| In the late
1940’s a young man named Gunter
Beuke apprenticed as a cabinet-maker
in Minden, West Germany. Custom furniture
and cabinetry became his livelihood
and a career that he brought with him
to America and would later pass on to
his children. On July 1, 1959 Mr. Beuke
opened his business, Old Country Craftsmen,
in Indianapolis, Indiana. Using a love
of fine furniture and a well-established
reputation for quality, the business
grew and a family tradition began.
Like his father, Steve Beuke began
his apprenticeship as a cabinet-maker
when he was a teenager. With his father’s
direction, he learned the trade that
has grown to be his career for over
30 years. As he grew with the family
business, Steve’s love for the
art matured, leading him to learn
all phases of the work.
During 40 years of business, Old
Country Craftsmen demonstrated talent
and professionalism for many important
clients, including exclusive projects
for Crystal DeHaan, the Butler University
Library, various Indianapolis International
Airport projects, library and office
interiors in many law firms, over
400 Paul Harris and Goodman Jewelers
stores and many high-end residential
kitchens.
In 1999 Mr. Beuke sold the business.
He saw a remarkable opportunity to
keep intact his “team“
of employees and to return to what
he knew and loved most, being a craftsman.
Although ownership had changed, the
quality of work and the original team
of people remained. During this time,
Steve developed his art in furniture
design, working with many designers
and architects to create quality custom
interiors. One of many designers that
Steve has teamed with is his sister,
Heather Beuke Diers. Heather followed
down a similar career path by practicing
as a commercial Interior Designer
with a focus on healthcare and corporate
office design. Together Heather and
Steve have worked on several projects
including high-end kitchen and bath
designs and a custom home office for
the St. Margaret’s Guild Decorator
Show House 2004.
Recognizing a wonderful opportunity
to combine their talents, Steve and
Heather decided to reclaim their family
business. Continuing the tradition
of high-end furniture design and fabrication,
möbelwerks
will represent new
generations, growth
and stability. |
