Amelia Concrete Fusion, Inc:Imagining, Designing and Building for Metro Atlanta
It was 1972 when David E. Akers made his first concrete countertop, and hes been obsessing over concrete ever since, crediting his ather, Eli Whitney Akers a Master Carpenter, with the skills he possesses. I spent my entire youth and early adult life working beside this man, I owe all my talent to my father; he was an excellent teacher, says Akers. Previous to that infamous first countertop, Akers had been contracting decorative integral colored concrete with many different finish techniques on the same project where his first concrete countertop evolved. He was a subcontractor on that special project, and he explains, "When I realized there was a need for such a durable surface, I said, I can make countertops with concrete. The architect said, You can do that? I replied, Absolutely! I made a sample for him, and thats how it all started."
Akers says he intermittently did concrete countertops from then on, and was able to sell them for use in various projects where there was an opportunity for such surfaces. As time went on, Akers became both the design/build firm and developer for projects. At that point, I could specify that the project would include concrete countertops, Akers adds. He continued to make concrete countertops on a casual basis as interest developed from various clients, friends and simply word of mouth, but it wasnt until early 2004 that Akers decided to make them full time. Amelia Concrete Fusion, Inc., is the result of Akers decision. In early 2004, Akers completed two separate training sessions in Berkeley, Calif., wherein he was certified under Fu Tung Cheng of Cheng Design. Fu Tung is the bomb, says Akers. A more gracious and talented man I never met. Fu Tung, even as my contemporary, reminds me of my own fathers style in strength of character and unparalleled as a teacher. Its been a lifestyle change as well, because I was heavily involved in developing medical real estate and now its gone from intense work to an art I genuinely enjoy. I want to pass this passion on to my two grandsons, whom I love and are the sons I never had, explains Akers of his newfound serenity. I continue to have huge interest in design-type projects, and now I can devote all of my lifes experience to this new but old friend. I envisioned this company for a long time, Akers adds, stating that he sees a need for really nice high-end concrete items, such as countertops and furniture. I have a lot of really nice projects in progress right now, where I sell the design and build it for the customer, which allows us to have a lot of freedom for Team Amelias design capabilities. Akers is able to put his previous experience in design/build of large projects to work now, saying, I take what I learned from that and scale it way down for countertops and furniture products. And as for what he doesnt immediately know, Akers adds, Im a very quick study, and I have a lot of years of concrete knowledge and experienceMy background is always a benefit because I know how to fabricate well. The metro Atlanta area that Amelia Concrete Fusion serves is, in Akers opinion, is a very suitable market for decorative concrete. He says that most anything one can imagine, design and build, the market loves. The company gets a lot of their work by word of mouth, which is supplemented by Akers connections in the metro Atlanta area, as well as through their company website. Amelia Concrete Fusions portfolio, while growing rapidly, consists of primarily high-end residential mixed with commercial (mainly hospitality and medical facilities). The company is currently growing a concrete accessory line as well. I developed a composite concrete top surface thats lightweight and suitable for furniture, so Ive opened up another avenue: concrete accessory items such as end tables, focal points and other furniture items, says Akers. Akers also delights in spreading the joys of concrete design around as much as possible. Anytime Im doing a project and its a designer floor or just a whimsical concrete countertop, theres always an opportunity to tie them together, he says. People enjoy it because its refreshing, warm and invites them in. Akers next move might make more than just his concrete work famous. I have this idea when someone asks what they can do with an existing kitchen. I call it Renovate My Countertops! Or there could be Renovate My Floors! Or both! he says. Whether youll see Akers on TV anytime soon is not his goal, for now hes happy designing. Its just good for your health to be creative and passionate and have that focus, that vantage point, its why I get up and go everyday! he says. Amelia Concrete Fusion, Inc Find a Concrete Contractor 23 Services in 200 Metros -- U.S. and Canada © 2008 ConcreteNetwork.com None of this site may be reproduced without written permission |
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