Joe C Dogan, Founder of Dogan London, has given his insights into the industry.
Dogan London was established in 2002 in London, inspired by founder Joe C Dogan’s vision to combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. What began as a small bespoke workshop has evolved into an internationally recognized name in furniture manufacturing, serving clients across the globe. Rooted in a passion for creating high-quality, tailored furniture, the brand initially focused on crafting unique pieces for residential projects before expanding into hospitality, commercial, and luxury sectors. Over the years, Dogan London has become synonymous with timeless designs, exceptional service, and unparalleled attention to detail. Drawing from a rich heritage of design and craftsmanship, the company continues to innovate, blending modern techniques with sustainable practices to deliver furniture that is both functional and beautiful. Today, our dedication to bespoke solutions and a client-centric approach remains at the core of what we do, making us a trusted partner for leading designers and architects worldwide.
At Dogan London, we view furniture as more than just functional items; we see it as an integral part of a space's narrative. Our bespoke solutions are designed to align seamlessly with the creative vision of each project, whether it’s a high-end hotel, a stylish office, or a private residence. By offering fully customizable designs, we ensure that our furniture complements the aesthetic, spatial, and functional requirements of the interiors. Our pieces are crafted using premium materials such as Iroko timber, which combines durability with elegance, ensuring that they not only enhance the visual appeal of a space but also stand the test of time. We also work closely with designers to ensure our creations reflect their design ethos while addressing the practical needs of the end user. Ultimately, our commitment to quality craftsmanship and attention to detail elevates interiors, transforming them into cohesive, inspiring environments.
Dogan London’s expertise in bespoke furniture manufacturing provides unmatched value to the interior design industry. By offering tailored solutions, we empower designers and architects to create truly unique spaces that reflect their clients’ individuality and style. Our ability to customize every detail, from materials and finishes to dimensions and functionality, ensures that each piece is as exclusive as the project it’s designed for. Furthermore, our commitment to using high-quality and sustainable materials, such as Iroko timber, reinforces our dedication to longevity and environmental responsibility. In a market where originality and quality are paramount, our specialist sector delivers the craftsmanship and attention to detail needed to bring ambitious design concepts to life. By blending artistry with practicality, we help shape spaces that are not only aesthetically stunning but also highly functional, making a lasting impact on the design industry.
Collaboration lies at the heart of Dogan London’s approach to working with interior designers. We partner with designers from the initial concept stage through to installation, ensuring that every piece of furniture complements the project’s overall vision. Our process begins with in-depth consultations to understand the design objectives, functional requirements, and specific client needs. Using project management tools like Monday.com, we provide regular updates, share progress images, and maintain clear communication throughout the manufacturing process. Designers are encouraged to visit our workshop to review prototypes and provide feedback, ensuring every detail meets their expectations. We pride ourselves on being flexible and responsive, adapting to changes and offering solutions to challenges that may arise. Whether it’s creating a one-of-a-kind statement piece or furnishing an entire project, our goal is to be a reliable partner who enhances the designer’s creative vision and ensures the client’s satisfaction.
This past year has been monumental for Dogan London, with several high-profile projects showcasing our craftsmanship and expanding our reach. A standout highlight was our collaboration with The Ned in Qatar, where we supplied bespoke furniture for a luxurious hospitality setting. This project not only exemplified our ability to deliver complex designs on a large scale but also solidified our presence in the competitive Middle Eastern market. Additionally, our continued working with Soho House on various projects, including the Soho House in Strand and great to be part of Martin Brudnzki Design Bachalania, underscored our capacity to meet tight deadlines while maintaining exceptional quality. Another significant milestone was the growing demand from private clients, reflecting our adaptability and reputation in the luxury furniture market. These achievements reaffirm our commitment to excellence and our ability to deliver unique, tailored solutions that leave a lasting impression.
In recent months, we’ve observed a growing demand for multifunctional furniture that balances practicality with sophisticated design. Clients are increasingly prioritizing sustainable materials like Iroko timber, aligning with global trends toward eco-friendly living. Neutral tones paired with bold, statement accents are also gaining popularity, reflecting a desire for timeless yet modern aesthetics. Personalization is a key trend, with clients requesting unique details such as intricate patterns, custom finishes, and tailored dimensions to suit their individual tastes and needs. Another notable trend is the integration of technology within furniture, such as hidden charging stations and modular designs that adapt to hybrid work environments. These evolving preferences highlight the importance of flexibility, sustainability, and functionality in today’s interior design projects, and we’re proud to adapt and innovate to meet these demands.
