Quick Facts
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Biography
Christopher James Grubb (born October 12, 1966) is an American interior designer, President of Beverly Hills, California based Arch-Interiors Design Group inc., and owner/lead product designer for The C. G. Collection of products and furnishings for the home.
Early life and education
From a very young age, Grubb would draw buildings, floor plans and cities, eventually fleshing out his models with Lego's and wood blocks. He would work summers with his grandfather, a general contractor, and with his grandmother, who ran a 100 year old family owned giftware business.
"I was a kid who knew I wanted to be around architecture, and interior design was the perfect combination of working in architecture as well as finishes and furnishings."
Grubb received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design through a cooperative program with the University of San Francisco and the Academy of Art College. Grubb also received a scholarship and spent a year abroad studying at the Universitá Cattolica in Milan, Italy to study liberal arts and design while he also began modeling. He lived in Tokyo, Japan for several months continuing with his modeling which exposed him to Asian design.
Career
In 1994 Grubb founded Arch-Interiors design group inc. in Beverly Hills, California with the goal of blending high-end residential, commercial and medical design. Notable for its high-end projects, Arch-Interiors is one of the top ten Design firms in Los Angeles.
In early 2010, Grubb launched The C.G. Collection with a new line of bathroom vanities with a goal of bringing affordable customizable product to the mainstream market.
In 2016 Grubb debuted Autograph by Christopher Grubb expanding his experience in creating one-of-a-kind luxury products for the luxury consumer market.
Today Grubb is a regular expert contributor to design related newspaper & magazine articles, television & radio broadcasts, and featured lecturer at international trade conferences, expos and conventions.
Grubb’s reach in print is global with projects featured in hundreds of books and magazines such as The Chicago Tribune, The Sun, Trends, Elle Décor, Sunset, The New York Times, Robb Report and an entire issue of World Architectural Review. A small sampling of his television and radio appearances include segments on HGTV, Martha Stewart Living Radio, LXTV-NBC, The Hallmark Channel, ABC and WGN Radio. As a featured lecturer he has spoken on several occasions at Dwell on Design, NeoCon, KBIS, IBS, and Coverings among many others.
Interior Design Philosophy
Grubb views design as both a science and an art. "The science part is first there is a function to fulfill, how the space is used, and the needs of the space. The art is the abundant use of decorative materials and furnishings available, especially something you can use in an unexpected innovative way."
Grubb's approach focuses on creating multifunctional rooms and accessories, not allowing any space to go to waste. He gives importance to strong visual boundaries between functional spaces and emphasizes hiding clutter.
Product Design
In 2010 HGTV announced Grubb’s entrance to product design with The C.G. Collection, a new line of bathroom vanities designed with an eye toward affordable luxury. His goal is to build collections that can work in any environment utilizing an approach driven by incorporating three principles: clean, notable, and orderly. In 2011 the Greenwich vanity he designed in The C.G. Collection was nominated for Product of the Year by Interior Design Magazine. The C.G. Collection is available through Modern Bathroom and major retail outlets such as Home Depot, Lowe's, Walmart, and many others. 2016 Grubb launched Autograph by Christopher Grubb with a focus on the high-end residential and professional marketplace.
Personal life
Grubb currently resides in West Hollywood, California in a house he personally remodeled and was featured on HGTV's "Small Space, Big Style" program.
