ZOE, Owner + Designer/Builder

Zoë Bocik was born in St. Petersburg, FL. She graduated from New World School of the Arts in Miami, FL with a B.A. in Music Performance in 1994. After working professionally in south Florida as both music teacher and performer, she moved back to the 'Burg' and worked in marine science and botany fields--yet her passion remained in the arts. Over the next decade, she pursued fine art studies, created assemblages and sculptures and had two solo shows. Through exploring various mediums, she became drawn to the warmth and expression of wood and found her artistic voice. This led to creating FUNKTIONHOUSE Urban Lumber & Furnishings in 2011 with her husband Rob: blending their love of functional art with strong modern, yet natural style using responsibly harvested urban lumber from trees felled in St. Petersburg, Gulfport and the surrounding areas. During the following years, Zoë focused on woodworking tools and technique while her husband developed the sawmill and lumber process; building a successful business based on custom furniture, she loves to play with lines and angles, balance and symmetry, and to explore new techniques and redefine function.

A Chicago, Illinois native boasting a diverse background in Restaurant Management, Antique Car Restoration, Construction and 20+ years Insurance Adjusting, Robert  moved to St. Petersburg, FL in the early 2000's.  After yearning for a more creative job where he could put his artistic skills to work, Rob and Zoe started FUNKTIONHOUSE with one small chainsaw, an old log and a crazy idea...10  years later, Rob is now a skilled Sawyer, and extremely knowledgeable in the science of wood milling, drying and species identification. He is also our Project Manager, Sales and Services Specialist, and any other hat that needs wearing! Come see him to begin your dream project.