The interior design industry is poised to embrace a future defined by sustainability, innovation, and adaptability. As clients become more environmentally conscious, the demand for sustainable materials and processes will continue to grow, encouraging designers and manufacturers to prioritize eco-friendly practices. Advances in digital technology, such as virtual reality and AI-driven design tools, are likely to play an increasingly significant role in the design process, enabling more efficient collaboration and customization. Additionally, the rise of hybrid living and working spaces will drive the need for adaptable, multifunctional furniture that blends aesthetics with practicality. Wellness-focused designs, incorporating natural elements and biophilic principles, will also take centre stage as people seek environments that promote health and tranquillity. At Dogan London, we’re excited to contribute to this evolution by offering innovative, sustainable solutions that meet the changing needs of the industry.
We’re thrilled to be launching our outdoor furniture brand, Suyla by DGN London, which celebrates outdoor living with stylish and durable designs. This new range reflects our commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, using high-quality materials to create pieces that are both functional and visually striking. Additionally, we’re expanding our presence in the Middle Eastern market, driven by growing interest in our bespoke offerings following successful projects like The Ned in Qatar. We’re also exploring new collaborations with leading interior designers, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in bespoke furniture manufacturing. These initiatives mark an exciting chapter for Dogan London as we continue to evolve and adapt to the needs of our clients while maintaining our dedication to quality and service excellence.
Being an SBID Accredited Industry Partner is a significant honour and a testament to Dogan London’s commitment to excellence in design and craftsmanship. This accreditation places us among a distinguished group of professionals recognized for their contributions to the interior design industry. It reinforces our credibility and strengthens our position as a trusted partner for designers and architects worldwide. For us, this partnership is not just about recognition; it’s an opportunity to connect with a vibrant community of design professionals, share knowledge, and collaborate on innovative projects. It also serves as a platform to showcase our bespoke furniture solutions and highlight the value we bring to high-end interior projects. Ultimately, being an SBID partner reflects our dedication to setting and maintaining the highest standards in the industry.
About Dogan London Limited
Dogan London specializes in bespoke, handcrafted furniture tailored to enhance commercial and residential interiors. With a focus on premium materials of requested timber choices and meticulous attention to detail, they provide custom designs, global supply, and reupholstery services. Their London showroom offers personalized consultations, making them a trusted partner for interior designers seeking unique, high-quality pieces.
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Nafece Khan, Head of Projects at 4SPACE, has given his insights into the industry.
In the chaotic and competitive design and architecture world, project management is often overshadowed by the allure of creative genius. Yet, precisely this underrated discipline determines whether bold visions succeed or collapse. Often caught in the crossfire of ambition and reality, project management stands at the center of every transformative space, silently holding it all together. While many consider it a necessary function, project management is not just a support system but the heart of our industry. The lack of respect for this discipline is astonishing, especially given its vital role in turning ambitious visions into concrete realities.
Let’s face it: many design firms still treat project management as an afterthought, relegating it to junior staff or outsourcing it entirely. This is a grave mistake. Effective project management is not just about timelines and budgets; it’s about fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability that can make or break a project. Without it, creativity becomes chaotic, and the dreams we aspire to build crumble under the weight of miscommunication and misaligned expectations.
Consider project planning, which should be the foundation of any design venture. Too often, firms dive headfirst into projects without a clear scope, leading to disastrous scope creep and budget overruns. How can we expect clients to trust us when we can't define what we deliver? It's time to prioritise meticulous planning and realistic timelines over wishful thinking.
Moreover, communication—or the alarming lack thereof—remains a pervasive issue in our industry. Establishing clear communication channels is not just a best practice; it’s essential for survival. How many projects have failed due to information bottlenecks or team members working in silos? The arrogance of assuming everyone is on the same page is the biggest downfall of many projects. Regular updates, thorough documentation, and visual aids are not just optional tools; they are lifelines that can keep projects afloat.
Now let’s talk about client expectations. Too many firms gloss over this aspect, thinking that a one-time conversation suffices. Setting clear expectations at the project's outset is not just a courtesy; it is an obligation. Clients deserve to know what to expect, and frequent check-ins are not a sign of weakness but a testament to a firm’s commitment to responsiveness. Why do we often wait for clients to voice their concerns instead of proactively engaging with them?
The elephant in the room is complexity. Complex projects often sink firms, yet many professionals cling to outdated methodologies that can’t handle the intricacies of today’s demands. Agile project management isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessary mindset shift. Flexibility and adaptability should be baked into every project lifecycle, not treated as an afterthought. Firms that fail to embrace this will find themselves increasingly irrelevant in a rapidly changing landscape.
Finally, let’s address the proverbial “project management office” (PMO). While often viewed as bureaucratic overhead, a well-structured PMO can be a powerhouse of innovation and efficiency. Rather than seeing it as a roadblock, firms should leverage PMOs to establish best practices, streamline processes, and facilitate knowledge sharing. A strong PMO can elevate project management from a mundane task to a strategic advantage.
