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.
Compuware is an ongoing reconfiguration project. As they transition from an 8x8 workstation to a smaller personal space, AIREA is rearranging each zone for a logical and well-designed overall plan. Creating smaller stations out of the existing product has afforded more room for large collaborative spaces. Many offices are making similar shifts to smaller individual workstations with more group-oriented areas.
Architect/Designer: VonStaden Architects
Product Lines: Haworth Race
SF:200,000 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 Associates
Product Lines: Haworth, Primeway custom benching
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
When Continental Services relocated their headquarters to an office park in Troy, they took the opportunity to completely reinvent their space, using the architecture and design services of Rossetti. Through this project, the catering company’s newly purchased office building was transformed into an engaging hospitality experience. Test kitchens, event space, and an open office area are all visible to clients and visitors, making for an inviting and interactive facility.
Architect/Designer: Rossetti
Product Lines:
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.
Architect/Designer: Kraemer Design Group + CCS Interiors Department
Product Lines: Haworth, Indiana Desk, Primeway
SF:30,000 sf
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
Quicken’s offices are famous for their bold, high energy interiors and eccentric atmosphere. Employees’ desks are furnished with cardboard cutouts of their own faces, and razor scooters are a common method of travel through the halls. For this project, Quicken sought to develop new ways of working, and took particular interest in Haworth’s line of electric sit-to-stand tables. As a preferred Haworth dealer, AIREA was able to provide Quicken with accurate pricing information and precise lead times. Swift turnaround was a vital factor due to the company’s rapid growth, which compounded its already fast pace.
Architect/Designer: Rossetti, Quicken Standards
Product Lines: Haworth Planes tables
SF: sf
AIREA assisted CBT Architects in the completion of Compuware’s Waltham, Massachusetts office. Designed by CBT, the site includes two outdoor spaces and a large collaboration area and café. The network operating center (NOC) acts as a nucleus where Compuware monitors client websites across the globe. Consequently technology and work tools were key to this project, but the facility also includes lounge and recreation opportunities, such as outdoor terraces and a game room for employees.
Architect/Designer: CBT Architects
Product Lines:
SF:70,000 sf
AIREA STUDIO is a work-lounge open to the public, intended for anyone who wants to work away from their everyday work environment. It's also viewed as business development and product exposure incubator developed to connect [to] Detroit/Metro Detroit business through networking and collaboration. The 2500sf space offers 11 different work-zones, from a single person lounge to a 40 person conference space. For the ‘heads-down-flying-solo’ type to the ‘more brains are better than one’ types, the STUDIO is designed to accommodate the variety of work styles present in today’s workplace.
Product Lines: Haworth, Haworth Collection, Vitra, Allermuir, Molo lighting, Shaw Commercial Flooring, Detroit Wallpaper Co.
SF:2,500 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 brings over 25 years of experience in Commercial Interior Design to AIREA. Alice has a degree in Interior Architecture from LTU. Her A/D experience along with her product knowledge and attention to detail allows her to provide a complete package to our clients. Alice is involved in many projects and is the Lead Designer for our Health Care Team providing interior design, space planning, furniture documents, and specifications. Her primary goal is to make sure the end result always reflects the client’s expectation.
Andrea brings seven years of Design and Marketing experience to AIREA. She is the pulse of our customer base and makes it 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 has a broad knowledge base that makes her vital on all accounts.
Andrew comes into the industry with a fresh perspective of what it means to be a part of a furniture dealership. His degree in Communications with a specialization in Sales, from MSU (GO Green!), makes him a strong addition to our AIREA Family and Office Culture. In his past life, Andrew worked with Red Bull and as an Event Coordinator for MSU, providing him with account management, leadership, remote working, and being creative in client accommodations experience. He is big on technology and has become a strong user in Haworth’s Bluescape, making it an avid tool with our clients, using design in real time at the comfort of your own computer, desk, chair or couch, your choice. Andrew is here for the long road and is very dedicated to the relationships he has created thus far working on projects at AIREA.
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 in 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.
With an optimistic attitude toward life and a personality that belongs on the big screen, Erica is AIREA’s design go-to. She has a willingness beyond the norm and directs it towards everything she touches, from a simple reconfiguration to the design of a new space. She is always up for a challenge and loves working with all the different teams at AIREA because she understands the value of versatility. Her vibrancy engages both clients and co-workers and is a vital component to what AIREA represents: genuine connection.
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 a 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.”
