173 – Bauer Clifton: Big Business in a Small Town

(Click the photo for a before and after!) Bauer Clifton: Big Business in a Small Town Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Jeremy Bauer and Jason Clifton of Bauer Clifton from Juneau, Alaska. They discuss how Bauer Clifton got its start, the challenges of establishing a design firm in such a remote area, what they love about it, and where they are going in the future. Getting to know Jeremy Bauer Jeremy had been interested in design since childhood. He would build forts and work with his grandpa in his woodshop, and during school he decided to make a career out of his passion. He earned a double major in Engineering and Architecture at Kansas State University and then pursued jewelry for ten years after graduation. After that, he decided interior design was where he wanted to be. The house he and Jason share is from the 1960s with a mid-century modern design that they liked and decided to keep. They remodeled the lower level of the house and upgraded some of the materials, however. Jeremy would still like to renovate the tower room as it is too simplistic and calling for a splash of style. Getting to know Jason Clifton Jason’s favorite place to shop is Ted Baker because of their combinations and variety of color. While he loves shoes, lapel pins, and eyeglasses, his favorite fashion accessory is socks. Jason sees bold, brightly patterned socks as a great way to add color to any outfit. He found himself in Alaska after going on a family cruise there during a quarter-life crisis. The majesty of the northernmost United State took his breath away, so upon returning home to Indiana, he began planning his relocation. He moved to Alaska six months afterward. Jeremy had moved there a few months prior and through a statewide network of friends, the two were introduced. After a few months, Jeremy and Jason connected over their shared agricultural, midwestern background as well as their love of design. Bauer Clifton Today Bauer Clifton not only works with design, but with homeowners, contractors, and the final placement of their designs. The office handles all the building materials and furnishings required for projects; something which has always been a part of the firm. They developed a niche market in the design community after founding Bauer Clifton in 2007, where they were the first of their kind in Juneau, Alaska. When they realized they needed more options than what was available at the local lumberyards, they reached out to well-known brands around the world and opened their eyes to the potential Alaskan market. Thereafter they expanded Bauer Clifton into a firm and showroom. This was after disproving to large brands that there wasn’t enough of a market in Alaska and convincing others to adjust their minimum requirements to suit the low population in exchange for correct representations of their products. Bauer Clifton now caters to lodges in Yukon and British Columbia, Canada, as well as Seattle, Washington. They experience very little competition from other firms in Alaska and with what competition does exist, there is a respectable split between them. Bauer Clifton’s designs primarily target kitchens and baths, but over the years have developed into full home remodeling. They replace many old materials with new ones and due to Jeremy’s background in architecture and Jason’s in design, they take a holistic approach to their work. They generally work on twelve to eighteen projects at a time, which can be anything from room and paint consultations to remodeling a bath or home. The days between larger projects are used to work on smaller ones. They have other interior designers working with them as well and things are ever-changing. How to Become a Junior Designer for Bauer Clifton As with any job, previous experience from other jobs or internships is preferable.