In conclusion, project management is not merely a function; it is the cornerstone of successful design and architecture. It’s time for the industry to give project management the respect it deserves. By embracing strong project management principles and cultivating a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation, we can redefine the standards of excellence in our field. Those who resist this evolution may find themselves left behind as the industry moves forward. The choice is clear: adapt or be rendered obsolete.
About 4SPACE
4SPACE is committed to high quality of work and superior care in all aspects of our business. One of the Top 20 interior design firms in the Middle East in reference to the Commercial Interior Design Magazine published last February 2019. Led by major partners Amjad Hourieh and Firas Alsahin, our company has become one of the region’s most respected firms, with more than 20 years of industry experience. We have helped create environments that inspire and impact users by providing the local industry with our extensive practical knowledge, be it for retail, hospitality and commercial spaces, or residential and living spaces. Our mission is to achieve success through delivering quality service steered by our passion for excellence, to define the region’s industry practices and to create market benchmarks of international standards.
Imogen Dent, Design Build Program Specialist at CEDIA, has given her insights into the industry.
CEDIA is The Association for Smart Home Professionals: first established in the US more than 30 years ago and now a global body.
A modern professional smart home provides entertainment, convenience, comfort, and security, all custom designed and tailored to suit the lifestyle of your client. CEDIA Smart Home Professionals ensure that the technology within your client’s home is safe, secure, reliable, and easy to use.
In the UK, there are more than 3,700 Smart Home Professional businesses designing and installing professional smart homes across the country.
If your clients are asking about how technology can be integrated within your interior design, then, you don’t have to be an expert, you just need to know where to find one.
CEDIA is built upon industry leading education and certification, and cutting-edge technology training to ensure that CEDIA members are well-placed to help designers include technology effectively and elegantly within their designs.
CEDIA offers a Finder Service on its website. This allows interior designers to locate their nearest Smart Home Professional.
A CEDIA smart home professional will make sure that the technology within a property is professionally designed and installed with systems integrated to optimise comfort, performance, reliability and ease of use.
They will also deliver a system that is perfectly attuned to the client’s lifestyle and family needs, and ensure that it blends with the interior design scheme within the home.
Integrating smart home technology for a secure and easy to use experience, and without compromising the home’s décor, demands the skills of a professional — someone who has the technical ability to bring everything together in a synergistic 'whole home' experience. This is where CEDIA members are your perfect professional partner.
Whether your client is building from scratch or renovating their home, it’s important to bring a CEDIA member onto the project design team early to provide expert advice and the necessary system design and planning skills. They understand that technology in the home is a significant investment and will be able to advise on the smart home solutions that are right for your scheme and your client’s lifestyle.
They are also the best-informed professionals and trained in the latest technologies, design, project management, and installation techniques to ensure the best possible professional smart home for your project.
CEDIA offers an extensive range of RIBA accredited CPD courses to help interior designers understand how they can incorporate technology successfully into their schemes. These cover everything from an introduction to the smart home to outdoor entertainment and from cinema and media room design to lighting control. More information can be found here.
Another highlight is the CEDIA Smart Home Awards which celebrate professionalism and excellence within the smart home profession. Interior designers can be inspired to kick-start their next project and find ideas and potential solutions to common interior design challenges when working with technology. Click here to find out more.
The 2023 Professional Smart Home Market Analysis from CEDIA gives a fascinating insight into the likely direction of this fast-growing sector. The four business categories expected to grow the most in 2024 are home cinema, media rooms, outdoor entertainment systems, and lighting/shading.
As homeowners experience the fantastic possibilities of a professionally installed entertainment space at home, alongside the rise of streaming technology, private cinema rooms are becoming sought after by more and more people. The picture quality delivered by native 4K projection systems is quite breathtaking and supported by the performance of exceptional immersive sound systems. The result is a visceral, emotional, and completely immersive connection with big screen movie, serial, or sports watching that is just incredible.
It’s clear that the home is now a multi-functional space that provides a place of rest and relaxation as well as a secure and practical home office, a learning environment, a cinema, gaming room and fitness suite.
A professionally installed smart home taps into this new way of life, by enabling multi-purpose use within the one space. Take media rooms as an example. These are versatile, multi-media and multi-functional spaces that can work as a home working environment during the day, but also provide a great area for TV viewing, listening to music, movie-watching on a drop-down screen and projector system or children’s gaming at other times. Their popularity is growing. Media room design and installation requires the services of professional smart home integration companies to make sure that the technology can deliver on the high-level versatility, reliability and ease of use benefits they demand.