Jill’s multi-disciplined role to develop new business for AIREA through strategic marketing efforts is paired perfectly with her attention to detail and a keen eye for great design. This could be the combined outcome of her education at The University of Michigan and the seven years of Industry Experience that she brings to us. Jill has a natural understanding of how to provide a great experience which takes a special skill for one to acquire. We are fortunate to have Jill apart of our team with her high energy and positive outlook; she was an instant fit from the day she started with us. If you can’t humor her with a good play on words, offer her something sweet to eat. Guaranteed she will not resist.
Kathy joined the AIREA family in 2008, coming in with ten years of experience in Customer Service and Project Coordination in the Contract Furniture industry. She is a master at blending the perfect combination of business and humor into her into her daily routine, and her trustworthy can-do attitude is refreshing to her co-workers and clients alike. She is a proud alumnus of Oakland University and a loyal Detroit Tigers fan.
Katie joined our AIREA Sales Team as an Account Manager in 2017. Katie came to AIREA with eight years of diverse industry experience including time at an architect firm, graphic design firm, and five years at the Haworth Dealership in Wichita, KS. A strong advocate for IIDA and the design community Katie brings a wealth of knowledge to our team. Katie is a graduate of Kansas State University where she earned a BS in Interior Design. Katie enjoys spending her free time cooking (she is top chef status), playing with her dogs, and exploring her new home here in the mitten state.
Kris is a guy who loves a dark roasted coffee in the morning, freshly pressed himself. The care and passion he takes in making his special coffee is passed through to his profession as a Project Manager. With a background of over ten years of industry experience installing and then migrating to Project Manager, Kris has been trained by the best and continues to educate himself on the up and coming products. If you want detail and precision, Kris is your main man. As a project manager who embraces big-picture thinking, he stresses the importance of the little details from something as small as aligning an end trim to be perfectly straight to ensure the job is completed with white glove service, and you’re sure to never to be disappointed.
Kristie has over 15 years of customer service experience in the contract furniture industry. Beyond her attention to detail and relentlessly positive attitude, Kristie is mainly responsible for working with the Health Care Team. She handles all quotes, orders and repair service requests from our numerous health care locations, and has great product knowledge. Kristie is a family person; she likes to spend time outdoors and enjoys cheering for her two children at their sporting events.
Lisa has been in the contract industry for 15 years. Her facility planning and interior design background allow her to educate clients on best practices, and the latest in products and trends. Lisa connects with her clients, always getting to the root of their spatial and facility issues, and provides holistic solutions that resolve them. She has a BA in Interior Design from MSU and is a passionate pinterester.
As the saying goes, "the hospital never sleeps." Mary Ann manages the Healthcare team with flawless surgical precision, always aware of the interworking of every project, and it’s a wonder that she ever sleeps. She may not project her voice at the same volume as that of many salespeople, but that is her true strength. She listens—truly listens—and understands her clients. Mary Ann is devoted to ensuring excellence for her customers. If it’s a project for a Cardiologist, Mary Ann understands that the project requires heart.
Michele joined our Design team in 2018, coming to us with an impressive 18+ years of furniture dealer experience. Her vast years in the industry is the leading reason why she is considered a perfectionist in the office. Michele’s attention to detail is influential to her in treating projects like puzzles. She loves figuring out how to make it all work. It is proven with how well she juggles her work life and taking care of her wonderful daughter Lily. Don’t worry; there are plenty more facts about Michele. She enjoys weight lifting to keep her sanity. She isn’t afraid of scuba diving or skydiving…and if you have met her before, you know that she also isn’t afraid of color…. when it comes to her hair. We think that it compliments her enjoyable and vibrant personality.
Mohamad’s education started at the Lebanese American University in Lebanon where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Architecture. He received a Master’s Degree in Interiors and Living Design at the Domus Academy in Milan, Italy, where he was mentored by Patricia Urquiola. Although his day-to-day activities are spent supporting the design department with furniture specifications, creating install documents, and field work, Mohamad’s advanced 3D and rendering skills help bring AIREA to the next level of virtual presentations. When Mohamad is not in front of his computer screen, you can find him on one of the local soccer (he mistakenly calls it football ;)) fields (when he’s not trying to convince you that he is the “King of the Design Department”)!
Having a fresh look through the windows of the design world, Olivia joins the AIREA Design team with an Interior Architecture degree from Lawrence Technological University. She is undeniably creative with a passion for design that is as obvious as her sparkling personality. She has a constant thirst for problem-solving and thinking outside of the box, which she claims is influenced by her coworkers but we think it just comes naturally. If you ask anyone, Olivia is considered a team player that always contributes an exciting and vibrant outlook on projects. Just when it sounded like she couldn’t get any better, we will have you know that some of her favorite things include animals, pizza and true crime documentaries (in no particular order). What’s not to love?
