As we say goodbye to September, veteran kitchen designer Laurence Pidgeon shares some musings on the KBB industry…
When people outside the industry ask what I do, I say…
I design kitchens to cook in. I’m a passionate hobby cook, even though passion does not always equate with perfection! I design practical, functional kitchens that are good to work in, and encourage creative and joyful cooking. It’s what a kitchen is for; it’s a design statement last, not first.
If I was in charge of this industry I would…
Educate consumers about the value of design. As a dyed-in-the-wool kitchen specialist, I feel that the big multiples are dumbing down the noble art of actual kitchen design. Their business model is getting inexperienced, sales-hungry staff devoid of knowledge to give good advice and guidance to clients who are going to live with their shortcomings for many years.
What I love most about my job is…
Meeting the clients, taking and understanding the brief and especially overcoming problems, both in the design and the final installation.
The thing people might not know about me is…
That my great uncle, Frederick Humpherson, is now credited with inventing the one piece washdown ceramic WC in partnership with his brother, my great grandfather. That’s absolutely confirmed by the Science Museum, contrary to the common theories about Thomas Crapper. Pity about the royalties though.
The work story I always tell to make people laugh is…
About the builder who drew around an inset sink, cut to the line around it in a laminate worktop and then couldn’t understand why the sink fell straight through. He did it twice!
The industry person I most admire is…
The late Gerd Bulthaup (pictured) I worked with him in the late seventies and I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone with so much drive, flair and vision. The kitchen industry would have been quite different if Gerd had not taken over his father’s small kitchen factory back in the day. I’d also say Uwe Hanneck (former head of BSH UK) – he’s a dynamic man and certainly a true visionary who really understood and opened up the UK market.
I wish this industry would talk more about…
The purpose of a kitchen and what it’s actually for – a food factory! The industry seems to see the kitchen as a lifestyle statement which I understand as it’s easier to market and promote. But, for me, it’s a place to enjoy cooking, to entertain, serve as a family centre, the heart of the home and by far the most important room in the house.
I wish this industry would talk less about…
Fashion. What’s the flavour of the month? Midnight Blue shaker with copper accessories this year? We must always remember that a kitchen is for life, not just for Christmas. We all know avocado bathrooms are not so lovely 30 years on.
My biggest professional inspiration is…
To keep on enjoying every day and every project while they present a new challenge.
My proudest professional achievement is…
That I’m still doing this after so many years and still loving it as much as ever.
One professional mistake I’ve learned from is…
Oh so very many. Trusting an architect’s measurements for an all stainless steel Boffi kitchen. That took a bit of sorting out but it means I ALWAYS check for myself now. Another is believing anyone who says ‘the cheque is in the mail’. After over 50 years at the coalface there are plenty more to confess as you can imagine, but hopefully I’ve learned not to make the same mistake twice, that’s a very important lesson.
If I could go back to the day I started in this industry, I would tell myself…
Don’t do it, it’s addictive!
In ten years time I will be…
Even older. My father retired from the bathroom business at age 83. So I’ve still got a little way to go yet.
I dance in my kitchen to…
’You’ll Always Find Me In The Kitchen At Parties’ by Jona Lewie, because you will, always.
The song I always sing in the shower is…
‘Songbird’ by Fleetwood Mac.