Sponsored by Cav’Art Designer Stone
It says a lot about a supplier when an interior designer sees them as an extension of their team and trusts they’ll offer their clients a personalised and exceptional service. For Nathan Karpenko, managing director of Cav’Art Designer Stone, the relationships with the designers and stylists specifying his product in their projects are really important, and he loves being able to offer their clients something special at his Sydney showroom.
“It’s great to have trust and confidence from designers, architects and specifiers who work with clients for their home or commercial space and recommend us. Most times, designers will visit us with their clients; however some also recommend us and trust that we will provide great service and options to guide them through the stone selection process.”
As with Nathan’s approach to most things in business, it isn’t about being the biggest or the cheapest, and unlike larger brands, potential customers aren’t left walking around a warehouse until they find something they like. “We are able to give them time and let them know about the performance for each different type of stone. Stone can look different from an image on a phone or computer, and the slabs always look so much better in person.”
Regular customer Anita Nader, of Anita Nader Interior Design, loves taking her clients into Cav’Art’s Sydney showroom and feels it reflects well on her business too. “We draw inspiration from the stone that Nathan is bringing in, which is something I have assisted him with; picking the right batches and knowing what I would like to see in future projects. In our renders, we include the actual slabs and this really helps our clients fall in love from the beginning. Usually, I take clients to Cav’Art to confirm the actual slab selection. We do the hard work early on.”
Cate Liedtke, director & design principal at Catherine de Meur Interiors, insists on taking her clients into Cav’Art. “There’s absolutely no comparison at all,” she says, “The amazing nuance in a piece of gorgeous stone cannot be appreciated in a small sample. Samples are there to help match colour. Going into Cav’Art with our clients to see a big piece is a game changer.”
She adds: “Cav’art are very personalised in their approach to customer service. They don’t only focus on the end user but us as designers as well. They take the time to get to know us and what we like. Nothing is too much trouble for them. Their approach is to not stop until the client finds the piece they can fall in love with. That’s our philosophy at Catherine de Meur Interiors too. We’re a great match.”
Going out to the warehouse is a non-negotiable for Cate. “I liken selecting a piece of stone to finding your wedding dress. You know when you find the right one and nothing is going to change your mind on that. You can’t get that experience from a photo or small sample. Again, it also brings the client into the design process which is always a lovely thing to do.”
Coming up to their five-year business anniversary, Nathan has built Cav’Art’s reputation on quality rather than quantity. “This has helped us grow a proud reputation over the years and we’re now known as one of Sydney’s leading suppliers of premium natural stone. I was recently amazed when one of our trusted suppliers, who themselves are one of the largest suppliers in Brazil and have supplied us with beautiful natural stone over the years, told me that we are their largest client in Australia! This is another great milestone and acknowledgement of the amazing work and support from our incredible staff and clients.”
He added: “Our main Italian supplier who we have worked with from the early days, also mentioned that we are their biggest client in Australia now,” Nathan added. “We stick with trusted quality partners.”
Anita says there’s nothing like seeing the whole slab, which can often be a starting point, when it comes to getting excited about your project. “Seeing them in real life and making a connection to the slabs is my favourite part of the design process. This is why we use slab images in our renders and then take the client to the showroom for final confirmation.”
Nathan and his team have spent a lot of time ensuring their natural stone slabs are well displayed in the safest way, and they enjoy going through different batches, slab by slab, with clients to ensure the selection process is relaxed and enjoyable. “We always say the sample is like a small piece of a jigsaw puzzle, and small samples can definitely help with colour palettes; however seeing the full slabs of natural stone provides a better picture,” he says.
Anita agrees her relationship with Cav’Art reflects well on her own small business. “It’s all about the quality of the product, the service and for me it’s all about the support that Nathan gives us and our projects. If I wouldn’t use it in my own projects, I wouldn’t recommend it. Nathan is, and has always been, so supportive of myself, the business and the clients. This formula is why he has incredible repeat business.”
Cate says her business relationships are a top priority and without the collaboration and help from her suppliers, she couldn’t execute her designs to the high standard she wants. “Slab selections are my favourite part of the process. There is nothing better than seeing your clients fall in love with a piece of stone. They become so invested in their project at an early stage and they get to play a huge part in the design process which is very important to us.
“Our relationship with Cav’Art reflects well on our business too. The level of professionalism, customer service and care taken by their team is second to none. These are all values we hold dear to us. Things can go wrong in the building process. Knowing you can rely on your suppliers to go above and beyond for you and your clients means everything. We trust Cav’Art to give our clients honest, constructive feedback so we can help them make the right decision for their home and family.”
Mel Devine, studio manager at Concepts by Gavin Hepper, says selecting stone at Cav’Art is personalised and professional. “To ensure our clients are focused and reviewing product that is perfect for their project, Nathan and the team pull out available slabs that meet our specifications and have them ready for viewing. We also know that he has access to quality stones from across the world and we work quite closely on special projects where lead times allow.”
She adds: “Stone selection in person is imperative. Whilst indicative images can be gauged online, selecting your final pieces is like choosing artwork and should be a personalised experience. We often draw elements such as paint or joinery colours out of the final stone selection. It is one of our favourite parts of specifying natural stone: seeing the look on customers’ faces when they find their piece. We know it will become an integral part of their daily life; a place where their family and friends will gather and memories will be made.”
There’s no doubt Nathan’s many years in high end hospitality honed his customer service skills long before he became an expert in natural stone.
And yes, of course they have good coffee!
For more on Anita Nader Interior Design, Catherine de Meur Interiors and Concepts by Gavin Hepper.
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