Simone Schenkel is a certified Passive House designer and the founder at Gruen Eco Design whose mission is to make energy efficient spaces a staple in the Australian landscape. Everyone should have the right to live and work comfortably without costing the earth!
She has used the passion, experience and knowledge she gained from her upbringing and architectural studies in Germany to create Gruen. A business where she works with her clients to create not only beautifully designed homes that won’t cost the earth. But also spaces that are healthy, thermally comfortable, energy efficient and resilient for future generations.
When did you start your business?
2010
What was the inspiration behind starting this business?
On moving to Australia in 2007, I was shocked at how cold our rental place was. People kept telling me double-glazed windows were not needed in Australia. But I wasn’t buying it. I felt it was my mission to educate people about the benefits of the German way of designing and building homes. I felt the industry needed a shake up and I was game enough to question how construction was done here.
Before I quick my full time job in 2013, I worked in a great design office that was designing energy efficient homes. But I had to tell prospective clients that if they had less than $500,000 – $600,000 to spend on their home, we could not help them with the design.
This seemed to be standard across the industry. Back then as far as I know, all design practices that do energy efficient homes didn’t take on small projects. Or projects that didn’’t suit their design style.
I found this heart breaking. I am a strong believer that no matter how much money you have available. You can always make your home more energy efficient and beautiful. It may not end up being a project that wins awards. But that’s not the point. The point is making a difference and improving the way people can live and function in their homes.
This belief would later establish the core purpose and value of Gruen Eco Design; to make energy efficient spaces a staple in the Australian landscape. Everyone should have the right to live in a comfortable house that does not cost the earth!
What are you most excited about in your business?
I’m thrilled about my business because it’s not just about profit; it’s driven by a deeper purpose. My personal mission is to educate and inspire others to make a positive impact on our environment and their lives. Every project we take on allows us to leave a lasting legacy, one house at a time, by creating sustainable, healthy homes that enhance well-being and reduce our ecological footprint. Making a real difference in people’s lives and for our environment is what truly excites me and fuels my passion for what I do.
What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business?
The first few years when I was a working from home mum with little kids were challenging. I was working part time with a few contractors. By mid-2017 I had reached a critical point. I was working a lot, but not getting anywhere. After paying all bills and contractors there was barely anything to show for all the effort. And the question was whether to give it all up and go back to being an employee..
Even though I had only made 40K that year, after all the bills were paid.I decided to getmy first full time employee and a small office space. At the same time, I signed up with an amazing business coach and mentor. Even though I didn’t quite have the money to pay for it all. I believed in myselff and started to work on the business and not just in the business. And that is where things started to change drastically, for the better.
What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business?
Believe in yourself! You can do it! And surround yourself with the right kind of people. Look up to others who have done what you want to achieve. Observe, research, study, learn and grow. Also, as my amazing coach and mentor Paula Bailey says: There is no failure. Only feedback. If something does not work. Don’t give up. Look at what went wrong. Analyse it and do it different / better next time.
Why did you enter the AusMumpreneur Awards?
I entered the AusMumpreneur Awards because someone kindly nominated me, though I’m still unsure of their identity. I am deeply grateful for this nomination because it led to an incredible experience. Throughout the conference and awards night, I had the privilege of meeting and connecting with so many remarkable women. It was an inspiring and unforgettable journey that I am truly thankful for.
What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
What I enjoyed most about being part of the awards was the opportunity to connect with incredible women throughout the event. Meeting these inspiring women and hearing their stories of resilience and success in the business world was truly enlightening. Learning from their experiences and witnessing their achievements left me feeling profoundly inspired and motivated. It was a valuable and enriching experience that I will carry with me as a source of inspiration and encouragement.
What surprised you most about the awards?
What surprised me the most about the awards, despite my repeated emphasis, was the extraordinary women I had the privilege of meeting. I was truly taken aback by the remarkable and innovative business ideas that many of them had pursued. These women had built businesses that not only stood out but also made a significant impact on our community. Their creativity and dedication left me pleasantly surprised and deeply inspired, reinforcing the belief in the power of entrepreneurial spirit to create positive change.
How did the awards help you in your business?
The awards have been an incredibly uplifting and inspiring experience for my business. The exposure gained through participating in such a prestigious event has been invaluable. It has not only boosted our visibility but has also opened doors to new opportunities and connections.
What advice would you give to other mums thinking about entering the awards?
The awards have been an incredibly uplifting and inspiring experience for my business. The exposure gained through participating in such a prestigious event has been invaluable. It has not only boosted our visibility but has also opened doors to new opportunities and connections.
What has been the best thing about starting your own business?
The best thing about starting my own business, especially as a young mum, has been the challenging yet immensely rewarding journey it has been. It provided me with the flexibility I needed to balance my family life. I can vividly recall the early days when my girls were little. I would schedule phone calls in between breastfeeding sessions, take our 4-month-old to meetings, complete with moments of screaming and feeding. There were times when I had to express milk in the car between back-to-back meetings. Despite these challenges, running a business while raising young children taught me the invaluable skills of efficiency and time management.
One of the most memorable experiences was the interview with the person who eventually became my very first employee. This unconventional interview took place in a playcenter, where my kids enjoyed babychinos and climbed all over me while we discussed business matters. It was a testament to the adaptability and resilience required to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams as a young mother.
What’s happening next in your business?
The next exciting chapter in my business involves the further establishment of Gruen Architecture, a new branch that signifies our adaptability and resilience in a changing economic landscape. This strategic expansion demonstrates our proactive mindset and the willingness to diversify our services. It enables us to have a broader impact and reach a wider range of clients.
While our core focus has always been on crafting beautiful, sustainable homes, we are now extending our expertise to include social housing, co-housing, and Special Disability Housing (SDA). This expansion into new areas has been incredibly rewarding. It allows us to contribute positively to communities and individuals who are in need of innovative and thoughtful architectural solutions. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and the positive impact we can continue to make in the world of architecture and design.
What are your big plans for the future?
The next exciting chapter is the further expansion of Gruen Architecture, a new branch that signifies our adaptability and resilience in a changing economic landscape. This strategic expansion demonstrates our proactive mindset and the willingness to diversify our services. It enables us to have a broader impact and reach a wider range of clients.
While our core focus has always been on crafting beautiful, sustainable homes, we are now extending our expertise to include social housing, co-housing, and Special Disability Housing (SDA), commercial and educational sector. This expansion into new areas has been incredibly rewarding. It allows us to contribute positively to communities and individuals who are in need of innovative and thoughtful architectural solutions. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and the positive impact we can continue to make in the world of architecture and design.
