You need to look no further than the countless hit TV shows centered around home renovations to realize there is an undeniable appeal to transforming your home into something new. While it is exciting to take the plunge and tackle a large-scale remodeling project, the reality is that such an undertaking is often much more challenging than expected. Since it was founded in 1999, Aptitude Design & Build has endeavored to help homeowners create their dream spaces—no matter what bumps they may face during the renovation journey.
Aptitude was founded by Matt Mierek. After years spent working for other contractors, he earned the skills and reputation necessary to launch his own company. “It started with just me, but I was able to build my team a little each year,” Mierek notes. “Eventually, I had to make the transition from personally working on projects to managing the business. A lot of the design work and project quotes are still done by me, and clients can feel secure in the hands of the Aptitude team.” The company mainly works in Ladue, Kirkwood, Webster Groves and Town and Country. While it does commercial renovations, Aptitude is mainly focused on residential construction, with specialization in kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
The company name is a direct reflection of its process, the design-build method. Instead of the homeowner having to deal with a design team and contractors, Aptitude works with each client under a single contract, providing both design and construction services. “There is a lot of stress that comes with doing a remodel, whether it’s a kitchen or a whole house,” Mierek says. “Design-build encompasses the entire process. The homeowner only has one point of contact to deal with from the design and scheduling phase all the way through the completion of the project. If they have any questions or concerns, we’re always available. We handle the vendors and any problem that might pop up.”
The design-build method also offers clients greater flexibility when transforming their spaces. Mierek notes that Aptitude is ready to support homeowners no matter their vision for their remodel. “Some people come to us with a strong idea of what the project will look like, and we help them determine how that vision will work in their space and nail down the details, like color and finishes,” he explains. “Others have less of a plan for what they want. Our team is great at starting from a general idea and building the project from the ground up until we have the perfect solution.”
Aptitude starts the remodel process with an in-person consultation. “We ask clients what they like and don’t like about their current setup—there’s usually a lot of the latter,” Mierek says. The first meeting is centered around giving Aptitude a general idea of the project and its scope. In subsequent consultations, Mierek and his designers work on establishing the finer details, creating 3D models to give the homeowners a clear understanding. Aptitude does not charge clients for this initial idea phase. “We really care about the people we’re working with,” he notes. “You can meet with us, see the vision and build trust in the team and the design before having to commit.”
After contracts are signed, the design phase begins in earnest. Plans are finalized, architectural drawings are done, permits are acquired, and supplies are ordered. To ensure a project is completed to the best of Aptitude’s ability, open communication with clients is paired with skill and craftsmanship. “We have a project outline that we share with homeowners,” Mierek says. “It covers everything we’re going to do from start to finish. This way they know when we’ll be in the house, when demolition is starting and when we plan to be done. We keep an open line of communication through final touchups and even after a project is complete.”
Most Aptitude employees have been with the company for around five years, so clients can feel secure in their knowledge and experience. Mierek takes pride in taking extra effort in vetting new hires. “People are trusting us to be in their homes for months—I ensure my team is courteous and conscientious as well as skilled craftsmen,” he notes. “Everyone on the team has the same vision, and we strive to make every project great.”
The success of this approach is evident in Aptitude’s reputation for excellence. Having been in business for 27 years, the company gets most of its clients through referrals. “You hear a lot of horror stories when it comes to home renovation, but we’re flipping that script,” Mierek says. “We have many repeat clients, and now, we’re working with generations of families. People feel comfortable recommending us. With Aptitude, you can expect quality craftsmanship and for your home and family to be treated with respect.”
Since the company was founded in 1999, Aptitude Design & Build has helped hundreds of clients create their dream homes through close attention to detail and focus on high-quality workmanship. Pictured on the cover: An Aptitude kitchen remodel. For more information, call 314.713.1989 or visit aptitudedesignandbuild.com.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo courtesy of Aptitude Design & Build
Photos courtesy of Aptitude Design & Build