From Basement Beginnings to City Landmarks: 15 Years of Chicago Concrete Studio

CHICAGO–In 2009, during one of the toughest economic downturns in recent history, a small business was born in a basement in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. What started as a shot in the dark quickly became a passion for Tommy and Karen Bucina, the husband-and-wife team behind Chicago Concrete Studio. Now, 15 years later, the company has grown into a trusted name in custom concrete design, serving architects, designers, and builders across the Chicagoland area and beyond.

“We dabbled in concrete, working for custom clients on the North Side, found it super fun, did our first house in concrete, and then decided to turn our basement into a concrete fabrication studio,and then our back porch, and then our garage. Finally, we moved into a shop. In a nutshell, that’s how it started.”

From those humble beginnings, Chicago Concrete Studio built a reputation not only for its craftsmanship but also for its strong relationships with its partners. From the beginning, Chicago Concrete Studio set itself apart by working closely with designers, architects, and builders to bring their unique visions to life. This approach not only differentiated the company but also fostered long-term relationships with clients.

“I think and hope it is a reflection of our work that we have repeat clients,” Karen Bucina said. “People feel like they can come to us, and we have the capabilities to do what they want, even if it’s something challenging.”

Tommy emphasized their ability to meet tight deadlines, especially for large commercial clients.

“You have an idea, you have a timeline, and you need the project done. We’re the people to call because we have the experience. We became experienced working for clients with multiple locations.The timeline is always quick; ‘Here’s the project, get it done, and get it here. We have to open.’ We’ve become good at that– large jobs, fast timelines, no room for mistakes.”

As they worked alongside top designers and architects in Chicago, the Bucinas saw concrete as more than just a functional material–it became a canvas for creativity. Over the years, the company has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with concrete, experimenting with textures, colors, and forms to create one-of-a-kind pieces.

Karen and Tommy welcome any opportunity to try something new. “If somebody has an idea, we try to make it a reality,” Karen said, “whether it’s figuring out a way to create a certain texture, color, or working with their other vendors.” They aren’t afraid of failure either. “Because we’ve made so many mistakes, I’m not afraid of failing. We’re willing to experiment to get what people want, but with our knowledge of what will work we can bring the vision to light but also be durable for use. You can make a lot of crazy stuff with concrete but we want it to hold up too!” she said.

Tommy added, “We brought custom colors to our table—we can do any color. We’re not afraid to try new things before we produce projects. Sometimes we fall flat on our face, but then we do it again. If someone wants a certain shade of blue, for example, we’ll do it. We get it, details matter.”

One of their most memorable projects was a standalone sink with integrated plumbing, custom designed for a spa store. “It’s one of the craziest things we’ve ever made,” Tommy recalled.

Chicago Concrete Studio’s roots are deeply intertwined with the architectural landscape of a city known globally for its iconic structures and rich design history. Over the past 15 years, the company has had the opportunity to contribute to some of the most prestigious projects in Chicago, including work in iconic Chicago landmarks like the Willis Tower, the Salt Shed, and many other iconic bars and restaurants scattered across the city.

“Since it’s an architectural capital of the world, there’s a lot of cool projects that happen here,” said Karen Bucina. “I think that we’re lucky to be adjacent to that, and to be able to be part of some of those projects.”

Chicago Concrete Studio has built strong relationships with many of the city’s top architecture and design firms. Their work spans a range of projects, from custom pieces for high-end restaurants to intricate installations in landmark buildings. As a small, agile company, they are able to step in as a valuable resource for architects and designers looking for unique, high-quality concrete solutions.

“I think we see ourselves as a resource, and as a trusted partner,” Karen explained. “Besides custom projects, we can also help develop product lines for designers and furniture makers. Currently we are working with SK Design for a semi customizable sink line that will be sold through Studio 41, and Q Design and Magnusson group producing planters and benches, with more product development happening as well. We have a lot of in-house capabilities that can take a drawing from a rough sketch to a finished product.”

This collaborative approach has helped Chicago Concrete Studio become a go-to partner for architects and designers, both locally and beyond. “Our goal is to reach more designers and architects, to be a go-to resource.” Karen added.

The Bucinas focus not only on creating unique, artistic projects but also on incorporating sustainability into their work. They source most of their materials locally, within 60 miles of Chicago, and continually explore new environmentally friendly techniques and products.

“We’re waiting for the market to catch up, where more eco-friendly cement is broadly available,” Karen said. In the meantime, Chicago Concrete Studio takes proactive measures, such as using a closed water system to avoid dumping pollutants into the sewer and instead releasing filtered clean water. On the materials front, innovations in sustainability are emerging.

“We’re always trying to stay aware of new products.” Karen said, citing a recent example: “There’s a new product, a cement mixture made out of silica and fly ash and some polymers that’s sprayable and tintable but made with a cold process. We are getting a sample bag to experiment with.” While excited about the potential of these new sustainable materials, Karen acknowledges they’re still waiting for advancements. “We’re always ready to adopt new methods when we can,” she said.

While innovation and sustainability have been important to the company’s success, running a small business in a niche market hasn’t been without its challenges. The Bucinas are the first to acknowledge that hard work, resilience, and a little bit of luck and a great team has kept them moving forward.

“It’s really hard to say [how we’ve made it],” Karen said. “It’s a mix of hard work and luck. Also, we are fortunate to have great people to work with. Without our team we would not be running. Getting a website in the early days helped launch the business, but the consistency of working very hard is what kept moving it along.”

Being based in a large urban area has also contributed to their success. “We’re in a creative niche,but it’s a niche that’s sought after,” Karen explained. “Being close to such a large urban area like Chicago has made this business possible.”

Despite the challenges the business presents, the Bucinas are optimistic about the future. With 15 years behind them, they’re ready to expand their capabilities and continue evolving in the years to come.

As Chicago Concrete Studio looks to the future, Tommy and Karen are excited about expanding their capabilities and continuing to innovate. They’ve recently added CNC technology to their workshop and are exploring the potential of prefabricated furniture lines. “We want to build a facility that’s environmentally friendly,” Karen said.

Despite the challenges of growing a small business, the Bucinas remain humble about their achievements. “We’re so lucky to have business, and we’re so lucky to just keep going,” Karen said. “We’re a very small business, and it can be challenging to balance the volume of work. But we’ve got a great team, and without them, we wouldn’t be successful.”

Looking back on the past 15 years, the Bucinas are proud of what they’ve accomplished and grateful for the relationships they’ve built. One of the best parts of the job to them is seeing the finished product in its final habitat–whether that be a bar, a restaurant, a concert venue, or a shop. “When you see it finished we’re in awe alot. It’s so much fun to see ideas take shape and help them take shop. We love the places that seems a little funky, and you wonder how are those elements going to combine? ” Karen said. “That’s one of the things we enjoy—seeing someone take a really individualized vision and push it over the edge. It’s fun to be part of that.”