Ruth and Bernd Gruber
What began as a carpentry workshop has been repeatedly reinterpreted by Bernd Gruber and his wife Ruth over the decades with a holistic approach—and adapted to the times. This laid the foundation for the company's current orientation and gave it a distinctive identity. Together, they stood for the combination of traditional craftsmanship, timeless design, and uncompromising quality. Their work has not only shaped the values we live by today, but also set standards for establishing a company that originally had a regional mindset in an international market.
Bernd Gruber – Entrepreneurial spirit with attention to detail
Bernd Gruber is one of the most influential figures in the company's history. As one of Austria's youngest master carpenters, he took over his father Adolf Gruber's carpentry business in 1992, which had been founded in 1958. With great passion and an unconditional desire to combine craftsmanship with design, he broke new ground at the time and continuously developed the family business in line with his visions. His unmistakable signature was evident in a very clear design language, a pronounced attention to detail, and a special ability to understand his customers and build trust.
Under his leadership, the originally traditional carpentry workshop evolved into the Bernd Gruber brand, which stands for exceptionally high standards in the creative field and, above all, in the subsequent implementation of holistic interior design. A company that combines design, craftsmanship, values, and quality and places them at the forefront without exception. This mindset has not only given today's company access to an international market, but also respect and recognition in the international world of design.
Ruth Gruber – A sense of beauty and subtle nuances
Ruth Gruber was always the calming influence in the family. Her understanding of her husband's demanding role as company director was put to the test time and again in the early days. But as she grew into the role and had more time available, she accompanied the company with a growing and pronounced passion. She shared her husband's flair for people, design, art and, in short, the finer things in life. It was never the loud or flashy things that moved her, but rather the subtle and calm. Her keen sense and exceptional taste complemented her husband's thinking perfectly. She took over responsibility for the showroom in Aurach near Kitzbühel and created a unique place of inspiration that asked no questions but provided answers. Her commitment also gave many customer projects the finishing touch—whether through selected art, special material aspects, accessories, decorative elements, or subtle accents that make rooms lively and distinctive. Her contribution is still reflected today in the elegance and atmosphere that characterize the Bernd Gruber brand.
A shared legacy
Ruth and Bernd Gruber not only managed the company for over three decades, they also gave it a soul. In doing so, they laid the foundation for today's management by the next generation. Their legacy lives on in the spirit of the company—in its projects, its orientation and attitude, and in the conviction that true quality can only be achieved when passion, responsibility, and high standards for oneself and one's work come together. Or, as Bernd Gruber himself once put it:
"Good design is more than just form—it's the passion and attitude you feel."
