Michael B. Klein’s father Burton Klein started Airoom in 1958, so he is proud to say he grew up in the business. From drafting plans, building furniture, working construction sites during high school and college, and his undergraduate degree from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, to 30 years of ongoing courses and continuing education in design, architecture, and construction techniques, he has spent most of his life helping to grow the company into the industry leader it is today. In 2019, Michael launched Michael Bennett Signature Projects. This boutique division of Airoom, led by Michael, only takes on the most forward thinking and technologically advanced design/build challenges, including breaking ground in 2021 on a new adaptive reuse 7,500-square-foot custom modern farmhouse.

Why do you love what you do? I’ve been building furniture and working on job sites since I was a kid. It’s what I’m good at and have always been drawn to.

What sets you apart from the competition? Our experience! Airoom is 63 years old with more than 20,000 completed projects across the country. Over the years we have strived to perfect proprietary systems to design and complete sophisticated projects on time, on budget, and on schedule.

Best thing about 2020? It’s over!

Past trends you would like to see return? Most trends end up being dated really quickly. An Airoom project strives to never be only one thing … and to remain timeless, using just enough to complete the look. Mies van der Rohe had it right when he said “Less is more.”

Trends on the horizon? The outdoors and the indoors must now flow as one space. Heavy building materials are out.

Best advice ever given to you? Block out the noise and be obsessive about what you want to achieve.

Where do you draw your inspiration from? My mistakes.

Favorite Mantra? “Cut once, too short; cut twice and still too short.”

Most looking forward to in 2021? A new Michael Bennett Signature Project on a private lane located in the North Shore area. This is an exciting undertaking for me and my team. We’ll use an adaptive reuse concept, essentially recycling much of the existing structure and timber from the previous home. The entire concept saves time, money, and resources on demolition and has become a crucial component to urban regeneration and reducing our carbon footprint.

Airoom is located at 6825 N. Lincoln Avenue in Lincolnwood. For more information on Airoom or their new adaptive reuse project, call 847-325-5447 or visit airoom.com/white-oak.