The kitchen whiz
Wellington kitchen designer Damian Hannah has been selected as a finalist in a global design award for a stylish kitchen he designed in Upper Hutt. has the story.
WELLINGTON kitchen designer Damian Hannah headed off a record of number of entries to be one of 18 finalists in the Society of British and International Design Awards to be decided in London in November.
With just weeks before the winners are announced and 30 per cent of the points total dependent on public vote, Kiwis have the opportunity to support their own New Zealand contender.
In the last nine years Hannah has won 10 independent kitchen design awards and as a student he was awarded New Zealand’s top student kitchen designer title.
‘‘I grew up around kitchen design, Hannah says. ‘‘My mother was a kitchen designer from when I was a kid so it’s been my life.
‘‘In my school holidays I’d help in the showroom and when I got older I’d help Mum design kitchens on the dining room table while watching television.’’
Today they are equal partners in the business, German Kitchens, that was established 24 years ago.
Hannah says with nearly a quarter of a century working in kitchen design they have a wealth of experience to share with clients.
‘‘Today people are putting most of their budget into construction because of the building requirements, so we have to be clever with how we help clients achieve that dream kitchen.’’
It is that ability to create a client’s vision that Hannah and his team get a kick out of, from the smallest to the largest kitchens.
He says his smallest was in a Hobson St apartment where the kitchen, packed with functionality, was fitted into 10 square metres while he recently installed one in Hawke’s Bay that had 22 metres of bench space for a client who did catering but who also had young children who liked to cook and share time in the kitchen.
‘‘We have a specific formula so clients know exactly where they are when it comes to choices.
‘‘A kitchen involves cabinetry, benchtops, appliances, sub trades for installation and accessories like taps, lighting and sinks. Clients can choose from many options and with the formula we operate they can clearly see that if they choose a certain product, which is beyond what was allowed in the budget, then adjustments need to be made elsewhere.’’
It’s that clear and precise design process that Hannah says clients like – they know what they are buying, what the cost is, and the choice is nearly limitless.
And unique is no problem.
When a client requested leather for door fronts Hannah researched the choice and, while he loved the unique concept, wasn’t happy with the longevity expected from leather in the kitchen, told his client and persuaded him to use something else.
‘‘Another request from clients was a new kitchen in aluminium, silver and stainless steel. We talked about adding a bit of colour and they chose the hottest pink splashback I’ve ever seen.
‘‘It’s what the client wanted, it suited them and with their colour choice they made the kitchen who they are.’’
In the kitchen selected as a finalist in the global design awards, the scullery is equipped with fridges and storage of similar proportions to the kitchen with added bays for catering trolleys for caterers.
‘‘Today’s kitchens can be very smart, with electronic controls, appliances that are steam and induction with everything integrated behind panels and doors to make operation of appliances quieter,’’ he says.
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