A Domed Roof Compliments A Stunning Living room
Aacropolis Homes INSPIRATION. INNOVATION. INTEGRITY. Celebrating 25 years in Edmonton, Aacropolis Homes continues their tradition of quality and service for a new generation of discerning clientele. by Nerissa McNaughton
T
here are houses in Edmonton that invite attention, causing passersby to stop and take note. There is something different about these houses – something truly unique. From the first glance you can see the quality and thought that has gone into every detail, from the design to the choice of materials. Upon closer inspection, the subtle play with geometrical shapes and the seamless merging of colour, pattern and texture emerge. These houses are warm and inviting, yet at the same time, striking and impressive. They are Aacropolis Homes and each one is built on a foundation of inspiration, innovation and integrity. Founded by Gerry Wakefield in 1990, Aacropolis Homes has blended luxury, style and craftsmanship for 25 years. The name brings to mind the Acropolis of Athens, because these homes, like that majestic structure,
have stood the test of time and are synonymous with outstanding design, lasting quality and impressive stature. “I was a manager representing another company,” remembers Wakefield. “I left to pursue other opportunities and contemplate my future. I thought, ‘why don’t I have my own company? I have the experience and the know-how to do things right’. So I started out by buying land and building a couple of houses on spec that I had designed from the ground up. They sold right away. I got in with a developer on the south side of Edmonton. I built my first show homes and was later approached by another developer, from there we were on our way.” As Wakefield reflects on the past quarter century, he fondly remembers some of his early notable projects. “My first big break was in a subdivision in the Terwillegar area. Aacropolis Homes | 25 Years | 1 135
Right: Vaulted Ceilings Accompany This Thoughtfully Designed Living Space Kevin Kentel and Gerry Wakefield
Then we had some special homes in Blackburn Creek, and after that there was our Sherwood Park Nottingham project. That basically established us.” Wakefield has enjoyed the unique design challenges of all Aacropolis’ custom projects, including a 7,000 square foot home with an indoor pool in Windsor Park estates. Those early days saw another member of the Aacropolis management team hard at work on various company projects...after school and on weekends, that is. Kevin Kentel is now Aacropolis’ vice president of operations, but he didn’t start there. His first part time employment, at age 12, was working at Aacropolis homes cleaning and doing odd jobs. “I grew up around the business,” says Kentel. “Weekend jobs at Aacropolis Homes turned into a summer job and I worked my way up the ladder. I was in the field, on the job sites and I learned the construction aspects. After high school I studied business management at
“Personally working harder for you!”
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university before returning to the company. By 2006, I had transitioned into more of a managerial role. It’s been a consistent growth for me from the time I was just a kid. Now I handle the day-to-day operations, while still being able to call upon Gerry’s expertise and experience when I need to. It’s a wonderful business to be in. I really love it. We take pride in what we do and in building lasting personal relationships.” For Kentel, his most recent memorable project is in the lakeside community of Summerside. “We’ve taken one of our long term best-selling models that we have modified and updated over the years. We’ve brought it up to what our clientele desires today. There are a bunch of great features and details throughout the home,” he says with excitement. “There are 20 foot ceilings, a great room, open circular stairs and custom finishing details. We just had the grand opening of the show home in September. I’m excited for people to see it!” “Because of my design background and attention to detail we have a unique style,” Wakefield points out. “People can always tell an Aacropolis home because of that leading edge style and quality.”
It takes hands to build a house, but only hearts can build a home.
Congrats Aacropolis Homes on 25 years!
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Here’s to 25 more years! 5341-47 Street NW • 780-431-1955
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Specializing in single & multi-family construction. Proudly serving Edmonton & surrounding areas for over 25 years Call or email today for a quote! 9734-47 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6E 5P3 • Ph: 780.439.4519 • Fax: 780.439.3527 • Email: quotes@bwrightdr y wall.com w w w.bwrightdr y wall.com Aacropolis Homes | 25 Years | 3
Aacropolis Homes are seen throughout Edmonton and area, including acreages and infills. Kentel explains. “Because we are a smaller custom home builder, we build strong relationships with our clients. We really like to design our homes around their preferences, and we keep their lifestyle in mind. We create a perfect home for that client. We pride ourselves on creating a home that is unique to each individual.” The relationships built by Aacropolis Homes are like their houses. They last for decades. Above::An Aacropolis
During his long career, Wakefield Custom Home has learned many things, including the key to job satisfaction and happiness. “I didn’t want to go into business saying ‘how much can I make’. I wanted satisfaction with a completed project and what I could do with a custom build. I was getting into this not just for the financial reimbursement, but for the job satisfaction.”
It’s a lesson that Kentel takes with him as he helps move the company into the future. “I was able to mentor under Gerry who built this established company based on quality of work and caring for everything that went into it. I was taught how to have a keen eye and what to look for. Being out in the field for a number of years, learning along with our tradespeople and seeing what was happening, really helped me along to where I am today. With Gerry’s mentorship and my hands-on experience, I set expectations and make sure everything is rolling the way it should. Gerry has helped me in the process
by building me up and taking me to development meetings, teaching me how to handle suppliers and contractors, etc. Basically, he taught me the business. I’m thankful for the mentorship and the experience.” With Aacropolis’ legacy established and its present secure, Wakefield and Kentel turn their attention to the future. Their focus is on building homes that represent the best in design, technology and craftsmanship, all fine tuned to the unique needs of their clients. Creating the perfect mix of beauty and function remains the ultimate goal. “We are comfortable doing what we are doing,” adds Wakefield. “We are not trying to be the biggest company out there. We are trying to be the best.” Aacropolis Homes, a company inspired by the beauty and longevity of designs from antiquity is building modern homes of exquisite form and seamless function – and like their inspiration from Athens, these homes will continue to impress far into the future.
Exciting New Showhomes in Keswick and Lake Summerside
Office: (780) 434-3275 SH Keswick: (587) 337-6353 cheryl@aacropolishomes.com SH Lake Summerside: (780) 988-6655 trudi@aacropolishomes.com
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