s Healthcare Division and client base. Her vast product knowledge only adds to her leadership abilities and she continually strives to provide excellent customer service.
Contact:mstratton@aireainc.com
Mary Beth has over 23 years’ experience in the contract office furniture industry. She has a BFA in Interior Design from Kendall College of Art and Design, and has taught Interior Design at the collegiate level. Mary Beth has extensive experience working on large projects for corporate clients, as well as many of the local municipalities. Her attention to detail and emphasis on client satisfaction allows a successful outcome for anything she works on.
Mike has been enthusiastically servicing clients for more than 24 years as an installer and a project manager. His hands on approach has allowed him to develop strong relationships with his customers. Mike works with his team to get results in the field, which allows him to complete his projects in a timely and efficient manner. His customers have included Ross Business Schools, Doeren Mayhew, Dupont, Flagstar, and Masco. Mike’s vast knowledge of furniture, installation, warehousing, and service provides a smooth process transition from start to finish.
Pete knows this business inside and out. Since 1986, he has worked as an installer, warehouseman, project manager, operations manager, all the way up to his current role as Director of Operations. Pete has diligently supervised and managed many of our large accounts including clients such as U of M, and Beaumont. Besides working, he loves traveling and spending time with his family.
Contact:pracisz@aireainc.com
Russ has over 20 years of experience in the contract office furniture industry. He has a BA in Interior Design from Kent State University and is both NCIDQ & LEED AP certified. He has extensive experience working on large projects for corporate and government clients. Russ’ abilities enable him to interact with clients and apply their needs and functions to any product line ensuring maximum customer productivity and satisfaction.
For the last 10 years, Yulanda has dedicated her heart and soul to AIREA. She is the person that makes our operation function; from the technology we use to the coffee we drink, she’s behind it. Yulanda’s outstanding work ethic and positive attitude gives the AIREA team something to look forward every day we walk in the door.
For the past 20 years, Will has established himself as a reputable, dedicated, and knowledgeable flooring expert. His passion to this business is as great as his commitment to his family. Clients and manufacturers agree that Will’s vast knowledge of products, dedication to customer service, experience estimating, project management and on-site supervision of labor, provides a smooth process from the inception of a project to the final punch. His philosophy is to set the bar high and over-deliver to ensure customer satisfaction.
Contact:wdyer@aireainc.com