We’re also seeing growth in outdoor lighting and entertainment systems. This technology helps people to be sociable and connect with their garden spaces in a positive way. Smart home lighting and entertainment allows your clients to use their outdoor spaces for longer - and in more ways - than ever before. Technology here also brings significant wellness and mental health benefits to consumers who are better able to connect with the outdoors, at home.
Meanwhile, smart lighting and shading is another major growth area. As well as delivering energy efficiency using dimming technology and location sensors, lighting control systems can create beautiful lighting scenes, designed for specific activities, or to highlight the beautiful interior design, architecture, or decoration of a home. Lighting can also be used to enhance the natural energy cycles of the human body – the so-called circadian rhythm – by mimicking the intensity and colour of the sun at different times of day, to help homeowners feel energised or relaxed, and support better sleep. Smart shading can have not only significant comfort benefits for customers, but can also help with energy efficiency of a home, controlling the climate by blocking heat from the sun, or opening to reap the benefits of the sun’s thermal energy.
Wellness touches every facet of the home and we see it becoming more and more important in the future. Homeowners are actively seeking solutions that can enhance air quality, optimise lighting, control temperature and manage humidity to create an environment that boosts physical and mental health.
As more and more consumers embrace integrated technology into their home and lifestyle, so we see our industry collaborating much more closely with interior designers.
Working together, we can create beautifully elegant interiors and amazing experiences enabled by professionally installed and integrated technology. It’s an exciting time!
We’re excited to continue to educate interior designers on the many ways that technology can enhance the lifestyle of their customers. Whether through inspirational case studies, video content, or CPD classes, CEDIA is constantly analysing the most important industry trends, and working to create ways to communicate these to key partners is the residential design and build industries.
We are excited to be an SBID Accredited Industry Partner which will give us the opportunity to connect with more interior design practices across the UK and Europe. We are looking forward to meeting interior designers at face-to-face events and helping them learn about smart home technology and the benefits it can bring for clients through our CPD programme.
About CEDIA
CEDIA is the Association for Smart Home Professionals™. Established in 1989, CEDIA remains founded on the principles of advocacy, connection, and education. Globally, CEDIA defends the rights of integrators in governmental bodies, gathers industry professionals and allied trades, and creates trainings, standards, and certifications to ensure the smart home industry advances and draws fresh talent.
Di Henshall, Design Director of Di Henshall Interior Design has given her insights into the industry.
Di Henshall studied interior design at Liverpool College of Further Education, since changed to Liverpool Polytechnic, since changed to Liverpool John Moores University. She became an Export Designer for Hygena, Liverpool, (largest kitchen manufacturer in the world at the time) designing showrooms and exhibitions around the world, plus designing cabinetry and fittings for private residences in the Middle East. After emigrating to Australia, Di became an Interior Designer for a group of architects in Melbourne (Victoria) – DCR Architects, working on public buildings, restaurants and private residences. She then started her own business, Di Henshall Interior Design, in 1988; and started her own cabinetmaking business, Resident Hero, in 1992. Henshall qualified as a licensed builder in 2000. She guest lectures at various locations, such as Sunshine Coast University, TAFE College and various Housing Industry Association functions.
Di Henshall Interior Design has won over 30 design awards and citations. They design all over Australia and New Zealand, and have worked on projects as far a field as Fiji and the United States. They have a team of seven in the design company and a further sixteen in their custom/bespoke furniture and cabinetry factory.
I always knew from about five years old that I wanted to be a designer, I just didn’t know anything about buildings, so I started designing dresses - all of which looked exactly the same, just different patterns! When I was about twelve, I knew then that I would be either an architect or interior designer. I chose interior design, and I am grateful that I did.
Like most designers, the exciting part is starting with a brief that is going to be challenging. I usually start off with a tiny sketch pad and scribble ideas down, taking into account all the usual elements, such as the personality of the clients, what the use of the building is, who is going inhabit the space, what the orientation is, the architectural intent, if applicable, the budget, etc.
We specialise in major renovations, basically pulling apart all elements and designing a totally new and vibrant residence. In the past year we did exactly that for a large, waterfront house that needed to be reinvented both inside and out. We have just finished it and when the clients saw it for the first-time last week, the wife burst into tears with happiness – hugely rewarding. We also spent four months designing the interior of a superyacht. Another one of the projects we have been working on in the past year is the major reconstruction of a beachside house that is in the process of being put back together, totally unrecognisable from its former self. We usually have anything up to twenty projects on at once, all at various stages.
I actually love the variety of the projects we undertake rather than having one particular favourite type. Designing offices and medical practices is always challenging because there are usually several or more stakeholders that all have a say in what is designed. It is a diplomatic juggle to make sure that we reach a design solution that everyone is happy with and that it is equally practical and workable for both staff and clients/patients.
