Meet JD Gutermuth | Architect

We had the good fortune of connecting with JD Gutermuth and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JD, why did you pursue a creative career?
I started school in engineering but switched to architecture to have more creativity in the process. I love the balance of creativity and technical knowledge. that architecture requires. It is art but has a technical function wholly outside of its artistic function.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Basic Workshop is the culmination of years dreaming, practicing and committing to design excellence. Founded in 2021, Basic Workshop came to be after years honing my skills and experience at esteemed firms across Portland, Atlanta and Athens. When I decided to go out on my own, I sought to establish a firm that mirrored my core values: a dedication to exceptional design, cultivating meaningful client relationships, and contributing to the community fabric beyond profit margins.

Rooted in design, ideation, curiosity and research, Basic Workshop is on a mission to create atmospheres that nod to narrative and blend with nature and culture. With a respect for and understanding of place, light, form, material, and, most importantly, people – as exemplified by earning the Historic Athens Outstanding Revitalization Award and recognition as an AIA Atlanta Design Awards Finalist – Basic Workshop goes beyond simply building a structure to curate distinct environments designed to shape, enrich and be experienced.

This is not to say that starting my own firm has been easy. It’s been a grind and we’re still in our early growth period. Creative design is only part of the job now as I also have to succeed at being a small business owner and all that comes along with that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love living in Athens. It’s a small town vibe with something new happening all the time.
Favorites include: breakfast cortado and pastry at Independant Bakery in Five Points
Lunch at Puma Yu’s in Southern Mill
Afternoon coffee at Sunroof Coffee right by our office
Dinner at ZZ and Simones in Five Points
Athens Farmers Market at Bishop Park Saturday mornings
KA Artist Shop for art/drawing supplies
Motherlode Vintage (yes, there’s a Motherlode in ATL and ATH) for whatever I didn’t know I needed

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shoutout to the Eames lounge chair. And also definitely my parents. I grew up in a Mid Century house in Atlanta that my parents filled with elements of quality design that are still influencing the way I think about my work today. The product design of the Eames chair as well as numerous books reflecting on the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright and Falling Water set the basis for my love of clean, modern, high quality design that seamlessly fits the space it is designed for.

Website: http://www.basic-workshop.com/

Instagram: @basic.workshop

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BasicWorkshopArchitecture

Image Credits
Kristin Karch