A North East luxury kitchen company has employed an award-winning designer as it prepares to launch its flagship showroom.
Oakstone Designs, which specialises in the design, construction and installation of stunning high quality kitchens, will open the doors of its store in Darlington’s exclusive Grange Road area next month.
As part of its aim to continue to build on its reputation as one of the paramount kitchen companies for discerning customers in the region, Oakstone Designs has secured the services of George Campbell, who brings with him over 30 years’ industry experience and some of the highest accolades in the business.
At last year’s May Design Series in London, George was awarded Hafele UK Gold Award for Best Showroom Design 2015, which sees nominations received from all over the country. He was particularly recognised for his hand-drawn designs – which he believes are behind his success – and which he is looking forward to bringing to Oakstone Designs.
George said: “Hand-drawn plans and elevation drawings add a personal touch, which will make every stage of the Oakstone Designed kitchen truly hand crafted.
“The level of detail not only shows the client exactly how the new kitchen will look, but is also used as the production drawing in the workshop for the cabinet makers to follow in every detail.
“Although the plans take a long time to prepare, there is great satisfaction in seeing the completed drawings and the way in which they will represent Oakstone Designs.”
It was at these same awards that George met Oakstone Designs’ founder, Stephen Kennedy, and discovered they shared a passion for good design, the quality of materials used and the need for outstanding customer service.
George continued: “I liked the way in which Stephen spoke passionately about his clients, his staff, his suppliers and his design projects with excitement and respect, an important trait not often demonstrated by others.
“I was delighted when he asked me to join his already successful business at his new flagship showroom in Northumberland Street, which will showcase the very best in contemporary English design and quality.
“Stephen’s forward thinking, his vision for the future and the opportunity to work on a daily basis with a professional team made me excited about the opportunity work with him and his team.”
The opening of the new showroom comes as Oakstone Designs enters its 12th year of business. Stephen is hoping that alongside the news of George joining, it will help raise the company’s profile to the next level and maintain the vision he has for its future – one which has never changed since the company was established in 2004.
Stephen said: “George’s appointment and the opening of the showroom will help to establish the dream I am working towards. That is for Oakstone Designs to be recognised as the best kitchen company in the world, ensuring it continues to employ the best designers, cabinet makers and installers and use the finest materials and construction methods in our kitchens to guarantee our designs and installations are second to none.
“I’m always looking to raise the profile of Oakstone Designs in the North East, but I was keen to remain in the town where it was established in twelve years ago.
“With this in mind, when the opportunity to set up a new flagship showroom in such a great location came up, it seemed like a no-brainer to me.
“I think Oakstone Designs is a perfect fit in Northumberland Street and it gave me a great opportunity to invite George Campbell to come and work with us and head-up our design team. He is a very well respected designer in the kitchen industry and his appointment is a very exciting development for us.”
The state-of-the-art showroom will showcase some of the company’s best work and will have a fully operational kitchen on display. This will be used to host cooking demonstration evenings, wine tastings and more, so customers are able to see the luxury kitchen being used in all its glory. Luxurious integrated appliances, including AEG, a mixture of painted and timber finishes and George’s studio will also be on site.
To find out more about Oakstone Designs please visit, http://oakstonedesigns.co.uk/.