My early days at Bernd Gruber – from Markus Pollinger's perspective

Hello, I'm Markus Pollinger, Creative Director at Bernd Gruber. I've been shaping the creative identity of this company for more than 5 years now—and I still remember my first days at Bernd Gruber very well.

01 WELCOME – A very special start

On my first morning, I was greeted by a welcome detail: a stylishly placed notebook with a handwritten greeting card, a small gift, and an employee folder containing all the useful information about the interior design company. Such an appreciative gesture speaks volumes about the corporate culture at Bernd Gruber.

02 Orientation with style

Getting started wasn't like jumping in at the deep end, but rather a carefully choreographed step: a new environment, new people, processes, structures—everything was communicated with sensitivity and clear ideas. The orientation run through the first few days showed me the balance between precision and warmth at Bernd Gruber.

03 Team – respectful, humorous, efficient

My impression was reliably confirmed: an exchange on equal terms with clear but short decision-making processes. Flat hierarchies promote creativity and enable quick action—exactly what creative excellence needs.

04 Values lived with character and depth

At Bernd Gruber , corporate values such as precision, empathy, and personality are not just empty slogans—they are an integral part of our daily work. They permeate both our internal processes and our public image, creating a clear ethos that is palpable. In weekly team meetings, these principles are consciously reflected upon, reinforced, and passed on—as a binding framework that shapes every project in terms of both content and design.

05 Meetings – Sharing knowledge at the highest level

Weekly team meetings are lively forums for dialogue. Those who attend contribute, listen, network, and stay up to date with the latest developments. This creates an inspiring exchange of knowledge that opens up new perspectives and advances projects in a targeted manner—on an equal footing, efficiently, and with real added value.

06 Projects – from the initial sketch to lead responsibility

I joined the company in the middle of an ongoing project and, working alongside an experienced project manager, was able to bring it to a successful conclusion. This was followed by my first design tasks, in which my 3D concepts were integrated into customer presentations. By the third project, I was already involved in shaping the entire creative process—from the initial sketch to the choice of materials.
Today, as Creative Director, I am responsible for several projects at the same time, always in close contact with our clients. In doing so, I accompany young talents on their way to creative maturity. What fulfills me most is when planning skills, aesthetic sensitivity, and years of experience are not only appreciated internally, but also noticed externally—and this creates new motivation every day to go the extra mile.

07 Lunch break or espresso time – a creative break with character

Whether in Munich, Aurach, or Vienna, the shared break is more than just a brief moment of relaxation. In the open studio kitchens, it becomes a stage for exchange, lightheartedness, and collegiality in action. Freshly prepared and tastefully served, this is not just a place to eat, but also to cultivate team spirit.

08 Business Breakfast – informative and inspiring

A balanced breakfast buffet with insights from leading brands and partner companies—this blend of taste and knowledge is refreshing. An ideal platform for inspiration and networking in a creative context.

09 Team events, Oktoberfest, Christmas party – something to look forward to every year

Whether it’s Oktoberfest, the Christmas party, or summer outings— Bernd Gruber ’s large-scale team events are a well-established tradition and are organized with great attention to detail. At least twice a year, all employees come together to celebrate, connect, and recharge. It’s a real highlight that strengthens team spirit and is sure to generate excitement.