Don’t let Pete’s intimidating stature fool you. He has a teddy bear soft side that puts you at ease when things get complex. He efficiently manages the service requests for Beaumont Hospital without a hitch. Pete is exceptional at multitasking, which makes him an amazing Director of Operations. He has a wealth of product knowledge that is beneficial to everyone around him. Pete is the commander of everything behind the scenes, keeping the AIREA machine running at full speed.
Robert hails from the far-off land of Alabama, where he began his trek to the great state of Michigan. Upon reaching the boundaries of Henry Ford College, he entered the gates to complete his quest for a degree in Architecture and Construction Technology. His knowledge of both AutoCAD and CETDesigner software helps AIREA to produce a higher level of installation drawings and more accurate project documentation. Robert is an avid gamer, and it is rumored that he was instrumental in bringing the Chicken and Waffle craze to Detroit!
Sarah joined the AIREA CSR team in 2017, coming to us from the fast-paced Automotive Supplier world, where she was responsible for order fulfillment for multiple global clients. Her efficiency and attention to detail have translated well to the furniture world. Sarah is the ultimate multi-tasker, balancing not only a full-time job but two toddlers, a dog and building a new home!
Sarah is a 2007 graduate of Oakland University and loves country music…yee haw!
Sasha wears many hats at AIREA. While her official title is Accounting Assistant, she is also part of the Customer Service team cranking out quotes and orders, helps the Operations department with service work orders AND keeps us all entertained in the meantime. She came to AIREA in 2017 with years of customer service experience after taking a break to raise her two kids, now teenagers, and wrangle her menagerie of 3 dogs, 3 cats, and a bearded dragon lizard. She is a proud graduate of Eastern Michigan University and is active in volunteering in her community.
A graduate of MSU, GO Spartans! With 25+ years in the accounting industry, Sherry has brought a vast array of knowledge that has helped increase the company margins since she started at AIREA last year. She has worked with non-profit organizations which is a plus for our philanthropic endeavors. She has been the treasurer on many committees and understands the value of working as a team. She loves to travel and dance and believes in our “Work Hard Play Hard” motto.
A proud alumnus of CMU, Steve has been a Commercial Interior Designer for over 40 years. He has a broad-based industry knowledge in design, sales, and project management. This experience brings forth his unique ability to see outside the box to create the most effective and functional solutions possible for his clients. He enjoys collaborating with architects, contractors, builders and end users allowing him to see his design ideas and solutions become a reality. Steve is organized and consistently works on multiple projects with changing deadlines and is known for his attention to detail from concept design to installation drawings. He provides positive motivation to peers and enjoys mentoring the design staff. As a charter member of IIDA, he attends 10 or more CEU’s per year that offer practical training in a variety of current topics for the professional interior designer. Additionally, Steve is NCIDQ certified, registered with the State of Michigan and proficient with industry standard software including AutoCAD 2018, Giza, CAP 20/20, Configura Canvas, Smart Tools and Project Matrix.
Terry brings over 33 years of industry experience to AIREA. Starting as a delivery person and working his way up to project management, Terry’s passion for delivering excellent installation at the highest level provides a customer service experience like no other. Driven with a great deal of pride and desire to constantly find ways to improve, you can always count on him to see the job through. Terry’s true passion can be found inside a gym, where he begins each morning setting out to reach for his limits and beyond. Putting high importance on achieving full body health, Terry strives to improve every day in every aspect of his life.
In his role as Business Development Manager, Vince is responsible for pursuing and strengthening new business relationships. He has a broad professional background including roles in Supply Chain and Health Care Consulting. With his passion for helping clients succeed, he is dedicated to building strong partnerships and collaborating to produce successful outcomes. Vince earned his Bachelor Degree in Finance from Grand Valley State University. He enjoys the outdoors and is always planning his next travel destination.
For the past 20 years, Will has established himself as a reputable, dedicated, and knowledgeable flooring expert. His passion for 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.
Yulanda is the heart of AIREA. For the last 10 years, she’s been responsible for everything in our office, from the technology we use to the coffee we drink. She’s fun and lively, and is always handing out a kind smile or a “job well done.” Her outstanding work ethic and positive attitude are never affected by the busyness of her day, and she always gives the AIREA team something to look forward to when we walk in the door.
