A family business
In 1994, Don and Donna Erdmann purchased a small business in Edmonton, Alberta, called Architectural Clearinghouse.
Don understood something special: that old things have value beyond their age. A beautiful door, an antique fixture, a regular old bathroom vanity, or an entire kitchen could carry history, craftsmanship, and character - and with the right person, it could begin a whole new story.
As the business grew, so did the family legacy.
Located on the south side of the city, it became much more than a place to buy architectural pieces. With hard work, determination, and a vision for what the business could become, Don and his family grew Architectural Clearinghouse into the unique and respected business it is today.
Their children, Adam and Brenda, became an important part of the business, learning not only the day-to-day work, but also the values that had made their father successful. They learned that a family business is built on more than inventory and sales. It is built on relationships, trust, perseverance, and pride in what you do.
When Don passed away in November 2019, Donna, Adam and Brenda carried his legacy forward.
With the support of their Mom, Donna, they continued to grow Architectural Clearinghouse, keeping the spirit of their father alive while building a future of their own.
Then, in August 2025, everything changed.
A devastating fire tore through the business, destroying the building and the inventory that had taken decades to collect. Years of history, countless treasures, memories, and hard work were gone in a matter of hours.
It would have been easy to see that moment as the end of the story.
But it wasn't.
Because a family business is not defined by a building.
It is defined by the people who refuse to give up.
Today, Donna, Adam and Brenda are rebuilding Architectural Clearinghouse from the ground up. They are facing the loss, the uncertainty, and the enormous work ahead - but they are also carrying something the fire could never destroy.
Their father's vision. Their family's determination. And the belief that there is always something worth rebuilding.
From the ashes, a new chapter is taking shape.
The doors may be new. The walls may be different. The inventory will be rebuilt piece by piece. But the heart of Architectural Clearinghouse remains the same.
It began with Don and Donna in 1994.
It continued through Adam and Brenda.
And now, after fire and loss, it is rising again.
Because some things are too meaningful to let disappear.
Architectural Clearinghouse isn't just rebuilding a business. It's rebuilding a legacy.
And this time, they're rising from the ashes stronger than ever.