ABLAZE Design Group
Bringing Visionary Concepts to Life
Back in 2021, CEO George Markoutsas made two milestone decisions: he bought the ABL Group and then decided to rebrand. In the end, he turned it into today’s ambitious ABLAZE Design Group—a boutique firm specializing in design, home renovations, painting, cabinetry, and home goods, especially for the luxury market. In fact, the phoenix in ABLAZE’s logo, a symbol of rebirth, “represents our commitment to embracing change and growth, and reflects who we are as a company and aligns our brand with our vision and values,” he explains.
Lit with that new fire, the company has experienced significant growth, and with reason. ABLAZE offers curated products and services of highest quality and design that not only meet, but exceed the discerning tastes and expectations of luxury-market clients. “We are committed to delivering exceptional quality, style, and service to our clients.”
And others have taken notice. ABLAZE Design Group won Design Excellence Awards from the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) for two separate spaces in 2023: first place in Showcase Space and first place in Bath. They were also chosen to be the kitchen and bath design-build firm for the Lake Forest Showhouse (2023). “These awards highlight our unwavering dedication to design excellence and our ability to bring visionary concepts to life,” says George.
“We deliberately maintain a boutique scale to ensure that every client receives individualized attention. This allows us to cater to their unique needs and preferences, ensuring that no two projects are ever the same,” he explains.
To that end, ABLAZE has several prestigious luxury brands in its gallery of kitchen and bath product lines. They include Renaissance Tile & Bath; Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry; Komandor, a Canadian closet system company; and the ABLAZE team is pleased to announce their partnership with Buster + Punch of London. Of the latter, George says, “Their avant-garde, cutting-edge designs have added a new dimension to our product lineup and elevated the sophistication of our offerings.”
But George notes that the team behind ABLAZE Design Group is the heart and soul of the business. Each member possesses a unique set of skills and plays an essential role in the continued success and growth of the company.
The firm's ethos revolves around creative problem-solving, viewing challenges as opportunities for innovation. “Our motto drives our approach: ‘Challenging spaces help to push the limits of our imagination, and when met with constraints, creativity steps in to become the driver of perfection,’” George shares. “We are driven by the pursuit of perfection: every project, no matter how complex, is executed.”
This dedication is exemplified in two of the team’s leaders: Myles Burton, head of the painting and decorating department, and Rae Sanders, the team’s technical design and services manager. In so many ways, Myles is the team’s cornerstone, and George says, “His expertise, combined with his profound understanding of design elements, attention to detail, and responsiveness, enables him to transform spaces and meet client preferences with incredible finesse.” Rae plays a pivotal role in bringing clients' visions to life. George notes, “Rae’s adeptness in design, meticulous project management, and skill in overseeing custom orders contribute significantly to the seamless execution of our home renovation projects.”
In addition to providing bespoke design services to their clients, ABLAZE supports their REALTOR® partners and other agents in a number of ways. They offer:
- Consultation and design services for buyers who are unsure about the potential of a home—ABLAZE’s experts can assess and offer suggestions on how the property can be transformed—be it through renovations, staging, or design enhancements—to unlock its full potential.
- Quick turnaround painting services—ABLAZE’s painting and decorating team can transform properties efficiently.
- Preferred partner benefits for REALTORS® who partner with ABLAZE, including exclusive pricing, priority service, and personalized support—all aimed at making the real estate process smoother and more rewarding for REALTORS® and their clients.
- Unique and customizable client gifts that are available at the firm’s retail store. Preferred partners get preferred pricing.
- Educational workshops and resources to help keep REALTORS® up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques in home improvement and design.
- Project management expertise, which can help REALTORS® who are handling complex renovation or remodeling projects. “Our team ensures these projects run smoothly and efficiently from conception to completion,” assures George.
- Their store space for REALTOR® events: “So if you want to plan one or host one with us, let us know!” says George.
George and the ABLAZE team have clear goals in mind as they look ahead to the next three to five years. “As we grow, we plan to expand our project management department to provide end-to-end solutions for clients and enhance our capabilities. That will allow us to take on larger and more complex projects yet maintain our exceptional standards,” he explains. They are also committed to promoting talent from within so as to ensure the retention of skilled and dedicated professionals.
“My perspective on success has shifted from a more individual, monetary focus to a team-centric approach,” admits George. “Today, for me, success is closely tied to the development of an award-winning team. I place a significant emphasis on the collective accomplishments and growth of our team.”
“We aim to become one of the most well-respected, recognized, and valued design-build firms in North Shore and the western suburbs,” states George. “And to be the first choice for REALTORS® looking to offer their clients the best in design, home renovations, painting, cabinetry, and home goods.”
We’ve no doubt we’ll see the growth ABLAZE Design Group is aiming for, as they seem as fueled by an energizing, internal fire as the phoenix in their logo.