The Culture of Authenticity

RIEDEL Magazine, Issue 02 Summer 2026 | Text: Barbara Jahn | Reading time: 5 minutes

Unforgettable encounters rather than fleeting effects: viewing authenticity not as a trend but as a way of life is a principle to which Bernd Gruber has always been committed. After all, authenticity does not arise solely from what is visible, but from the way in which things are conceived, created and experienced.

A studio with its roots in craftsmanship

Since 1958, the name Bernd Gruber has been synonymous with the seamless fusion of interior design and craftsmanship. What began as a joinery workshop in the Salzburg region has evolved into an internationally active interior design studio that views spaces as holistic lifestyle concepts and brings them to life accordingly.

The focus is always on people: every project begins with an in-depth dialogue that reveals needs, habits and personal visions. This gives rise to bespoke spatial solutions that are both functionally and aesthetically compelling, whilst at the same time reflecting the people who live, work or move through them. Here, interior design is not seen merely as a question of style, but as an expression of an attitude to life – characterised by clarity, sensitivity and a deep understanding of quality and durability.

The time it takes to achieve quality

Authenticity is not a state, but an experience. In Bernd Gruber’s work, this philosophy is particularly evident in his approach to materials, precision and time. Design is consistently conceived within a broader context – from the initial idea through to planning and finally to the craftsmanship involved in its realisation. His own craftsmanship forms the foundation of this approach: the workshop produces bespoke solutions that closely integrate design and execution. Natural materials, timeless forms and a precise sense of restraint define the spaces.

The aim is not short-term impact, but enduring quality – spaces that convey tranquillity, provide a sense of direction and stand the test of time. Craftsmanship is far more than a means to an end: it is an expression of care, responsibility and the conscious decision not to rush quality when it requires time.

Authenticity is not a state, but an experience.

Where emotion and form come together

Open kitchen with a stone cooking island, wooden fronts and a floor-to-ceiling window front facing the garden. — A blend of modern, understated architecture and natural comfort

Bernd Gruber’s work thrives on the interplay between different disciplines. Interior architects, designers and craftspeople work closely together, supported by a network of specialist partners. This collaborative approach enables solutions in which materials, light, proportions and atmosphere are precisely harmonised.

Each design responds sensitively to its context – to architecture, the surroundings and cultural influences. This results in projects that are firmly rooted in their local context whilst also demonstrating international calibre. The fusion of tradition and contemporary design forms the basis for the firm’s ongoing development.

Three men at a laid table in front of a large painting at the launch of the event series in Munich. — A discussion at the new event format ‘The Experience of the Real’ in Munich. From left to right: Philipp Hoflehner (Managing Director of Bernd Gruber), Oliver Jahn (former Editor-in-Chief of AD and now at House of Manus), Markus Riedel (Managing Director of RIEDEL Immobilien)

The strength of the irreplaceable

These values – materiality, relationships and attitude – were also at the heart of the first evening of the event series ‘The Experience of the Authentic’, developed in collaboration with Kussmann Sacher, which Bernd Gruber successfully launched in collaboration with RIEDEL Immobilien and Oliver Jahn, former editor-in-chief of AD and now at House of Manus.

At a time when so much has become technologically reproducible and interchangeable, the question of authenticity was deliberately brought to the fore. The exploration of this theme is not intended as cultural criticism, but rather as a practical assessment of what constitutes quality today. Through an exchange of three perspectives – from design, architecture and the media – it became clear that ‘the authentic’ is not a counter-movement, but a conscious choice – for substance over superficiality, for dialogue over standardisation, and for a standard of excellence born of attention, experience and empathy.

Thinking on the same scale

The partnership between RIEDEL and Bernd Gruber is based precisely on this approach. Both companies share the conviction that high-quality projects can only be realised when space and its use are considered holistically. Whilst RIEDEL brings its expertise in location, architecture and the market to the table, Bernd Gruber complements this perspective with the dimensions of interior design and lived space.

This creates a shared set of values that extends beyond the building itself: towards an experience that endures. ‘The experience of the authentic’ should therefore not merely be the theme of a single evening, but rather an expression of a shared understanding of quality, trust and precision – and a commitment to creating spaces that impress through their authenticity and attention to detail.

Whilst RIEDEL brings its perspective on location, architecture and the market, Bernd Gruber complements this perspective with the dimension of interior design and lived space.

White country house with dormers and shutters behind a garden with flowering hydrangeas and mature trees. — Country house in the green

How interior design affects a house’s value

During a viewing, it takes just a few minutes to decide whether a house feels right. What creates this impression is rarely the square metreage, but rather the interplay of proportions, materials and light – precisely the aspects this article discusses.

For owners, this means two things. A carefully designed property outlasts passing fashions and needs no explanation when it comes to selling; its appeal speaks for itself. And where a house still needs some attention before it goes on the market, professional home staging is usually the quicker route to success than relying on price alone. In the case of designer and architect-designed homes in Munich, the building and its interior fit-out merge into a single entity anyway – here, the interior can no longer be separated from the property’s value.

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