Today we’d like to introduce you to Ola Quadry.
Hi Ola, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Ambrose Upholstery has been serving the Austin community since 1988. I acquired the company in 2023, drawn to its strong foundation and long standing reputation for craftsmanship.
I come from an industrial engineering background, with degrees from the University of Houston and Purdue University. My career centered on systems, process design, and precision, but I always wanted to build something tangible. I was drawn to a business where the quality of execution directly affects how people experience a space.
Upholstery sits at the intersection of engineering and design. It requires careful measurement, material knowledge, sequencing, and quality control, while also demanding empathy for how a piece will be used. Someone will live, work, or gather around what we build, and that responsibility matters.
Our focus has been to honor the legacy of Ambrose Upholstery while strengthening its operations. We refined processes, improved communication, and created a more collaborative experience for homeowners, designers, architects, and contractors. Today, the company reflects both its history and our belief that disciplined craftsmanship and thoughtful execution can meaningfully improve everyday spaces.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been completely smooth, but the challenges were meaningful. Taking over a long standing trade business required learning existing practices while improving structure at the same time. We navigated capacity limits, workforce variability, and the need to modernize processes without disrupting active projects.
One of the biggest challenges was balancing skilled craftsmanship with clearer systems and workflows. That took patience and trust. Those experiences ultimately strengthened the business and helped us build a more disciplined, reliable operation.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We specialize in high quality custom upholstery and reupholstery for both residential and commercial environments. Our work ranges from individual furniture pieces to large scale installations, including banquettes, seating systems, and custom built elements for restaurants, hospitality, healthcare, and workplace settings.
We are known for the consistency of our execution and the experience we provide. Our work reflects a high standard of craftsmanship, and our five star reviews speak to the trust our clients place in us. We prioritize clear communication, fast responsiveness, and lead times that are above the industry norm, which is especially important for designers, architects, and contractors working on tight schedules.
What I am most proud of is the team and the operating systems we have built together. We have paired decades of hands on craftsmanship with disciplined processes, quality controls, and project coordination, allowing us to deliver reliable outcomes without sacrificing detail or care.
What sets us apart is that balance. We bring engineering rigor to a traditional craft and pair it with service, accountability, and respect for how our clients use and experience the finished work.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like most about our city is the sense of creativity and collaboration. There is a strong appreciation for design, craft, and locally owned businesses, and people genuinely value quality work. The city continues to grow, but it still maintains a culture where relationships matter and where builders, designers, and makers are deeply connected to the community.
What I like least is the growing strain that comes with that growth. Increased congestion, rising costs, and limited skilled trade labor can make it challenging to operate and scale a hands on business. That said, those challenges also push us to be more thoughtful, efficient, and intentional in how we work and how we serve our clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ambroseupholsteryco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambroseupholstery
