Natural ability dovetails earned experience
Damian Hannah's love of design started early – however, he probably never dreamed he'd one day be lead designer and managing director of multi award-winning firm German Kitchens
Respected and award-winning designer Damian Hannah was brought up in a kitchen-designing family.
“I was drawing my first kitchen plans at 15 and working in the showroom and assisting with kitchen installations during my school holidays. I guess its in my blood.”
That was way back when. Today, with a National Diploma in Kitchen Design and a string of design awards to his name, Hannah is Lead Designer at German Kitchen, Wellington’s longest established imported kitchen company. The company has been designing, selling, importing and installing German manufactured kitchens, appliances, wardrobes and furniture since 1991.
Hannah describes his predominant design style as focussed on clean, contemporary looks and says he specialises in the lineal aspects of design.
In terms of inspiration for his projects, Hannah investigates lots of design based avenues and events as well as researching the historical influences that have shaped our kitchen designs of today.
“I am a big believer of form follows function in a kitchen or bathroom design as you need these areas to function foremost,” says Hannah. “If you manage to create the right form after the function then you have the perfect design.”
In terms of favoured materials, Damian Hannah is still very partial to natural stone – he loves the uniqueness of natural materials and tries to incorporate the beauty that Mother Nature has created for us at every design opportunity.
Trends asked Damian Hannah what the primary focus of German Kitchens is.
“Obviously, we specialise in designing and supplying everything German as they simply make the best products and their workmanship is second to none.
"We are lucky to be agents here in New Zealand for Eggersmann, Poggenpohl, Alno, Schmalenbach and we also sell Gaggenau, Neff and all other German associated products like Hansgrohe and Blanco."
The designer’s favourite part of his role at German Kitchens, is client engagement.
“To truly design the ideal solution for my clients needs and values we need to understand their lives – how they live, how they entertain and their family requirements. This leads us to become friends and we maintain this relationship right through to the final installation and beyond.”
In terms of sustainability, Hannah chooses suppliers who are sustainably focused and whose factories are all operating on renewable energy.
To find out more and talk to Damian Hannah, contact German Kitchens, 04 802 4806; address/showroom (by appointment): 172 Taranaki Street, Wellington, New Zealand; email: damian@germankitchens.nz; website: germankitchens.nz
Story by: Trendsideas
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