Loris Pullen began her career in the kitchen industry in 1977. She was one of the first women in the industry in South Australia, and is one of the few long-term kitchen and bathroom designers still practicing in Australia today. She began her Independent Kitchen Design service in 1983, fulfilling an industry need for an unbiased design service throughout metropolitan and country SA, offering a design-only fee or concept-to-completion service.
As a recently inducted life member (the first) of the Kitchen and Bathroom Designer’s Institute, Loris’ passion for training goes back many years. TKBB asked Loris why designers should be trained. “I realised that the credibility I was striving for, and needed, to gain the trust and confidence of the consumer could only be attained through knowledge, experience and training, and for this to be truly effective, an industry body, the KBDi, with reputable and meaningful training options, Designer Training, was essential for designers, both old and new to the industry, to achieve a true career path. I have been fortunate to see our industry mature, and to be part of these things happening over the years in addition to having enjoyed the opportunities in life that this has given me. I have been passionate about helping others along the same pathway to achieve a truly worthwhile and satisfying career.”
And what about consumer sentiment towards accredited designers: “Today, when kitchens and bathrooms have become such sophisticated spaces, it is even more important to the consumer who is about to invest a large sum of money, to be absolutely confident in the knowledge and ability of the designer to produce the result required. Using an accredited designer gives an assurance that the designer has experience, knowledge of standards, ergonomics, trends, and materials, and is a recognised professional.”
In my opinion there was no better person to become the first life member of KBDi. Her impact on training and attitude towards Australia having a professional and recognised industry, in addition to a fruitful and satisfying career, are second to none. Her position on training is obvious – what is yours?
For more information on training in the industry visit www.designertraining.edu.au
For more information on the KBDi visit www.kbdi.org.au
