Today we’d like to introduce you to Bill Whitlock.
Bill, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was approached by a Jim Cafarelli to be the architect on Todd English’s Bonfire restaurant. Their architect had unexpectedly closed his business and they needed a relief pitcher! It was a fantastic experience working with Jim and the relationships that were formed there led to many more restaurant projects.
I became established as someone who could ‘get things done’ in a world of tight deadlines and budgets. I loved working with owners and contractors, I loved the challenges and coming up with creative solutions.
I see the Design Process like a great jazz session, a collaborative effort, requiring the talents and strengths of many. Within a structured core, the creative team brings spectacularly unique and exciting ideas, reflecting the vastly different clients and projects we have served.
Patrick Lyons approached us with his idea to create a new entertainment concept based on bowling. As we stood in an abandoned movie theater (with no electricity and nearly completely in the dark) we conceived what became Kings Bowl. It was envisioned as where the Rat Pack would have gone bowling. So we dove into midcentury modern design and tried to envision how “cool” could be matched with our parent’s sport! 4 lanes did not fit into the row of alleys, so we had a separate area that we dubbed the private bowling room. The idea was an instant hit and hundreds of office parties later is a staple in every Kings.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
On my way to a construction meeting for Bonfire, I heard on the radio that the World Trade Center had been hit by a plane. 9/11 was devastating to the country and to the restaurant industry as well. Customers were afraid to even go downtown and my tiny office suddenly had no new work and projects on the boards went on hold.
We have made it through many downturns and struggles. Unforeseen conditions on a construction site that have required quick and sometimes dramatic adaptions. Budgets and schedules that are overly optimistic and require creative solutions.
Design “opportunities” often arise from obstacles and challenges. I love working with chefs and restaurateurs because they are incredibly talented and creative people themselves and the designs we often create as a team are some that I am most proud of.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Whitlock Design Group story. Tell us more about the business.
We specialize in designing restaurants, hospitality spaces and entertainment venues. If that wasn’t unique enough, we have sub-niches specializing in bowling alleys and breweries as well.
I am most proud of our people skills and our ability to work with our client’s vision, and bring it to fruition. Our completed designs include some spectacularly unique and exciting designs, reflecting the vastly different clients and projects we have served.
We understand the complete process of running a restaurant, from the kitchen to the service staff as well as the “pretty part” of the customer experience. Our many years have taught us where value lies, what is efficient and what is practical.
And we love to create, to make spaces that are exciting and memorable.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I have been lucky to work with some of the most creative and interesting people Boston’s amazing restaurant scene. I have been lucky to have brilliant consultants and contractors to help build our designs. I have been lucky to have a terrific team in the office. I am lucky to have an amazing life partner, wonderful kids and spectacular extended family.
Contact Info:
- Address: 681 Main Street, Ste 3-31,
Waltham, MA 02451 - Website: www.whitlockdesigns.com
- Phone: 781-647-8008
- Email: bwhitlock@whitlockdesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitlock_design_group/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Whitlock-Design-Group-328624127171838/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhitlockArch
Image Credit:
Eric Levin (Kings photos)
Eric Luciano (Jake n Joe’s photos)
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