About | Arete

The choice is unparalleled, the design is inspired, the service is first-class, and the value is second to none.

Arete Kitchens is an Austin-based design studio and showroom specializing in the design, supply and installation of high-quality modern kitchens, bespoke closets and complementary wood interiors that connect kitchen, dining and living in beautiful and functional harmony. At our company, we value every project we take on, whether it involves creating a new-build kitchen or renovating an existing one. We understand that selecting and installing your dream kitchen is one of the most important decisions you will make for your home, and we believe that it’s crucial to take the time to get it right.

Our team of specialized designers, who have a wealth of experience, will assist you throughout the process with a collaborative and budget-friendly approach. Your space will be custom designed for you, taking into account your individual aspirations for your home and lifestyle.

An estimation and planning service is provided, along with cutting-edge presentation technology that provides three-dimensional images of your ideal space. Our focus is on a fully integrated service, from planning and design to installation, ensuring that the entire process is a comprehensive, professional, and seamless experience for you.

We are proud to offer a select range of premium German-made LEICHT cabinetry, Italian-made MisuraEmme closets, and marine-grade outdoor kitchens by Urban Bonfire. We work directly and personally with our manufacturers, meaning there are no intermediaries involved. This enables us to offer you the best possible prices, design accuracy, order precision, and quicker lead times.

When you choose to work with ARETE, we collaborate closely with you and your selected architect, builder, contractor, and/or interior designer to ensure a smooth and unified process.

BEHIND THE NAME
ARETE is a highly regarded value in Greek culture, and it can be defined as excellence, the act of living to one’s full potential.

Essentially, ARETE [air-e-tee] reflects our unwavering dedication to maintaining the integrity of everything we do, respecting the process, and consistently striving for improvement.

OUR most valuable asset is our people

We have come a long way on our journey to get to where we are today. Throughout the years, we have developed into a strong team of exceptionally talented and hard-working individuals who possess the skills and professionalism required to elevate our company and your project to the next level.

TOM

Founder | Managing Director

ANDREA

Administrator | Principal

STACEY

Senior Designer & Project Manager

NANCY

Senior Designer & Project Manager

ALYSSA

Technical Drafter & Order Facilatator

jUSTIN

Lead Installer

TIM

Lead Installer

MICHAEL

Field & Logistics

ZACH

Field & Install Foreman

JOHN

Installer

ROBERT

Installer

TEDDY

Morale Officer

OUR PROCESS & THE CLIENT EXPERIENCE

VISIT US & CONSULTATION

The first step is to visit our showroom and meet with one of our professional designers who will discuss your project with you. During this meeting, you will have the opportunity to share your ideas and preferences for the space(s), as well as any other relevant information about your project. You will also get a chance to see our product collection up close, gather inspiration, learn about our process and the possibilities, and discuss the project budget.

Our designers are deeply committed to each project and will be involved from the initial meeting to the final walk-through upon project completion. They will act as your personal project manager throughout the entire process to ensure your satisfaction.

VISIT US & CONSULTATION

INITIAL DRAWINGS & ESTIMATE

After two weeks from your first meeting, your designer will meet with you again at our showroom to present concept renderings along with a detailed estimate. During the meeting, you can continue discussing conceptual design ideas, and there will be an opportunity for 1-2 minor revisions to further demonstrate the design capabilities before proceeding to the next step.

INITIAL DRAWINGS & ESTIMATE

DESIGN RETAINER & DESIGN

Once you decide to proceed with our services, we will initiate a Design Retainer. As part of this process, we will provide you with a copy of the drawings and schedule an on-site visit and measurements, if required. The non-refundable fee for this service (which is based on the project scope and location) will be credited towards the purchase amount of your cabinetry if you choose to contract with us within one year.

This is the most extensive stage of our in-depth design process and can take anywhere from 2-4+ weeks, depending on the specifics of your project, the number of revisions needed, your availability, decision-making process, and other trades involved. During this stage, your designer will create a detailed design that captures your aesthetic vision, is highly functional, and fits your budget. We will communicate with you regularly via email and phone, and may also schedule an additional in-person or remote meeting. Additionally, we will work collaboratively with your chosen architect, builder, contractor, and/or interior designer to ensure a cohesive design and a smooth process.

DESIGN RETAINER & DESIGN

CONTRACT & ORDER

After the design process is complete, we will carefully review the detailed drawings with you for approval. Once approved, we will move on to a signed contract and deposit to initiate the ordering process of your custom-made cabinetry. The cabinets will be shipped in a dedicated container to our warehouse, where they will remain until your site is ready for delivery. You will receive a notification at the time of shipment, and the next progress payment will be collected.

Your designer will remain available to you and will keep in touch with your team. Elevations and electrical plans will be shared with your builder or general contractor to prepare the space(s) in advance for our cabinetry.

CONTRACT & ORDER

DELIVERY & INSTALLATION

When your site is ready, we will collect the contract balance and schedule the delivery. Our in-house team will then begin the installation of your cabinetry. The duration of the installation process can range from 2-6+ weeks, depending on the specifics of your project, site conditions, and involvement of other trades.

We treat your cabinetry as fine furniture and take great care to ensure its efficient and accurate installation. Construction activity by others and obstructions in the immediate spaces during and after your cabinetry installation should be avoided. This will help prevent damage, unnecessary reorders, and project delays.

DELIVERY & INSTALLATION

FINISHING TOUCHES & COMPLETION

As our scope of the project wraps up, your designer will conduct a walk-through of your new space(s) and address any remaining items to ensure your satisfaction.