We were delighted to see the kitchen at one of our projects recently recognised with an HIA Hunter Kitchen of the Year award. Congratulations to the teams at Cutting Edge Joinery and Built by Eli for executing the project so beautifully.

For us, a kitchen is never designed as a separate element within a house. The interiors are integral to the success of the whole project, and we design the architecture, interiors and joinery together so that each forms part of the same idea.

The design starts with understanding how our clients cook, what they need to store and how they like to entertain and use the space in everyday life. From the overall layout to the organisation of a drawer, each decision helps make the kitchen easier and more enjoyable to use.

Materiality is equally important. We like kitchens to feel warm and tactile, with materials that become richer through use.

One of our favourite parts of this kitchen is the coffee nook — a brass insert set within an Armour Ply Spotted Gum shell. Flush timber doors allow it to disappear when it isn’t being used, while opening it reveals a small, beautifully detailed space for the everyday ritual of making coffee.

It was our first project using Armour Ply, and we loved the depth and variation of the Spotted Gum veneer. The brass provides a lovely contrast to the timber and will continue to develop its own patina over time.

The quality of the finished kitchen reflects the care taken at every stage, from design through to construction.

It is particularly lovely to see a space designed around the small rituals of everyday living recognised in this way.