Jack Mattern founded Modify on Chicago’s North Shore in 2002 with a simple vision: create beautiful spaces that really work for the client. It was a challenge in a place where land is scarce; homes are full of history; and the weather can be less than cooperative. Sky-scraping condominiums and hundred-year-old buildings dot the landscape of the north shore. The historical structures were often peppered with character including uneven floors, crooked (but charming) doors, or plumbing that needed to be replaced. Creating a larger space generally meant building up or digging down – or when that wasn’t possible – redesigning the layout to increase functionality.
In 2007, the business moved to Atlanta. The vision of marrying beauty and function grew with the addition of Julia Mattern to the team. While Jack started building construction at the age of 16 helping his dad convert a house into four apartments, Julia’s design eye was being cultivated through her love of all things art. Julia and Jack shared the idea that “spaces can be redeemed” by learning how clients want to live in their home and by really understanding the clients’ personal style. The transformation of the space then becomes about bridging the gap between the reality and the dream.
In 2014, Modify was looking for a place to call home. Not just an office, but a space that would invite others to come in and stay a bit. “We had passed by Georgia Auto Electric many times. It was an old, abandoned building that was easy to pass and not notice. It had been vacant for 7 years, and it showed. Rusted, overgrown, and its only inhabitants were the local wildlife” says Mattern. “We fell in love. It was potential – and any space with potential was where we wanted to be.” After all, the Matterns were in the business of rescuing and redeeming spaces. Jack knew that this was an opportunity! Julia agreed as she imagined the walls defining small offices removed and the rusted steel garage door replaced with contemporary glass doors. While it was bigger than it needed to be for their businesses, the space fit their vision. With the offices, a warehouse and design center filling the back of the space, there was additional space left for a showroom. “We wanted people to see our aesthetic, touch the products, sit in a sofa or two,” says Mattern. When you have a space like this, it makes sense to bring in other elements of home – accessories, lighting, and even cabinetry. The showroom was born to work hand in hand with Modify Studio (interior design services) and Modify Design|Build (architecture and construction). Today, you can walk in for assistance with custom furniture, window coverings, and explore hundreds of furniture, rug, and lighting lines.
Our showroom is the perfect place to start any new residential or commercial project. Open to the public as well as trade services, we invite you to find that perfect piece of furniture, discuss an interior design project, or consider a construction endeavor.