Robert Clark is the creator and managing director of the Kitchen Door Workshop. He has brought together a portfolio of kitchen and bedroom doors in lots of styles and finishes that can be used to makeover people’s homes affordably, easily, quickly and in a more sustainable manner. He also shares tips about how to tackle DIY projects and make your dream kitchen and bedroom a reality through a series of online YouTube videos. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Robert Clark.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
I like designs which are affordable, stylish, practical and have a timeless feel. Take the shaker look; it’s been around since before 1860 but it still looks modern today.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
I think you first have to think about the purpose of a project. What are you really trying to achieve? You have to keep this at the core of everything you do.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
Creativity is not limited to just those that are fortunate to have it in their job title. I’m constantly surprised by the creativity of all of my team. Everyone can bring a contribution to the company creatively whether they work in sales, production or in marketing. It’s great to draw ideas from people’s everyday lives and experiences. You have to draw talent from all around you to make a successful business.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
It’s about being aware of the world you live in and asking questions. Is there a better way to do that? That is what has made people like James Dyson so successful as he looked at something common place like a vacuum cleaner and thought how can I improve that.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
I used to run a kitchen showroom selling people whole kitchens but I saw that there was a niche that wasn’t being catered for. Not everyone can afford or wants to replace their whole kitchen. The market was missing a good replacement kitchen door company so I took the initiative to make it happen and do it better than anyone else. You’ve got to give people a product that they really want and do it better than anyone else. I really believe in word of mouth and so I think it’s essential that you prove yourself time and again. It’s the only way to run a successful business.
