“Design Chops, Fabrication Chops, Project Management Chops, Install Chops, Communication Chops. All A++!”
- Nam Phan (Client)
VITAL Brooklyn
Millwork Design, Coordination and Fabrication
2019 - 2021 Greenpoint, NY
When VITAL came to us they came with a big request. Can we, a tiny group of designers and builders, build and design all the millwork for a 42,000 sq. ft. climbing gym, ship it across the country, and install it all ourselves? You might be asking: “Who in the hell would want to do that?” And the answer is… We have no clue. Apparently the owner duo of VITAL Climbing Gym, Dave and Nam. We came upon this project not by sheer luck, but the way everyone get’s work these days… Nepotism. Just kidding. A referral. Or is that the same thing? Either way, couldn’t be more thankful to that friend.
Dave and Nam found themselves working with us, and since then we have been spoiled with other clients like them. The design process throughout this project was always comprehensive, creative, and effective. They knew when to give creative freedom and were practical when it was called for. Balancing that has helped us become better designers and fabricators, and boy did we learn from this project. We managed to build and ship two 56 foot semi-trucks full of millwork from Washington State to New York without any major catastrophes. So, we’re proud of that, and now we can say with confidence that we can do that…and maybe even do it well.
FROM DAVE
“The Nook team is incredible. If you have the chance to work with them, you absolutely should. We are a demanding client, and they really delivered for us. They have done a lot of very complicated work for us on multiple projects, and I'd like to take a moment to break down why they are so exceptionally good.
They have excellent creative vision, and can use this vision to make your ideas a beautiful reality. The designs and ideas they come up with are tasteful, delightful, functional, and add real value to a project. Their first proposal for any project is always remarkably good, and doesn't require a lot of time to get right. This creative vision is rare, and extremely important.
They are broadly talented. They are expert fabricators with a wide range of materials. They are also very competent at coordinating logistics (such as cross-country shipping), and with other contractors on a project. They coordinated closely with our architects, GC, and subcontractors on our last project to ensure things worked together perfectly. They can handle the full design scope - including technical drawings, photo-realistic renderings, material selection, etc. And they also handle fabrication as well as installation.
They are wonderful to work with. They work quickly, accept and apply feedback well, and have a genuine passion for what they are doing. They are upfront, honest, and fair at every turn. You will enjoy your project more having Nook involved.
Working with Nook has been one of the best decisions we have made as a business, and I look forward to working with them again on future projects. If you have a chance to work with them, you will be very glad you did.
Brian cheats at chess.”