Dealing with suppliers. We spend an inordinate amount of time and energy chasing suppliers for the right information, truthful delivery dates and proper product specifications. This was exacerbated to the extreme during Covid, as the supply chain was practically broken, freight charges went through the roof and suppliers felt the need to say what they thought you wanted to hear rather than the reality.
I learn something new every working day of my life. Technology, product innovation, new manufacturing processes, trends, computer assisting drafting, installation advances – all of these things have advanced dramatically since I started and they will continue to change. What I wish I knew before I started was more about the business side, things like contracts, budget discussions, asking for payments, understanding balance sheets and spreadsheets, financial forecasts and what to do when you can’t pay bills – all of those things were learnt the hard way.
Maybe two things – take a tape measure with you everywhere and measure everything you use or have in your own home, for example the height of a coffee mug, the height of a hanging rail in a robe, the height of a dining table or a lounge chair – I can’t believe how many qualified designers I have employed that do not understand measurement. Without understanding measurement, it is very hard to be a good designer. The other thing I would say is don’t be influenced by trends, they are called trends for a reason.
I think people are finally starting to collectively understand the overwhelming waste that the world produces, including throwaway fashion, throwaway furnishings and electrical goods. There is a move towards people recognising the value in good quality gear that will last the distance. Recognising the effort and talent that goes into creating beautiful timeless pieces, such as lighting and furniture, so they don’t go out and buy a cheap copy. I hope that this trend continues, not for the sake of our business but for the sake of our planet and our children. We, therefore, have to keep creating things and spaces that people don’t regard as something they can get rid of or change in a couple of years’ time.
It is an honour to be recognised as being worthy of the society. The society is incredibly active and supportive of its members, which is refreshing and reassuring to be part of it. I would like to contribute as much as possible as a member and hope I get some opportunities in the future to do so.
About Di Henshall Interior Design
Award-winning interior design and full-fit-outs of custom furnishings working all over Australia and New Zealand. A highly trained design team specialising in major renovations, new builds, offices, restaurants, hotels and private residences. We have our own furniture and cabinetmaking business and source products from all over the world. We are also a building company that works closely with architects and other parties to deliver exceptional design solutions.
Christine Robinson, Company Director of Curate has given her insights into the industry.
My career started at my mothers knee, quite literally, when I absorbed everything she was working when she decorating our childhood home using the most beautiful papers and choosing wonderful paint colours and when she later started a successful fabric company I knew this was something I wanted to do too. I studied textiles at University and soon afterwards was offered magazine and television work which for the next three years was what completely occupied me, presenting home interest programmes and producing styling features for national publications. A request from a friend to design her home was an exciting opportunity and she became my first private client - thirty years later I have an establish interior design firm with a team that varies between 3 and 5 and I have lost count of the number of homes we have worked on.
I tend to get really stuck into whatever I am doing so if it’s drawing or ordering or scheming, I love that thing that is occupying me the most. Probably my most enjoyable activity is the sourcing, nothing gives me more pleasure than searching for and hopefully finding that elusive object or supplier. Meeting clients comes a close second, I enjoy the psychology of the client relationship; understanding their decision making, the thrill of making a suggestion which once implemented becomes one the most transformative elements in their home. I love the excitement of working with a knowledgeable and trusting client who is familiar not only with the process but also with the brands we typically source from and who introduces us to new brands which makes for some of the most successful results.
Joining SBID of course!
I love working on what I refer to as ‘Established Homes’, homes which have maybe fulfilled their original brief and are now ready to be developed into a new version of themselves. These homes so often contain collections, paintings and treasures from a lifetime of collecting which I love to include in the new schemes, treasuring the antiques and special pieces and making a place for them in beautiful new settings.
I definitely believe that a home is an extension of the homeowners personality and that the interior design should reflect their values and experiences. I am particularly interested in the architecture of a building and we include building alterations in our work. Lifting the height of the doors, widening the openings from a garden, joining one space to another to create a larger floor area to offer alternative ways of using the space.
I think the most challenging aspect of this work is unfortunately the admin side of things which is endless: managing the contract, managing project creep, keeping on top of the time spent on a job is a constant task. Standing in your own space and being clear about the way you want to run your business, setting boundaries and expectations clearly to clients is the only way to keep a Project on track and this requires time and planning, having a set of processes to ensure as seamless a delivery as possible.
Over the years I have learnt that avoiding difficult conversations or allowing clients to negotiate changes to your process, for example, just makes the business very hard - if you can manage these things from the beginning with a good set of Terms and Conditions everything becomes easier and both the client and designer are set free to concentrate on the real business of making a home.
