Today we’d like to introduce you to Nader Kalhor & Gabrielle Lajoie-Bergeron. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Nader and Gabrielle met in July 2015 in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. He is an Iranian-American living in Washington DC, she is a Quebec artist living in Montreal.
Both backpacking, a little dirty but fueled by a need for freedom and adventure, they traveled the coasts of South America for the following weeks. Their paths have not left each other since. Meeting around the world for 3 years, they finally chose Baltimore as their home base to build their nest. Remaining nomadic and curious about nature and other cultures, they continue to explore the world to find inspiration and insight to share with others. It is nourished by their respective visions, their creativity, their passion for travel, and their desire to make a difference daily that APEX was born.
Nader has a background in criminal justice and international business. Being born and raised in the construction industry, Nader decided to set out on his own with his life partner. After years of building and understanding the impact of construction and realizing that things could ultimately be done differently, Nader decided to implement various innovative measures into the construction process that ultimately made a significant difference on the outcome of each project, for the clients and environment.
Gabrielle, an established artist who continues to build and share her work on the global stage, helps to facilitate the creative aspect of each project. The collective knowledge of the pair’s focused insight and partnership sets the company’s example in working together as a team. Gabrielle has a master’s degree in visual and media arts from the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQÀM). Previously working as a professor of art and as a cultural director for people living with more complex life realities. She believes in pooling resources to unify and in building together.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It comes down to the people that back you and support you, without them, it would not be possible. From our team that keeps this engine moving to the clients, architects, and designers that we can collaborate with, that is what keeps us moving. We have been fortunate to have built and continue to build long-standing relationships and for that reason, it has been smooth. Like anything else, nothing is perfect and every industry has difficult times, it’s how you overcome them that defines you and helps smooth the road.
A pandemic and material shortages played a large toll on everyone and created difficulties in our lives and industries but I feel that we are building back stronger on this side of things. Keeping everyone’s morale and strength up during those times was challenging, there were a lot of unknowns. But people are strong and resilient, those are the people that work with us that always found a way to continue moving forward.
As you know, we’re big fans of APEX Builders Group. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
APEX was originally founded in the United States by the Kalhor family in 1991 under the name APEX Design Builders company recently expanded and franchised by the union of Nader Kalhor, son of the family, and wife Gabrielle Lajoie-Bergeron to APEX Builders Group.
Thanks to their similarities and differences, Nader and Gabrielle have made APEX a unique and creative place aimed at building invigorating living spaces, offering an alternative to the previous era of construction and building with respect for the environment and its people. As much as possible, we choose projects that have a positive impact on the community. We understand the importance of sustainable construction and the ethical importance for future generations.
We are extremely fortunate to have some of the most skilled craftsmen and craftswomen in the industry. Our crews have taken on some of the most complicated projects in the DMV and have excelled every time.
What we like to do the most are historic buildings. We want to bring back the glory of historic homes. APEX Builders Group offers high-quality fine construction, specializing in historical restorations, new homes, commercial buildings, and renovations while focusing on green construction and the use of finished reclaimed building materials.
Apex offers Custom-Made Services Tailored to Your Needs.
COMMERCIAL –
Commercial Buildings • Multiuse • Multi-family • Retail • Restaurants • Executive Office Spaces • Lodging
RESIDENTIAL
Historical Restorations • New Home Construction • Renovations
WHAT DO WE DO TODAY? We build homes, living spaces, and commercial spaces that stand for the test of time.
WHO DO WE SERVE? Clients who have a vision of a home or place of business need help and assistance for their dream to come true in tangible form.
WHAT ARE WE TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH? Creating a project of the highest quality, no matter how small or big, with a conscious sustainability process in mind.
WHAT IMPACT DO WE WANT TO ACHIEVE? Reducing the environmental footprint. At APEX, we want to work on projects that make a difference in the community and be part of building up a neighborhood.
VISION: WHERE ARE WE GOING MOVING FORWARD? Standardizing Green Solutions into every build.
WHAT KIND OF FUTURE DO WE ENVISION? A place where future generations can see and utilize firsthand sustainable builds and choose to repeat green building for their projects.
WHAT DO WE STAND FOR? Uniqueness • Equality • Quality • Respect • Transparency • Creativity
WHAT BEHAVIORS DO WE VALUE OVER ALL ELSE? Honesty and integrity.
HOW WILL WE CONDUCT OUR ACTIVITIES TO ACHIEVE OUR MISSION & VISION? By embedding and incorporating these principles into every project.
HOW WILL WE TREAT MEMBERS OF OUR ORGANIZATION AND COMMUNITY? Honesty and growth.
So maybe we end by discussing what matters most to you and why?
Nader’s dad always told him (in farsi) – ”do the work to the highest standard and always be fair and honest to your clients.” This sentence represents well the essence of the company towards its customers but also its employees
As much as possible, we try to choose projects that have a positive impact on the community. We want to give back to the community that’s also why in the winter of 2024, we will launch a series of free workshops for teens – APEX and the community.
The objective is to help and give a basis for knowing the simple principles of construction. A way to give back to the community and build a better future together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.apexbuildersgrp.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apex_builders_group/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082754082131
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apex-builders-group-08b116259/
Image Credits
1710 South Charles Street04, @Atlas Photography, 1710 South Charles Street13, @APEX_WalshHouse_After-087, and @JuniperHouseStudio
