Meet the Team

  • Managing Partner, Head of Design

    With more than a decade of experience in real estate development and interior design, Benjamin leads Bloom & Co. with a knack for blending timeless elegance with deeply personal touches. When crafting a space, his intention is to design beyond what is picturesque to create something meaningful, inviting, and unmistakably unique.

    Growing up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Benjamin’s world was shaped by rolling hills, the grandeur of Monticello, and the charm of iconic settings like the Greenbrier. Those early days exposed to history, nature, and architecture sparked a lifelong love of design—and an obsession with the details. His aesthetic draws heavily from the Arts & Crafts movement, English cottages, and traditional southern style, all reimagined with a modern twist that feels fresh and approachable.

    At Bloom & Co., Benjamin wears many hats: storyteller, visionary, collaborator, and sometimes even “chief wallpaper picker.” He lives by the motto, “It takes a village to create a room,” working closely with designers, builders, upholsterers, and artisans to bring each space to life. Whether it’s custom furniture, handcrafted window treatments, or an impeccably chosen light fixture, Benjamin believes every element matters and that great design is always a team effort.

    What drives him most is connection—connecting with his clients, connecting them to their spaces, and connecting the past with the present through design. His thoughtful process and attention to detail have earned him a reputation for crafting spaces that feel deeply personal and authentically lived-in.

    Now based in Chicago, Benjamin finds inspiration in the city’s rich design history and iconic architecture. When he’s not designing, you’ll find him in his garden, exploring Chicago’s neighborhoods, or laughing with any of his five siblings (he’s the oldest, which he swears makes him both responsible and fun).

  • Managing Partner, Designer of Engagement

    Rebekah Grooten is the heart behind the people-focused side of Bloom & Co. by overseeing the firm’s interior design staff and retail space. She leads the charge in hosting community events centered around the art of homemaking; whether planning workshops or creating opportunities for connection, Rebekah’s passion lies in helping people discover the beauty of design in their everyday lives.

    With a Master of Science degree from Radford University and a certification in Applied Behavior Analysis from the Florida Institute of Technology, Rebekah’s unique background as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst gives her a truly unique perspective on interior design and the organization as a whole. She uses evidence-based approaches to foster collaboration within the Bloom & Co. team and streamline processes that support creativity, efficiency, and growth. Her experience extends beyond design, focusing on empowering people to become the best version of themselves, both professionally and personally.

    For Rebekah, design is about more than aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces that bring people together. She’s passionate about building a sense of community and showcasing how the simple joys of homemaking, like arranging fresh flowers, can transform both spaces and lives.

    Rebekah and her brother, Benjamin, co-founded Bloom & Co. with the shared vision of creating a hub for timeless design and meaningful connection. Inspired by Chicago’s vibrant design culture, she enjoys collaborating with the team to bring that vision to life. Rebekah’s warmth, curiosity, and care shine through in everything she does, whether she’s mentoring a team member, arranging an event, or simply bringing fresh flowers into a room.

  • Lead Designer - Furniture & Window Treatments

    Alberto Guerrero is Bloom & Co.’s resident artist and design virtuoso, breathing life into custom furniture and window treatments that feel anything but ordinary. As Lead Designer, Alberto brings his love for craftsmanship, rich textures, and nature-inspired elements into every project. Whether he’s building a freestanding piece or sewing bespoke roman shades, Alberto’s creations are as unique as his approach to life.

    With a background in art, Alberto found his true calling as a hands-on creator, mastering carpentry, upholstery, and sewing along the way. He’s a self-taught powerhouse, the kind of person who decides to learn something and doesn’t stop until he’s mastered it. (Fun fact: He taught himself to sew, play piano, and even speak fluent Mandarin!) His secret? A relentless curiosity and determination to uncover the beauty in everything around him.

    Alberto draws endless inspiration from nature, with deep greens and emerald tones serving as his signature. “Green is the color of the earth,” he says, “and it just speaks to me.” His Taurus roots and connection to the outdoors infuse his designs with an energy and depth that clients can feel.

    Outside of design, Alberto’s passions take him to the piano, where he explores his love for music. As someone who sees the world as a blend of vibrations and connections, he believes everything—from a perfectly upholstered chair to a melody—has the power to shape how we experience life. His neurodivergence, once a challenge, has become his superpower: it allows him to see possibilities others might miss, weaving creativity and precision into everything he touches.

    At Bloom & Co., Alberto thrives on the freedom to create and innovate in a way that celebrates individuality and artistry. Whether incorporating natural materials into furniture or designing window treatments that transform a room, his work is rooted in the belief that mass-produced can never replace handcrafted.

  • Licensed General Contractor, Construction Designer

    With over 25 years of experience in construction and real estate development, Claudiu Gagu is a master of turning blueprints into reality. As the owner of CDG Construction, Claudiu and his team work hand-in-hand with Bloom & Co. to deliver exceptional results for clients. Whether it’s a sleek modern remodel or restoring timeless charm, Claudiu’s passion lies in creating spaces that exceed expectations.

    Originally from Romania, Claudiu grew up with a deep appreciation for quality craftsmanship and construction that lasts for generations. This early influence shaped his commitment to excellence and his eye for detail, which have become his trademarks in the industry.

    For Claudiu, the best part of his job is seeing the joy on clients’ faces during the big reveal. “The transformation is always exciting,” he says, “but seeing how happy it makes people is what makes it all worthwhile.” His approach to construction is as much about creating incredible spaces as it is about building trust, ensuring every project reflects the client’s vision and needs.

    Partnering with Bloom & Co. was a natural fit. “They’re the best at what they do, and frankly, my team and I are the best at what we do. It just made sense,” he says with a grin. His decades of experience have taught him to expect the unexpected, adapt on the fly, and always put the customer first.

    When he’s not on-site or overseeing his next big project, Claudiu enjoys reflecting on his roots and his journey. His mantra, “Work smart AND work hard,” guides both his life and his career, ensuring every project is executed with precision and care.

  • Architect of Wallcoverings & Millwork

    Lucas Leskovica believes wallpaper isn’t just a design choice—it’s a lifestyle. As the Architect of Wallcoverings & Millwork at Bloom & Co., Lucas oversees the installation of wallpaper, moldings, millwork, and custom built-ins that elevate every space he touches. With extensive experience and an eye for detail, Lucas transforms walls into works of art.

    Growing up in Germany, Lucas spent his childhood surrounded by wallpaper—literally. His father owned a wallpaper shop, and Lucas discovered early on the magic that wallpaper can bring to a room. In Europe, wallpaper is a beloved staple, and Lucas made it his mission to bring that same enthusiasm across the Atlantic. “What else can completely transform a room as quickly and powerfully as wallpaper?” he says. His passion for wallcoverings is backed by expertise, including accreditation from the Wallcovering Installers Association.

    Lucas is a true perfectionist when it comes to quality, whether he’s installing intricate moldings, custom millwork, or a bold patterned wallcovering. For him, every line, seam, and finish matters. His mantra, “Quality reigns supreme,” is reflected in his seamless installations and meticulous craftsmanship.

    Joining Bloom & Co. allowed Lucas to bring his love of wallpaper and millwork to exciting projects across Chicago. From sleek contemporary homes to timeless historic spaces, Lucas’s expertise helps clients bring their design dreams to life.

    Outside of work, Lucas is always on the lookout for bold new wallpaper designs and trends. He’s inspired by the endless possibilities of pattern, texture, and color and loves nothing more than helping clients discover the transformative power of wallpaper.