That I would never stop learning and that I would never stop wanting to. That this career is totally absorbing and leaves time for very little else. I sometimes surprise myself with exactly how much I have learnt over the years and I wonder how that happened but that’s what working in the same industry for over thirty years does, the knowledge builds up.
My mind is very rarely not thinking about some aspect of interior design or my business, maybe its a solution to a sticky issue on a job or maybe it’s wording some communication or sourcing for a product I know I have seen somewhere but have forgotten where. I wish I had known that I am unlikely to ever want to retire!
About Curate
We specialise in the design and decoration of established homes, homes which have been well loved and lived in, but whose owners now wish to reimagine the space. Managing and curating existing furniture and collections and placing these in new and exciting settings is often the starting point for our work. Bringing about architectural changes and optimising existing spaces is often part of our Brief.
Amanda Bucklow, Mediator and Consultant at Unity Legal Solutions has given her insights into the interior design industry from a legal perspective.
Unity Legal Solutions offers a portal into the legal services market which is often a minefield, and we provide expert guidance on which services and approaches might suit a client’s business goals. Unlike traditional legal firms, we don’t represent clients in court, hold money for clients or undertake services like conveyancing. And because we don’t ‘act’ for clients we are better placed to guide them in choosing the right approach for their case.
A good deal of our work is concerned with dispute resolution. That includes non-payment of fees which may be withheld due to dissatisfaction with performance, whether that is real or perceived. But there are other areas of business where clients might need legal support to resolve conflicts arising from doing business and running a practice. In addition to dispute resolution, we can assist with many other aspects of business which include contact drafting, collaboration and partnership agreements, trademark or copyright infringement, project optimisation, and buying or selling businesses.
We have a practical and proactive approach to our work. We listen. We take on board our clients’ knowledge of the detail and to that we bring a clarifying lens, expertise and creativity. That makes for a very powerful partnership and springboard for delivering better outcomes.
Interior designers face many challenges as part of their business and not just disputes. Sometimes the challenges can be within their practice, for example relationships with employees, business partners or suppliers. Those challenges have a ripple effect with consequences for their operations, client relationships, and overall reputation. For a sector that relies on referrals to sustain their business, this is a strong dynamic which requires careful consideration and is further affected by the perceived power balance between designer and client.
Designers can only sell their time once so getting paid in full and on time is fundamental to profitability. The financial strain of dealing with non-payment is a hamster wheel of distraction and stress. Unity can provide economic advice, strategies, and interventions to help mitigate the risks of disputes arising and if they do arise, we can support the designer in dealing with them cost-effectively.
Unity Legal Solutions is a portal to a wide range of services, and we can recommend the most suitable ones for the circumstances. Additionally, we have access to trusted professionals when the need arises to act.
Reviewing contracts early can pinpoint ambiguities that might trigger disagreements about the scope of work. Similarly, achieving clarity regarding fees, payment schedules, and processes for variations can enhance the effectiveness of the designer's administration. Designers often take these aspects of the client/designer relationship for granted and seldom review them until issues arise. Disputes frequently arise from mismatched expectations, communication breakdowns, and unforeseen delays. Contracts lacking specificity or failing to address potential issues may create the conditions for disputes. We can add value by addressing those subjects proactively and not just with clients but with their own suppliers.
We offer contract drafting to ensure that design contracts provide a route map through a project, and that designer and client are fully aware of their respective obligations. As a portal to legal services, we can provide preliminary advice on any problems that have arisen during a contract. We would always seek to guide members towards resolving disputes by negotiation and sometimes they might need help with that from an expert. Our mediation service aims to resolve disputes between designers and their clients and offers the best chance of preserving the relationships involved.
And we can source the best possible advice from solicitors and barristers should further legal assistance be appropriate.
Developing our partnership with SBID is a significant highlight and we believe that our innovative approach is valuable for the sector. We have plans for several supporting services which will benefit the membership and we look forward to fine tuning those in response to feedback and information received from members.
2023 has been a successful year for us. We have provided consultancy on interesting cases with unusual challenges for the clients leading to successful outcomes. There are more in the pipeline.
We are developing a programme on essential skills and approaches which support designers in managing disputes. There will be opportunities to strengthen negotiation skills, to build capacity and achieve their business goals. Our first free session will be early in the New Year, and we have planned a dispute resolution surgery where my colleague Roger Billins and I will be online to answer questions and bring participants up to date on recent changes in legislation. There will be more structured training workshops which will be available for a modest charge.
We offer practical risk assessments and develop options for addressing current issues and challenges which underpin growth and success. Members will consistently gain valuable insights that they can apply to their current and future projects.
