“We realize that people are living and building memories in the spaces we design, which is why we aim to create environments that result in personal and emotional connections.”
Doug DurbinDirector of Design
Company History
A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE
The Durbin Legacy
Brothers, John and Doug Durbin have been imagining, designing and building fine cabinetry, millwork and furniture since they began their careers as master cabinetmaker’s apprentices in the late seventies. In 1983, John and Doug started Exclusive Woodworking, a fine cabinetry and millwork manufacturing company. Five years later, they founded nuHaus, located in downtown Chicago. As family owned-and-operated companies, nuHaus and Exclusive Woodworking embody the Durbin’s shared vision and respect for their industry.
Doug Durbin
Doug leads the nuHaus design team and oversees the constant evolution of its downtown Chicago showroom. He is the recipient of numerous design awards and most recently was honored with a lifetime achievement award by Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove (SWC) Appliance Corporation for his extensive body of work and wins as a participant in their prestigious international Kitchen Design Contest. nuHaus’ work is widely featured in many regional and national publications.
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As a result of his contest history, Doug has been collaborating with SWC on showroom development and design around the country. This work can be seen in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, Atlanta’s Buckhead Showroom, Miami’s Design District, Costa Mesa, CA, Manhattan, and most recently, “Loft”, at Abt Electronics in Glenview, IL. On the design boards is the new showroom in Roslyn Heights, NY.
Other notable collaborations include Restoration Hardware (RH), where nuHaus designs and builds RH’s café and wine vault concepts for their next-generation Design Galleries. This collaboration can be seen in the West Palm Beach, Toronto and Nashville Galleries, as well as the historic buildings of Chicago’s 3 Arts Club, NYC’s Meatpacking District and Yountville’s famous Ma(i)sonary Building in Napa Valley.
Just recently, Doug and his team were commissioned by The Galley, a Tulsa-based company specializing in innovative kitchen products, to design, engineer and produce their award-winning culinary furniture line, The Dresser.
Doug is actively involved in Lambs Farm, a non-profit organization located in Libertyville Illinois. Lambs Farm is dedicated to improving the lives of developmentally disabled adults. Doug serves as a chairperson for their annual golf outing. He and his wife, Judy, enjoy biking, snowshoeing, traveling and spending time with their grandchildren.
John Durbin
Co-Founder
In Memoriam | 1959-2026
John Durbin co-founded nuHaus with his brother Doug after the two established Exclusive Woodworking. A master cabinetmaker with exceptional knowledge of engineering and fabrication, John provided the technical foundation that allowed nuHaus’ most intricate designs to be realized with precision.
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His contribution was both practical and philosophical. John believed that uncompromising quality was built through discipline, collaboration and attention to every detail. That belief continues to shape the relationship between nuHaus design and Exclusive Woodworking craftsmanship.
Beyond his work, John was devoted to his family, loved golf and live music, and was a dedicated supporter and board member of Lambs Farm. His legacy endures in the spaces he helped create and in the standards that continue to guide both companies.
Charity
Commitment to Empowerment
Lambs Farm is an extraordinary non-profit organization that empowers a special community of adults with developmental disabilities to live life to the fullest.
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Our brother Tom Durbin has a developmental disability. He is a full-time resident at Lambs Farm and works at their on-site Magnolia Café and Bakery. Tom is also a nine-sport athlete, participating on every team sponsored by Lambs Farm, and has been their Special Olympics Athlete of the Year twice.
State funding is minimal, and Lambs Farm depends on the generosity of individuals and corporate support to maintain their programs and services. nuHaus is proud to support Lambs Farm. If you have any questions about Lambs Farm or would like to become involved in supporting the organization in any way, including participating in the annual Lambs Farm Golf Outing, please go to www.lambsfarm.org or contact Doug Durbin or Nick Durbin at nuHaus.
Collaboration
Throughout our careers, we’ve had the opportunity to join forces with some of the most distinguished designers, architects and tradespeople in our industry. These incredible experiences have provided the opportunity to push boundaries, challenge our limits and make us stronger. The pleasure has been ours and we thank them for their kind words.
