WENDY GRATER – POGGENPOHL

Born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Wendy Grater has lived in SA for 35 years. After graduating with a BAS (Bachelor Architectural Studies) at UCT in 1986 she gained experience in kitchen design before joining Alpine German Kitchens in 2000 as a director. She became sole director in 2003 of the SA importer of Poggenpohl German kitchen systems.

She recalls: ‘During my studies in architecture at UCT, I realised that I really wanted to specialise in kitchen design. I enjoyed the detail and technical challenges, which are a part of creating this most important functional and aesthetic space in the home.

‘On taking full control at AGK I was determined to build on its success in the high-end imported kitchen market, while still remaining directly involved in the design of individual clients’ kitchens. I believe that integrity is key to long term success so my goal has been to develop a business that is able to meet every client expectation.

‘Our’s are spending substantial amounts on their kitchens and my job is to ensure that they are satisfied with their investment. I’m passionate about my work and find it very fulfilling to take a project from drawing board to reality. I synergise with exceptional architectural and interior design teams, as well as really impressive clients.’

On imported versus local kitchens Wendy Grater says: ‘Obviously budget is always a consideration, i.e. for a high-end imported kitchen. There are local manufacturers who do produce a good product but I would advise that the kitchen design company chosen belongs to the KSA (Kitchen Specialists Association), to ensure recourse should matters go awry.

Tel: 021 422 2373; fax: 021 422 2393 or email: poggenpohl@agk.co.za

CHRIS WEYLANDT – WEYLANDTS

This intuitive national retailer of furniture and decorating accessories was born in Namibia from German parentage. He says: ‘I loved growing up with the wide open spaces and desert landscapes. I feel that the connection I have to the organic / natural design elements, that are so significant in our collections, stems from my experiences and upbringing in Namibia.’

Chris Weylandt boarded at high school in Cape Town, but when did he first become interested in interior decoration and design?

He recalls: ‘I grew up in a family business where design and retailing was part of my normal life. The original Weylandts store,  which my father started in Namibia in 1964, was based on iconic European and Brazilian designer imports. These were brands such as B&B Italia; Montis; Arne Jacobsen and others, designs that I was exposed to from an early age. So, it was never a conscious decision but just happened,  a natural progression after I qualified as a chartered accountant’

This overall philosophy of the appreciation of high-end design, has it changed for Weylandts in 2011?

Says Chris Weylandt: ‘The fundamentals of my philosophy have not changed, but it is influenced by our lifestyle and the times we live in. Weylandts is based on integrity / design / good living / honesty / attention to detail and most importantly having fun with design and decoration.’

Yet, what position does high-end design hold in the current recession?

Weylandt: ‘Design per se is becoming increasingly important, but what’s vital is in which direction. My key prerequisites are: natural materials; simplicity; form and function; crafting and humility. We want to include more items that spell ‘design’ but their essence should encapsulate the list above. We also question how the product is being made, the waste factor and whether it is environmentally friendly, its longevity and the care taken in its production. Mass-produced and throw-away design is hopefully a thing of the past.

Visit: www.weylandts.co.za

November/December 2011 Issue

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