Bernd Goeckler, the coveted antiques and collectible design dealer has been a go-to destination for the design trade for three decades, and pillar of New York’s E 10th Street gallery district. Since opening in 1989, when Art Deco pieces began mingling with the gallery’s collection of Louis XVI and Neoclassical furnishings, the shop has consistently been at the forefront of design ether. Goeckler’s in-depth knowledge of key movements and talents in the decorative arts played a major role behind the current popularity of Italian mid-century masters such Paolo Buffa, Max Ingrand, and Gino Sarfatti. Since 2015, under the leadership of Gallery Director Katja Hirche, Bernd Goeckler's guiding force has expanded on Goeckler's legacy, nurturing the careers of contemporary makers, including Paula Swinnen, Franck Evennou, Roberto Rida, and Simone Crestani. The gallery’s striking presentations of important decorative works across eras, has been a standout at the city’s most renowned design fairs for decades. As Hirche shares, "at Bernd Goeckler, the tenants that persist are quality of design, authenticity, and of course beauty."
Bernd Goeckler
1941–2019
Bernd Goeckler
1941–2019
Born in Germany, Bernd Goeckler was raised and educated in Switzerland. After a successful early career as a retailer of design furniture and antiques in Basel, Bernd also apprenticed with the renowned Hofstaetter Restoration. At Hofstaetter, Bernd gained understanding of the look and construction of antique furniture, an understanding which he further developed, taking classes at the Le Musée des Arts Décoratifs at the Louvre in Paris.
Katja Hirche
Owner, CEO
Katja Hirche
Owner, CEO
Katja has over 20 years of experience working in the shop. In 1999, she came from Germany to learn from and help with her uncle Bernd's business. With a career of education under Bernd, Katja continues his legacy. She has since absorbed the leadership role and serves as a fountain of knowledge both for her clients and staff. Her dreams for the future of the shop involves maintaining a strong presence of antique and vintage pieces while aiming to also make dreams come true and visions realized through custom commissions with European artists. You might not know it but Katja speaks 4.5 languages, is a certified ski instructor and her happiest place to be in the world is "anywhere in the Alps". Follow her on IG @agranddayout
Karen Rivera
CFO, Partner
Karen Rivera
CFO, Partner
Karen has been with the shop for more than a decade now. She has hurdled through the ropes and has since become a cornerstone of essential daily operations. Her favorite designer is Jacques Adnet for his unique use of leather and stitching. And her most treasured thing about the shop is the variety of beautiful light fixtures which give her an opportunity to daydream from time to time. On her days off, you can catch her hiking, baking elaborate cakes, or maybe rollerblading with her son.
Paul Morehouse
Associate
Paul Morehouse
Associate
Paul joined the BG team in the summer of 2020. He is a natural fit for the shop with a background in interior design (FIT) and a passion for art & design. His appreciation for makers and creatives is rooted in a family legacy of craftsmanship and a lifelong pursuit of beauty and connectivity. When he's not at the shop, he enjoys being home: gardening, arranging flowers or exploring new mediums for his creative work (currently sculpture). Follow him on IG @paulmorehouse.
Karen Hernandez
Karen Hernandez
Karen has been the caretaker and cleaner for BGA since 1997. She lovingly tends to our collection and helps things come back to life when they arrive from Europe as well. When asked what her favorite thing about the shop, she answered "everything." When she is not at BGA, you can find her tending to her large garden for which she attributes her green thumb to Bernd's teachings.
James Mendoza
James Mendoza
James is our house electrician and handyman. He's been with the shop for over 12 years and has a heart of gold. When asked what his favorite thing about work was, he answered that "electrifying things and having the chance to get creative" made him happy. In his spare time, you can catch him enthusiastically involved with his family and friends or working on a new short film with his son.
Leonie Wohlgemuth
Associate
Leonie Wohlgemuth
Associate
Luna Wohlgemuth
Luna Wohlgemuth
Luna is a Cuban rescue who loves coming to the shop to greet our clients, nap and play. She loves taking long walks, exploring new places and, of course, food.
Dagmar Hirche
Dagmar Hirche
Dagmar is a Great Dane and was born in December of 2021 and is currently slowly growing into her final 200 lb body. She loves to play tug-o-war and chasing her various toys throughout the gallery.