Carp Road’s ARTium Design Build celebrates 25 years

CARP ROAD CORRIDOR – ARTium Design Build Inc., and its downstairs division Just Basements, announced today  (Feb. 29 – a Leap Day birthday) their 25th anniversary as one of Ottawa’s leading design build, residential, renovation firms.

Established in 1999, founder Norm Lecuyer, brought a uniquely dynamic set of skills to the Ottawa renovation industry. Blending a passion for design with a vast and diversified knowledge of residential construction knowledge has allowed ARTium and Just Basements to build hundreds of stunning and functional living spaces for his customers over the last two plus decades.

“I believe it is always good to look towards the future,” Lecuyer said. “However, there are times in our lives that we tend to look back to see where we have been, what we have learned and the people we have met. This is one of those times and I am finding it is not just a moment here or there. It is 25 years’ worth of moments. 25 years of blood, sweat and tears. 25 years of great people, partners, employees and, of course, customers.”

The design-build firm has won three national awards and around 10 regional awards from industry organizations such as the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association.

ARTium and Just Basements are the rare firm that goes from concept to final product all in one stop. The team moved in to their Carp Road offices 13 years ago. The office has the house feel – a kitchen, a dining room – all beautifully designed. And of course, an unbelievable basement.

“We have been so fortunate over the years to have many great people on our team,” Lecuyer said. “Carpenters, designers, managers and labourers. Sometimes there are challenges, but the people that make impacts on our team and our customers are those with talent, commitment and passion. We have learned to hire to our core values – passion, integrity and teamwork. And that philosophy has guided us to creating the best team we have ever had over our 25 years.”

ARTium works on 10 to 20 projects per year depending on the size.

“It has also been our immense pleasure to design and create many exceptional spaces for our customers,” Lecuyer said. “From great basements to stunning family rooms, awe inspiring kitchens to luxurious baths. Although trends have changed over the years, I have always held the belief that great design never goes out of style. We have won numerous awards over the years, which is wonderful, but not our goal. We are not custom home builders or commercial contractors, we do one thing very well and keep our focus on great design build renovations. Do what you know and know what you do.”

What started 25 years ago as a home-based business, now operates out of an attractive showroom and design studio located on Carp Road in Ottawa’s west end.  One of the few, true residential design build firms in Ottawa, with three talented designers on staff, ARTium and Just Basements continues to push the envelope of what is possible in a residential renovation garnering the companies three national design awards in the last two years. 

“Running a small business has its ups and downs, but hopefully over the years you have more ups than downs,” Lecuyer said. ”Twenty-five years teaches you many things, some easily, some painfully and some that take you oh so many times to learn the lesson. But the main thing I have learned over the years is to be grateful for what you have received and achieved. Be grateful for the great people. Be grateful for the opportunity to change lives, customers and employees. Just be grateful and you will always be successful. We are excited and proud to share our 25-year company celebration will our incredible clients, vendors, community and our team.”