WHEN TALENTED PROFESSIONALS TALK, WE LISTEN.
Admit it, you have an inquiring mind, and you want to know about the team building your Park City dream home. We understand the inclination. So we decided to bring you Shop Talk, conversations with the talented pros designing, building, and outfitting your homes.
“I think rugs are timeless. I do not think that carpets or industrially-made rugs will comprise the resolute beauty of handmade rugs made through traditional methods.”
–Hamid Bashir, Utah Rugs
Hamic Bashir
Utah Rugs
In 1979, brothers Jack and Edmond Simantob, started “House of Oriental Rugs” from a 750-square-foot store in Salt Lake City. Four years later, their great reputation and excellent customer service catapulted the gallery to an expanded 4,000- square-foot showroom and name change to “Simantov Gallery.” Meanwhile, a wholesale division named Art Resources was created with offices in New Jersey and Los Angeles to supply other high-end retailers throughout United States.
In 2012, after 32 years in business, the name once again was changed to Utah Rugs and a newly expanded 11,000-square-foot gallery was constructed at the present location.
What services do you offer?
In addition to consulting about 45,000 exquisite handmade, imported rugs, we also offer appraisal, washing and repair, and rug pads.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We serve the Intermountain West.
Do you have any special certifications or specialties?
We have the ability to order customized rugs and alterations. We are also one of the premier rug repair craftsmen in the United States. In addition, we are a member of ORRA and Care & Fair, ensuring that our rugs are sourced via ethical means.
What is your professional background?
I’ve been in the rug business for the last 50 years. I first started with an apprenticeship in my teens and have built a lifetime of knowledge about the art of rug design, repair and decoration.
When did you know that you wanted to go into this field and what motivated you?
I’ve always known from a young age that I have a passion for color, geometry, and the overall value and beauty of art. I knew that I had to apply this love to something tangible. I was drawn to rugs because of their history, intricacy, and ability to function in various ways.
What inspires you?
The sublime beauty and shapes of the natural world, colors and sounds in Indian films, my irreplaceable wife, and my two bright and intelligent daughters.
How do you see your field changing in the next five to ten years?
I think rugs are timeless. I do not think that carpets or industrially-made rugs will comprise the resolute beauty of a handmade rug made through traditional methods.
What is the difference between a good rug and a great rug?
Exquisite, heirloom, hand-knotted, soft, durable, well-made, cozy, creative, irreplaceable, gem, etc.
What do you most enjoy about your work?
I love being able to work with my customers. Making those interpersonal connections is what makes my work so fun and fulfilling. I enjoy feeling that I am adding to a family’s narrative and history as they seek to make their home as comfortable, unique, and particular to their needs as possible.
If you weren’t in your field, what would you be doing?
If I hadn’t been an artisan, I would have pursued my dreams of making and starring in films.
What do you listen to while you work?
I listen to all kinds of music. I really enjoy The Bee Gees, The Eagles, Billy Joel, Paul McCartney, etc. I also have an encyclopedic range of knowledge about music from Hindi films!
What places in the world do you find most inspirational and why?
I find the most inspiration whenever and wherever I am with my incredible daughters. My daughters are also artists; one is a poet and writer and the other is a cook, craftsperson, and illustrator. I am endlessly inspired by them.
What is sure to make you laugh?
I watch Jimmy Kimmel every night before bed. Also, my really witty and bright wife is quite funny.
If you had just one wish today, what would it be?
I wish that no one in the world had to worry about his or her next meal and clean water.
“Our team focuses on attention to detail. Everyone involved in a project from beginning to end pays attention to the minor details. It is the small THINGS that often catch the eye and contribute to the quality of the completed, larger project.”
–Paul Potempa, Owner, Renovate Park City
Paul Potempa, Ownder
Renovate Park City
Renovate Park City specializes in home remodels, renovations, large additions, and custom build projects. They have extensive experience in both residential and commercial construction projects.
Unlike other larger scale construction companies, Renovate Park City is willing to take on smaller jobs that others might not be willing to entertain. They do have the experience for large-scale projects but thier goal isto earn clients for life, so large or small we want to be your first resource.
What services do you offer?
Renovate Park City specializes in remodeling, major renovations, and home building.
What geographic area do you serve?
We offer our services in the greater Park City, UT area.
Do you have any special certifications or specialties?
Renovate Park City specializes in kitchen and bath remodels, as well as full home make overs.
When did you know that you wanted to go into construction—what motivated you?
I started in construction right out of high school at 18 years of age in the Chicago and North Shore area. I loved being outdoors and working with my hands. I have been involved in construction/remodels ever since, for 27 years now.
How do you see construction changing in the next five to ten years?
I see the construction and remodel industry moving toward higher efficiency standards. Products will become more eco-friendly and made from recycled materials. Higher energy efficiency will be a top priority for clients.
What project(s) are you most excited about now?
We have a project in Old Town that will be a complete home make over. We are excited about this project and its completion with some unique detail and finishes.
Describe your process—how do you work with clients, designers, and architects?
At Renovate Park City, we pride ourselves in meeting with the owners on site as often as possible determining their wants and needs and coordinating with the appropriate designers and experts to bring their unique ideas to reality.
What project(s) are you most proud of?
We get asked that question a lot. There are so many projects at the top of our list. Each of our projects is unique and reflects the character and style of our clients. It would very difficult to just mention one or two.
What makes the difference between good construction and great construction?
Our team focuses on attention to detail. Everyone involved in a project from beginning to end pays attention to the minor details. It is the small THINGS that often catch the eye and contribute to the quality of the completed, larger project.
What word(s) do people use to describe your work?
Attention to detail, quality, personalized attention.
What is the most exciting new product or development in your field?
At Renovate Park City, we are excited about the 3-D modeling capabilities that have been developed in the field. Since many of our clients are second home owners, this enables us to show in real time what is happening before and during the build process.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
The most enjoyable aspect of our job is the excitement and satisfaction from our clients when they see the transformation and every little detail comes together.
How did you get your start?
I started working with my father at his cabinet factory and on his rental homes when I was just a kid. He never hired anyone we just figured it out on our own. You had to problem solve on many projects and that is what made it interesting.
If you weren’t in construction, what would you be doing?
I think I would be a trades teacher in a vocational school. I have often trained young workers in the field. I realized that I have patience and dedication when it comes to teaching someone.
Do you have a favorite recreational activity, and what do you enjoy about it?
I really enjoy trail running. It is relaxing and peaceful running the trails around Park City. I like to push myself to go that extra mile.
What places in the world do you find most inspirational and why?
I find the shear solitude of the Uinta back country to be a surreal experience.
What’s on the top of your list as a great getaway?
Hiking the Grand Tetons outside of Driggs, ID, would be at the top of my list. Amazing!
If you had just one wish today, what would it be?
If I had one wish, it would be to spend more time with my father. He Is the one who gave me a start in construction.
Favorite season?
My favorite season would have to be summer. In Park City, the mild temperatures and the extra-long sunny days are perfect.
What do you enjoy most about living and working where you do?
Living in mountain west, I enjoy the changing seasons and the access to all the outdoor recreational areas year-round. Working in this area and having the opportunity to work on dream projects with unlimited possibilities is what I enjoy most.
Favorite trip you’ve ever taken?
My favorite trip would have to be the motorcycle trip I took through Glacier National Park. It was stunning.
