The Story of a Kitchen Designer
How it started
It was more than 30 years ago that I advertised that I was looking for “an exciting job”. Sembel-it, in those days the busiest kitchen manufacturer, offered me a position as a kitchen designer. This fitted perfectly as an addition to my previous studies of architecture in Germany.
The “apprentice” time
I learned the standard sizes of kitchen cabinets, the manufacturing and installation process, and how to draw a kitchen design and calculate the price. I really enjoyed my new job.
Of course, I made some mistakes, but the friendly fitters always knew how to solve a fitting problem and helped me out of embarrassing situations.
I was not very popular in the company. I wanted to work and deliver results and was too naïve to understand company policy. So after about nine months, I resigned to start my own kitchen design studio.
The preparation
I visited more upmarket kitchen manufacturers like Dan Kitchens, A-Z Kitchens, and Poggenpohl, and learned that worktops are not necessarily made of Formica. They can be solid hardwood, granite, stainless steel, tiled surfaces, or composites of quartz and resin such as Corian, Caesarstone, Tecton, and others.
I learned that cabinet doors can have many different finishes, not just standard white melamine, and that there is a great variety of handles that can be used instead of simple white, yellow, or red plastic handles.
I also learned that kitchen cabinets can be modified and that even the height of the worktop can be adjusted to suit the client’s needs.
I learned that electrical plugs are better positioned in a cabinet next to the appliance so they are easier to access, and that appliances should be on individual circuits in case one trips.
I learned that extra taps are not needed for dishwashers and washing machines, as they can be connected to the mixer tap for the basin next to them.
I discovered that the space in the plinth can be used to store surplus baking sheets, small foldable stepladders, and other items.
The “workflow”
Most importantly, I learned that a kitchen has to work like a small factory, based on how people actually work in a kitchen. From delivery, to storage, to the availability of gadgets, pots and pans, oils and spices at the right moment, a clear “line of action” must be considered.
The well-known “working triangle” between stove, sink, and fridge is not enough. The computer does not know this because it cannot cook. That is why I carefully design kitchens on the drawing board.
“The Kitchen Agent”
With all this knowledge, I confidently started my new studio, and it was a great success. I designed kitchens according to the available space and the client’s requirements, which were never the same.
I brought in new ideas and always extended the design to include lighting, tiling, existing furniture, and even expanding the available space if needed. I took clients to various showrooms to give them a good idea of what their new kitchen would look like and supplied samples for finishes.
My clients
My clients were usually very happy with the designs and with the performance of the suppliers we recommended.
Of course, there were sometimes misunderstandings. One client had an open-plan kitchen next to a staircase. From above, he could see small gaps where necessary fillers had been used, and he was upset about the “wasted space”. From then on, we added a roof on top of the wall units.
Another client tried to avoid the final payment. He went on his hands and knees to inspect the cut-out under the sink and said it was too rough. He still had to pay.
One very happy client was a midwife. She had an old house with beautiful high ceilings and windows, but too many windows in the kitchen. She had already approached several kitchen companies and was unhappy with their solutions.
We designed her kitchen with all the windows intact, and after installation her mother-in-law said, “Only a woman can design a kitchen like that.”
The gender question
As flattering as this compliment was, I do not agree. I believe in gender equality and am certain that people like Gordon Ramsay and his chef colleagues can also design well-functioning kitchens.
The secret is that they all understand the workflow. There is no running around looking for bits and pieces. Everything is in the right place at the right time. It is always a pleasure to watch these professionals cooking on TV.
“GEOMETRICS”
Along with kitchens came the design and installation of built-in cupboards, bathroom vanity units, and soon I was designing complete house interiors.
In 2000, I joined my architect husband’s practice and returned to my original path in architecture. We called the new venture “GEOMETRICS” to cover all our different possibilities.
Despite working on houses, developments, alterations, and extensions, my heart still belongs to kitchen design. I continue to design kitchens with passion, aiming for perfection and meticulous attention to detail. Most importantly, people must be happy with their kitchens.
I keep up to date with the latest developments in the kitchen world, from fridges that remind you about your next shopping trip, to remote-controlled cooking and washing, and exciting new finishes.
How to find me
Laura Dolgner
Cellphone: 27 83 294 4419
Email: info@geometricsdesign.co.za