Publications, Appearances and Awards
Television/Radio
HGTV - Kitty Bartholomew: You're Home (TV Series documentary) 1994
Himself - Interior Designer (1994)
FXTV - The X Show (TV Series) 1999
Himself - Interior Designer
- Episode #1.126 (1999) ... Himself - Interior Designer
- Episode #1.69 (1999) ... Himself - Interior Designer
HGTV - Designers' Challenge (TV Series documentary) 2001
Himself - Interior Designer
- Master Bathroom Spa Retreat ... Himself - Interior Designer
E! - Holidays with the Stars (TV Movie) 2005
Himself - Interior Designer
HGTV - Small Space, Big Style. (TV Series) 2006
Himself - Interior Designer
- Small-Scale Luxury ... Himself - Interior Designer
Hallmark - Home & Family (TV Series) 2015
Himself
- Erin Krakow/Christopher Grubb (2015) ... Himself
OpenHouse NYC (TV Series) 2010 - 2015
Himself - Interior Designer
- A Complete Backyard Transformation (2015) ... Himself - Interior Designer
- Transform a Bedroom Into a Sanctuary (2014) ... Himself - Interior Designer
- Presents George to the Rescue, Purple Heart Recipient (2013) ... Himself - Interior Designer
- A Look at Mid-Century Modern Design (2011) ... Himself - Interior Designer
- Using Architectural Details in Interior Design (2010) ... Himself - Interior Designer
Awards and Recognition
2011 Received Prestigious Nomination for the Interior Design Magazine’s Product of the Year Award.
2013 – 2014 Received the International Property Award for Best Interior Design Show Home: USA Silver Award
2013 – 2014 Received the International Property Award for Best Interior Design Show Home: California Gold Award
April 2015 Received the Chrysalis National Award for Best Exterior Project Over $100K
May 2015 Received Calibre Award Nomination for the Weber Shandwick Corporate Headquarters in Los Angeles, California
August 2015 Received the Viking Designer of Distinction Award
September 2015 Received the Professional Remodeler Design Gold Award for Bathroom over $60K
October 2015 Received the Qualified Remodeler Gold Master Design Award for Bathroom $50K - $70K
October 2015 Received the Qualified Remodeler Silver Master Design Award for Kitchen less than $75K
Tradeshow Lectures
2011
Dwell on Design: “How to get the most out of one's kitchen.”
2014
Coverings: “Bath Projects become Lucrative Profit Centers with Luxury Appointments”
NeoCon: “Luxurious Baths are the New Norm: The Influence of Residential Design on the Commercial Bath”
2015
IBS: “Luxury Bathroom Trends: ‘Who’ and ‘What’ You Need to Know”
Remodeling Show: “Luxury Bathroom” and “Designer / Contractor Relationships”
International Pool, Spa, Patio Expo: “Luxury Bathroom”
Voices from the Industry: “Luxury Bathroom” and “Designing for the Sexes”
NeoCon: “Luxury Bathroom” and “Designing for the Sexes”
Las Vegas World Market: “Merchandise for Small Space Design Can Equal Big Profits”
San Francisco International Gift Fair: “Courting Interior Designers Builds Successful Relationships and Revenue”
Dwell on Design: “Couples Retreat: Designing a Bathroom for Two Through Successful Negotiations”
2016
KBIS: “Kitchen and Baths: The New Definition of Luxury” and “How to Choose Bathroom Surfaces that Translate into a Luxury Experience”
Bathroom Trends
October 2012 – “Fresh Approach”
October 2013 – “Tranquil Repose”
February 2014 – “Eastern Promises”
Boutique Design
March/April 2012 – “CG Collection”
March 2013 – “Product Showroom: The CG Collection”
CEPro
April 2006 – “Aesthetics vs. Electronics: Interior Designers espouse the team concept when working with integrators”
Contemporary Stone and Tile
Spring 2007 – “Reflecting a Lifestyle Through Stone and Tile”
Summer 2007 – “Combining Materials to Make a Statement”
Contract
October 2006 – “Head for the Hills: The rage in cosmetic dentistry has hit Beverly Hills with ORA Dentistry Spa – the antithesis of an old-school dentist’s office – designed by Arch-Interiors Design Group”
Design NJ
December 2011/January 2012 – “Private Luxuries: Modern Yet Timeless”
The Kitchen Bath Designer
March/April 2005 – “Jewel Boxes: California designer Christopher Grubb shares his thoughts on the state of bath design and illustrates his philosophies with rooms created by his Arch-Interiors firm”
Designer Kitchen and Baths & Master Suites
December 2012 – “Green Footprints: The quest for a more sustainable lifestyle is growing every day and in many ways”
Eco Structure
March 2009 – “Recess for your Hands and Feet: Nail salon embraces environmental design”
Electronic House
July 2005 – “Transformed: From Mess to Magnificent”
November 2005 – “First Person: Big-Screen Blender”
Esquire
January 2005 – “The Esquire House” - In 2005 Grubb designed the study in Esquire magazine’s effort to transform an unfinished Beverly Hills mansion into the “Man’s Ultimate Oasis”.
