Working with John was a horrible experience. I should have known that he was not the right fit for us when he referred to our furniture as "way too Pottery Barn" and too "matcy-matchy". Later came to realize that his billing and general business demeanor was questionable as well. We withdrew his services but after a considerable cost. He was abrasive, condescending and unprofessional. Be careful. read more

My family has worked with John Gray for 15+ years on three separate houses. Two in Chicago and a lake house in Michigan. Last year I bought a Mies Van Der Rohe condo unit on Lake Shore Drive, which I planned to gut-renovate. Early on I wanted to design and GC the project myself. This became impossible due to an increased work schedule. On top of this, I had a tight and fixed budget. Initially, I reached out to John for guidance, and to help source good contractors. I realized that John's experience, his eye, his team, and negotiating skills would quickly pay for itself. We completed the renovation in 6 months: demo, new plumbing, upgraded electrical service, new integrated kitchen, hardwood floors, newly constructed walls and a renovated bathroom. Building management mentioned that it is one of the nicest units in the building. Even better, we came in exactly within budget, with no major surprises. I have lived here for a little over a year and am very happy with the end product. If you are seeking a designer to simply provide you with popular finishes or tell you what you want to hear, then John is not for you. John and his team are empathetic and versatile designers. They rely on an engaged relationship with their clients. This allows them to create a home that is a personal expression of his clients and their families. - Zack read more

Campbell Gray Design - Living Room - General Contractors Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

I recently completed a total 3-bedroom, 3-bath condo remodel with Campbell Gray Design. New kitchen, baths, floors, moved walls, the works. It ended up taking more than a year. My experience with Campbell Gray Design included a lack of clarity (and many discrepancies) in billing, being told that back-up to invoices was "not procedure," absolutely no budget tracking or timelines/project management systems, a lawsuit with one sub-contractor who was bringing his crew in from the Home Depot parking lot without any vetting and ended up doing significant damage to my unit and others below me, extensive delays, and an almost impossible-to-get-completed punch list (he had moved on to the next job and could not be bothered). Along the way I was sent countless harassing emails ("back the f*$k off" was my favorite) as I pleaded for some commitment to finishing the job and fixing the mistakes that were made - and there were many - attention to detail is NOT a Campbell Gray Design strong-suit, nor is accountability. John Gray is the "nicest guy" you've ever met until you challenge him on a timeline, a bill, or his work. Then it gets ugly, fast. He has a very close relationship with his sub-contractors - you are strictly forbidden to speak to or communicate with them unless he is present. And they dutifully fall in line. All around this was one of the worst experiences I've ever had, personally or professionally - and I've built and decorated two houses so this was not my first rodeo. I understand - and expected - usual bumps along the way. But I've never experienced anything close to this. I would typically not write a review like this (and have held back from doing so in this case), 99% of my Yelp reviews are positive - but months after this job should have been completed I am still dealing with things in my home that were incorrectly installed or need to be fixed and I'm being harassed, called names and treated in a way that is so beyond unprofessional it's almost laughable. So I'm finally going on-the-record to hopefully spare others the pain. Buyer beware. Hiring this small outfit could cost you time, money and your sanity. And to be honest, there is much better - and certainly more professional - talent out there. read more

Phenomenal and great to work with. Highly recommend. The experience was great and I am so lucky to have found John. I have a busy life and John made the process so easy. The final result was excellent and exactly what I wanted. read more

I was referred to John Gray - Campbell Gray Design by other unit owners in my building. I was told he had designed units in the building and he came highly recommended. It was a little shocking to me that one designer had done so many units in the same building so I figured he had to be good. We toured four or five of them and they were all stunning and different- no two alike. I was happy to see it was not cookie-cutter design. I have never worked with a designer before and wasn't sure what to expect. I am a professional and an entrepreneur. I have hired and worked with hundreds of different personalities and talent. I know people and I was immediately impressed with his bluntness and confidence while being relatable and his ability to truly listen. It was obvious his goal was to make his client happy. This was the first home with my fiancé cohabitating, So it was a big challenge to make two people very happy in a new situation. After we moved in, I could tell my fiancé missed the home feeling of her previous residence which she decorated her self. I decided to have John come in with his team and do a "surprise" makeover incorporating her furniture. I gave him total creative freedom and let him do whatever he wanted, from paint colors to wall decor, BUT within a budget. He brought his pleasant, talented army in and took control to work his magic and transformed it into a home in just a couple days. When we returned and walked in to the new reveal I could've sworn we were on a TV show! The transformation was amazing and my fiancé was thrilled. It was beautiful and more than we could've hoped for. Since we had such a positive experience with him and he delivered on his promises, I decided to up the ante and give them another round with a new extended budget. He spent the next several months working with my fiancé to select and order further enhancements, drapery, carpet and furniture, to take it to the next level. John is honest, upfront and met his deadlines while staying 15% within his budget- which if you know construction, that's pretty damn good. We are married now and just bought another unit in the building and plan on gutting and remodeling it. I have every intention of using Campbell Gray Design with John Gray and his fabulous team on that project. read more