About Unity Legal Solutions
Unity Legal Solutions is not a regulated firm of solicitors although our people are mainly legal professionals. We provide initial advice and, if necessary, open the door to the legal market and help clients navigate the way forward to give them the best available options. We advise on disputes, commercial contracts, company matters and intellectual property which is so important to SBID members. We also offer a comprehensive mediation service in order to resolve disputes before they get out of hand. Our aim is take the worry out of facing legal issues by being clear, commercial, collaborative and friendly!
Rachel Sargeant, Head of Projects at Gaggenau has given her insights into the industry.
Gaggenau is a manufacturer of high-quality home appliances and is acknowledged as an innovation leader in design and technology “Made in Germany”. The company, with a history dating back to 1683, has revolutionised the domestic kitchen with its internationally acclaimed products. Gaggenau’s success is founded on technological innovation and a clear design language combined with high functionality. Gaggenau has been a subsidiary of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH in Munich since 1995 and is currently represented in more than 50 countries with over 60 flagships and showrooms in major cities around the world.
Our story begins back in 1683 in a small village called Gaggenau on the edge of the Black Forrest. The aristocratic ruler of the area wanted to improve the lives of his farming communities and built a smelting plant. From forging nails to enamel signage to bicycles, Gaggenau build many products before concentrating on domestic appliances in the 1950s. From there, a series of industry firsts began to shape the luxury appliance market. In the mid 1990’s BSH bought the company and the investment meant that they had a premium brand in the portfolio and Gaggenau had the investment to further define luxury within today’s kitchens.
When looking for the “best in class,” whether it be quality, style, functionality or luxury, designers have been recommending Gaggenau for decades. The available sizes of appliances like ovens, hobs, refrigeration and extractors means that designers will find perfect fit for their kitchen designs. We offer our trade partners aides like a full ventilation planning service and a home visit for end client to understand the functionalities of their steam ovens, for instance. Interior designers can rest assured that working with a Gaggenau partner they will receive the best service.
Because we do not supply end clients directly, we ensure our trade partners are trained and have a selection of working products on display and can offer the best in design service, M & E specification as well as supply. Knowing the products have been correctly specified and installed, allows us to offer a 5 year warranty on all Gaggenau products.
We promote our products through an authorised network of professional kitchen design studios and project partners, who work with lots of the UK’s top interior designers. Whilst we do not supply directly, we welcome interior designers and their clients to Gaggenau London in 40 Wigmore Street to view and see our products demonstrated.
One of the best examples of working with a partner to achieve a luxury installation has to be the 85 apartments at the Old War Office, in the very heart of Whitehall, central London. Gaggenau supplied its suite of sleek built-in appliances from cooking to cooling and dishwashing which enhance the beautiful cabinetry.
Down draft or integrated extraction with our cooktops has to be one of the most popular ways of designing the quietest ventilation. We have excellent solutions for all projects backed up with an individual design service to ensure the correct ducting, motors or recirculating methods are offered. We have also been pleased to see an increase in steam cooking. Our combination steam ovens offer plumbed in or tank solutions and features include sous-vide cooking, steam reduction and self-cleaning programmes.
We recognise the importance of good interior design to enhance modern day living for clients. Taking account of sustainability, longevity and creativity for home design is becoming more important and we certainly hope to engage more with Designers.
Gaggenau is always at the forefront of design and innovation so whilst we can’t divulge too much, one of our newest products for 2024 will be Essential Induction; hobs which are invisible and operate underneath the worktop, using the latest tech to ensure safety and design.
A collaboration with SBID means that we can grow closer to this important area of design and expertise in our industry. Gaggenau looks forward to promoting our CPD to SBID members and engaging through networking events and offering as much help and assistance with product advice and integration with our trade partners.
About Gaggenau
Gaggenau is a manufacturer of high-quality home appliances and is acknowledged as an innovation leader in design and technology “Made in Germany”. The company, with a history dating back to 1683, has revolutionised the domestic kitchen with its internationally acclaimed products. Gaggenau’s success is founded on technological innovation and a clear design language combined with high functionality. Gaggenau has been a subsidiary of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH in Munich since 1995 and is currently represented in more than 50 countries with 25 flagship showrooms in major cities around the world.
The award-winning design team at The Myers Touch is delighted to present five key trends they predict will feature prominently in their kitchen designs for homeowners in 2024.
Renowned for creating truly bespoke kitchen spaces that offer much more than just cabinetry and appliance options, The Myers Touch design personalised kitchen spaces using their bespoke range, own-brand, German and Italian kitchen partners. These partnerships stem from a deep understanding of their clients, their requirements and how they want to engage as a family within their new kitchen-living space.
