Celebrating 20 Years – Milestones

Our First Clients: Cornerstone Communities

2005 – 2007
Gacek Design Group’s first clients were Richard’s existing clients from a previous design firm. These clients were great collaborators who valued his expertise and followed him on his journey to start his own business. We are forever grateful to Judd Builders, Cornerstone Communities, and Ria Mar Restaurant.

CORNERSTONE COMMUNITIES: The partnership with Cornerstone Communities began with the design of an amenity space for the multifamily, Terrazza at Newtown Square. This was our first development project where Gacek Design Group designed interior finishes and millwork as well as the merchandising. This project also included design for common areas and model homes. Richard Gacek was so influenced by the client’s narrative of Terrazza that his design vision focused on the story of an Italian villa with European detailing in color and natural materials. High end details were used and specialty trade partners were brought in. Richard recalls his experience installing the custom Murano glass chandelier at 20+ feet above ground!

Our First Clients: Ria Mar Restaurant

2005 – 2007
Gacek Design Group’s first clients were Richard’s existing clients from a previous design firm. These clients were great collaborators who valued his expertise and followed him on his journey to start his own business. We are forever grateful to Judd Builders, Cornerstone Communities, and Ria Mar Restaurant.

RIA MAR RESTAURANT: Richard worked on a few small projects with owner, Rui Baptista a few times prior to the start of Gacek Design Group. The first phase began with refreshing the Banquet Room Restrooms. The restaurant was in growth mode, and slowly the design work expanded as the restaurant continued to draw a crowd of loyal customers. Then a brand new audience of foodies became attracted to the amazing Portuguese food, homemade Sangria, and new interior design. Here you will see our first design. Take a look at our portfolio on gacekdesign.com for the transformation over the years.

Our First Clients – Judd Builders

2005 – 2007
Gacek Design Group’s first clients were Richard’s existing clients from a previous design firm. These clients were great collaborators who valued his expertise and followed him on his journey to start his own business. We are forever grateful to Judd Builders, Cornerstone Communities, and Ria Mar Restaurant.

JUDD BUILDERS: The partnership with Judd Builders began with interior model design for single family homes at Renaissance at Morgan Creek in Quakertown. This 55+ community showcased a few model homes and Richard’s vision was to design interiors that reflected differing aesthetics to appeal to a larger audience. A cottage style with light furnishings and soft florals as well as a traditional old world style with rich tones were designed.

Gacek Design Group Opens Its Doors

FEBRUARY 14, 2005 – Gacek Design Group Opens Its Doors
First office – It all began at 186 South Main Street in New Hope, PA where Richard carved out studio space in his historic residential home.
First staff – The first employees included Richard as Principal Designer, with a staff of 3: 1 interior designer, 1 administrative assistant, and 1 bookkeeper.
First logo – Richard was certain he wanted the company name to reflect his own name, a way to provide his seal of approval on every design that was created. The formation of a group involving more than one person was evident and was called, Gacek Design Group.
First experience – Richard describes his experience the first week opening Gacek Design Group: “It was exciting, the living lounge was set up for optimal views of the setting. I kept the clients in mind and wanted them to enjoy outdoor views of the river and pool for an elevated experience.”