R. Thomas (Tom) Gunkelman began his design career in 1963 with the purchase of Black Interiors in Fargo, ND and renamed it Gunkelmans, Ltd. In 1976 Tom changed the name to Gunkelmans Interior Design and relocated the business to Minneapolis, MN where he remained for 35 years until his passing in 2011. In 2011, Karen McKay, his long time associate, took over Gunkelmans Interior Design name and the business remains in the Minneapolis area.
Tom was an icon in the design industry, winning numerous ASID awards and was recognized locally and nationally. His projects were in publications such as House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Decorating and Trends. He was named "Top 100 Designers in America" for three years by House Beautiful. He was also named "Top 50 Designers" by Elements of Living magazine and in 2009 the Star Tribune named him "Dean of Design".
He ran a successful design business on the basis of these principles; good design, quality product and always excellent customer service. His philosophy was You have to be passionate about design to be a good designer - to live and breathe it 24 hours of the day.
Tom was an icon in the design industry, winning numerous ASID awards and was recognized locally and nationally. His projects were in publications such as House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Decorating and Trends. He was named "Top 100 Designers in America" for three years by House Beautiful. He was also named "Top 50 Designers" by Elements of Living magazine and in 2009 the Star Tribune named him "Dean of Design".
He ran a successful design business on the basis of these principles; good design, quality product and always excellent customer service. His philosophy was You have to be passionate about design to be a good designer - to live and breathe it 24 hours of the day.
Services
Karen McKay, principal of Gunkelmans Interior Design began her career in 1997 at Gunkelmans Interior Design.
Working under Tom Gunkelman creating award winning residential and commercial interiors.
In 2011 Karen became principal of Gunkelmans, filling the wishes of Tom Gunkelman to carry on his tradition.
Her passion for the details in design has helped create looks that clients have come to value and expect.
Listening to client's needs and bringing them the best design is important to Karen.
The aesthetic she brings is relaxed, classic interiors that compliment a satisfying design experience.
Working under Tom Gunkelman creating award winning residential and commercial interiors.
In 2011 Karen became principal of Gunkelmans, filling the wishes of Tom Gunkelman to carry on his tradition.
Her passion for the details in design has helped create looks that clients have come to value and expect.
Listening to client's needs and bringing them the best design is important to Karen.
The aesthetic she brings is relaxed, classic interiors that compliment a satisfying design experience.
Karen was amazing.
She asked the important questions to find out what I wanted to feel every time I walked through my door.
She listened carefully to my responses and then she worked her magic to make exactly that happen.
I am still in awe of her skills to make my home the welcoming, peaceful place that it is.
I have worked my entire career with graphic designers and advertising creatives.
Over the years, I have discovered that the best partnerships are with individuals who can take an idea and transport me to another place.
She asked the important questions to find out what I wanted to feel every time I walked through my door.
She listened carefully to my responses and then she worked her magic to make exactly that happen.
I am still in awe of her skills to make my home the welcoming, peaceful place that it is.
I have worked my entire career with graphic designers and advertising creatives.
Over the years, I have discovered that the best partnerships are with individuals who can take an idea and transport me to another place.
Reviews
Be the first to review R Thomas Gunkelman.
Write a Review