Director and co-founder of The Myers Touch Keith Myers says “The expansion of our design partner portfolio has allowed us to answer client desires for ultra-modern design finishes and innovative kitchen systems that reflect European design and functional sophistication. From our new in-house, German-made kitchen range that offers a competitive range of cabinetry to customers to the Italian-made intelligent solutions from Copatlife and the luxury Eggersmann cabinetry range finishes, each partnership has been chosen to allow us to elevate our kitchen design's aesthetic and functional appeal that allows us to offer homeowners kitchen designs that reflect their evolving lifestyle needs and desires".
Trend No.1: New Surface Finishes that add Personality and Individuality
In 2024, their designers predict an increase in bespoke surface finishes that will add texture, personality and individuality to kitchen spaces. For example, the new material finishes from their German design partner, Eggersmann allow their designers to create cabinetry and island units as a piece of individual craftsmanship. By combining different shades, shapes and contrast materials such as lacquers, glass fronts, slatted oak, Corian, rolled brass and concrete vintage wood, kitchen furniture can be created to look entirely bespoke and handcrafted.
In addition, new cutting-edge materials in a range of wood, aluminium, matt and satin finishes are also available in a range of door sizes and handle solutions from their exclusive Italian kitchen design partner, Copatlife. Their in-house range, Möbelife also offers eclectic colours, internal carcass finishes, minimalist material options and storage solutions such as their new pocket-door cabinetry solution to their designs allowing them increased flexibility to create affordable kitchens that are personalized and reflect a customer’s individuality.
Trend No.2: Natural and Statement Stone to Define and Showcase Kitchens in Homes
Natural stones, sintered stone and quartz will increasingly be chosen as their luxury material in many kitchens with their designers using these materials to showcase and define sculptured island units, statement splashbacks, frame sinks and workspaces in their kitchen spaces. Natural stones, sintered stone and quartz have become increasingly popular in homes as they blend with every design scheme and have a raw, natural and organic feel, whilst giving the look of opulence within a space.
“Sintered stone and quartz offer a wide range of qualities compared to sensitive marble, limestones and hard granites as it’s beautiful, hard-wearing, stain-resistant and sunresistant” – Helena Myers, Director & Co-Founder of The Myers Touch.
Trend No.3: Intelligent Lighting Systems in Kitchen Spaces
New, innovative kitchen lighting systems will allow their designers to be increasingly creative and personalised within design schemes to increase enhancement and task lighting. The increase in lit and framed feature wall systems, illuminated cabinetry doors and appliances, sophisticated cabinetry LED lighting and chromotherapy lighting will allow designers to enhance definition, mood and dedicated framed or task areas in kitchen spaces.
One example of this is the new integrated Copatlife LED lighting technology displayed in The Myers Touch design studio which is complemented by an intelligent Novy Wall light system under the wall cabinetry that allows the user to easily control the lighting tone and on/off switch through Novy’s Gesture Control technology.
Trend No.4: Framed-Steel Sliding Doors within Kitchen Design Spaces
Crittal-styled framed steel sliding door systems have been a dominant trend in interiors in the past few years and that trend will continue as homeowners look to create a light-filled modern, Japandi-style look within their property.
The Myers Touch steel-door partner, ADL Doors offers a versatile door system that can be customised to fit any home’s space, offering privacy when closed and when slid open the benefit of creating an open-plan kitchen-living effect that lets in more light, height and functional definition.
Trend No.5: Creating Bespoke Cabinetry and Storage Solutions for a Homeowner’s Lifestyle
There has been more demand for functional and efficient cabinetry storage solutions as our kitchens have become more multi-functional – for example, a functional, yet beautiful breakfast cupboard for a busy family, a desk within a slim pocket-door system for children’s homework and work-from-home days and even a cupboard designed especially for a Thermomix.
An illustration of this was the installation of a concealed cloakroom and pantry which is accessed via discreet pocket doors to provide an increased sense of space in an open-plan kitchen-living space and a discreet cloakroom behind kitchen wall cabinetry which was also acoustically disguised to consider the open-plan, living environment.
Director and co-founder of The Myers Touch Helena Myers says “Our approach to kitchen design is that we’re not just designing a kitchen, we’re designing a whole living environment. It’s vital that we know how the whole space works, the challenges it presents, and how we can achieve an aspirational feel before we set about answering their brief. Ultimately. the homeowner is buying a new space for their family and friends, so our designs are always created especially for how they want to cook, live and feel”.
About The Myers Touch
We are The Myers Touch, award-winning interior architects and designers who specialise in creating luxury kitchen living spaces. Our goal is to enrich your life through the creation of an exceptional kitchen space that reflects your practical, aesthetic and emotional aspirations. We believe every kitchen should contain elements of beauty, efficiency and personalisation – a place that expresses Light, Space and Laughter for you.
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