Furniture Today
August 2015 – “Scale Offers Opportunities in Design”
Great Backyards
2011 – “Feeling Tropical: New colors, stone detailing and plants liven up a once-boring front yard affordably”, “Open-Air Viewing Pavilion: Do as Hollywood natives do and stage a set”
Grilling Magazine
Summer 2013 – “Kitchens: Old-School Elegance”
Healthcare Design
November 2012 – “The Focused Cancer Patient Experience”
Hearth and Home
May 2012 – “Room for Entertaining”
Home
May 2007 – “Tinsel Town Sequel: Keeping the best and losing the rest, a California couple updates their ‘50s classic”
Home and Décor
August 2005 – “Designer Showcase: Arch-Interiors Design Group”
October 2005 – “Kitchen Showcase – Arch-Interiors Design Group”
2006 – “Interior Design & Architecture: Featuring some of L.A.’s most respected designers & architects”
Home by Design
March 2013 – “Elegant Outdoor Living: A Grand Landscaping Plan Ties in the Natural Surroundings”
Summer 2012 – “The New Neutral: A home in Hollywood Hills shows why a subdues color palette is sometimes the boldest”
Home Electronic Ideas
Fall 2005 – “Finishing Touches”
Hotel Business
August 2011 – “Guest Bathroom FF&E Evolves to be both Functional and Attractive”
February 2012 - “Hotel Guest Baths Can be Sustainable Without Sacrificing Style”
April 2012 - “Featured Product: The Premiere Vanity, part of the C.G. Collection by Christopher Grubb”
Interiors & Sources
May 1994 – “1990’s Deco”
June 1998 – “Industrial Strength”
March 2002 – “Great Design Ideas 101: Credcards.com Corporate Headquarters”
Kitchen and Bath Business
June 2001 – “Breathing Room: Good design creates the illusion of space”
May 2002 – “Coastal Views: East Coast versus West: exploring design differences”
June 2006 – “Light and Airy: The shades are raised on a once dark and cramped master bath”
May 2012 – “Premiere Bath Vanity”
March 2013 – “Christopher Grubb: Monterey Vanity”
February 2014 – “Listen While You Work: Christopher Grubb talks success tips and overcoming challenges” and “Acclaim Vanity: C.G. Collection”
Kitchen and Bath Design News
November 2008 (Cover) – “The Spa Treatment: Today’s Master Baths Offer a Sense of Calm and Serenity Combined with a Few Unexpected Design Twists
August 2013 – “The C.G. Collection by Christopher Grubb”
March 2016 – “Magical Master Baths: Christopher Grubb”
Kitchen and Baths
April 2007 – “Designing Smarter Spaces”
The Kitchen Bath Designer
March/April 2000 – “Jewel Boxes: California designer Christopher Grubb shares his thoughts on the state of bath design and illustrates his philosophies with rooms created by his Arch-Interiors firm”
Kitchen Solutions
Spring 2011 – “Invite the Light. Wanted: Old-world elegance and cherry cabinetry in a kitchen with no windows”
Kitchen & Baths
October 2000 – “Designing a Bath for 2: Satisfying his and her dreams and tastes – and making the most of previous lavatory space – are all a matter of compromise”
October 2002 – “Before & After: New materials and modern design make a big statement in a small powder room”
October 2007 – “Before & After: Open Season”
Los Angeles Times Magazine
July 2005 – “Open Wide: At L.A.’s upscale dental spas, the command applies to both mouth and wallet”
Los Angeles Times
February 2007 – “Drama From Top Down”
October 2009 – “On the Tip of a Trend: These nail salons cater to those looking for more than a polished look”
May 2010 - “Awash in Elegance: Dark and dilapidated, a Hollywood Hills 1960s bathroom is transformed into an oasis of light and luxury”
