Henry Bischofberger
INTERVIEW
An interview with: Henry Bischofberger
Tell us about your Kirkland background. How did you end up here?
I grew up in Seattle, attended the Violin Maker School in Brienz, Switzerland. After working in the family business we moved to California where I worked for a Violin Maker in San Francisco. We returned to the Northwest and settled in Kirkland in 1993. My parents lived in Juanita at the time. I stayed there for a while as we were looking for a house, and this one popped up and it looked like a great location – I’ve always liked Kirkland, so here we are. I went back to work for the family business for several years. In 2005, I started my own business, Henry Bischofberger Violins, LLC, here in my home in Kirkland. There was a question of where I would have my business, but Kirkland allows us to have in-home business. It’s a great situation; the location here is actually perfect.
What do you enjoy most about Kirkland?
When we first moved back to the Northwest, my wife had a couple requests:
1. The kids needed to be able walk anywhere and within half an hour be able to get an ice cream; and
2. Close to the water, parks and recreation
… and it’s all here. On top of that, the schools are very good. Our two sons, Dino and Lucas went through school here at Lakeview Elementary and the International Community School. They both were active for several years in the Kirkland Youth Council. It’s worked out great.
Describe a typical day.
We get up (not to terribly early) and go down to 24 Hour Fitness, or ride our bicycles, depending on the weather. We start business in the early afternoon and sometimes go late into the evening, depending on people’s schedules. I adjust my time and keep it really flexible... We make a lot of spare time.
What do you enjoy about Kirkland that has not changed over the years? What do you enjoy that is new?
There’s a change going on. I can’t define it but it’s fresh and new... What hasn't changed is that it’s still green and friendly; it's easy to get around by bicycle or on foot, so you’re easily connected. There are neighborhoods, but it’s all bound together. You can live in some places without knowing your neighbors at all. We have a great sense of community here.
(Photography: Rodrigo DeMedeiros)
Inspirational Places
What are some of your favorite places to go in Kirkland? What do you do for cultural activity in Kirkland, outside your industry?
I like it down on the Marina, I visit a different coffee shop everyday; I love to hang out down there - Carillon Point is just straight down from us. The restaurants are great for dinners here in Kirkland. We like to go to the local restaurants and the Wilde Rover for music. It’s a lot of fun to go have a nice meal somewhere and still be able to see a performance within walking distance. Kirkland is a very interesting place.
Are there any special places you like to go in Kirkland for creative inspiration?
My wife, Debbie, and I enjoy sea kayaking and mountain biking. It is a wonderful feeling to be in the outdoors here, and it’s so easy to have that as part of the work environment. Having the business here, I can set my own hours - if it’s nice out, I can go out and get refreshed, kayaking or getting on my bicycle and stopping by a coffee shop – I really enjoy that.
Do you have any favorite places in Kirkland to see art?
The [Kirkland] Performance Center, of course, and we’ve always supported and been part of Studio East - our kids were there for years. I like the art galleries downtown; there aren’t as many as there used to be, it seems, but Kirkland’s an artsy place. We really enjoy the outdoor sculptures. I like the freshness of our town, the water, the architecture,... it’s changing, but I like it.