Los Angeles Home and Décor
October 2005 – “Kitchen Showcase: Arch-Interiors Design Group”
February 2006 – “Arch-Interiors Design Group, Inc: Residential Commercial”
Modern Decoration Hong Kong
June 2001 – “Some Projects of Arch-Interiors Design Group”
January 2002 – “Mastering Baths: Combining Natural Materials with Conveniences to Transform the Utilitarian into the Utopian”
Ocean Home
February/March 2012 – “Outdoor Ablution: The outdoor shower moves from utilitarian to work of art”
Portfolio Magazine
Volume 2, 2011 – “Hiring an Interior Designer: Look out for red flags, and know the difference between a decorator, designer and stylist”
Professional Remodeler
September 2015 – “2015 Design Awards Gold: Bath Over $60,000”
Qualified Remodeler
September 2015 – “Master Design Awards 2015: Bathrooms $50,000 - $75,000 Gold”
Real Kitchens
2012 – “Streamlined: easy-clean surfaces”
Elle Decoration Germany
September 2009 - “Green Dreams: Zwischen San Francisco und L.A. bluhen seit je die Utopien – von Hippie bis Hightech. Kalifornien ist heute einer der innovativsten Impulsgeber der grunen Bewegung…..”
Reform Sales Magazine
January 2016 – “The Power of Design: Bathroom Design”
Remodeling & Makeovers
September 2008 – “Personality Saved: Good bones help transform this L.A. wreck into a cool new retreat”
Robb Report Home
Summer 2005 – “Business Class: Arch-Interiors imagines a worldly study” and “Son of Oscar: Charles Matthau’s fastidious office cuts the clutter”
Signature Kitchens and Bath
Summer 2015 – “The Modern Spa” and “Smooth Transitions”
Small Kitchen
October 2011 – “Stay-Fresh Color Scheme: Designer uses multiple tricks of the trade to visually expand the room”, “Room to Entertain: A tiny galley kitchen doubles as a bar complete with wine cooler”, “Chef Ready: A u-shaped island ensures cooking is the main event” and “Design Fits Older Home: Great for cooking and entertaining, two peninsulas keep the work area contained”
Small Room Decorating
Winter 2011 – “Trends 2011” and “Streamlined & Sleek: Careful editing ensures that everything has its place and works together”
Spring 2013 – “Floating Shelves Rise to the Top: Christopher Grubb, designer, Arch-Interiors Design Group”
Stone and Tile Design
Winter 2001 – “Expanding the Color Palette: As High-end Residential Design Evolves, designers are opting to use a more colorful selection of natural stone and tile”
Spring 2002 – “Investing in Comfort: New color and textures – combined with fresh ideas from the design community – have made natural stone and ceramic tile staples in kitchen and bath design”
Spring 2007 – “Reflecting a Lifestyle Through Stone & Tile”
Summer 2007 – “Combining Materials to Make a Statement”
Summer 2012 – “An Outdoor Retreat in Stone”
Fall 2012 – “Interview: Christopher Grubb”
Stone World
April 2007 – “Modernizing an Outdated Space with Stone”
April 2012 (cover) – “Stone Helps Define Gourmet Kitchen”
June 2012 – “Hand-cut limestone identifies California Project”
Sunset
August 2000 – “Compact Elegance”
The Parklander Florida
September 2011 – “Better than Before: Creating fresh interiors in original ways”
WARA (World Architecture Review) Magazine - Entire Issue
2001 – “Arch-Interiors Design Group” and “Christopher J. Grubb”
Your Home and Lifestyle-Small Space Living
July 2012 – “So Nice to Come Home to: Neutrals, pale tiffany blue, and touches of orange create a serenely sophisticated living space”