Wollongong's Gavin Hepper is in the running for global recognition after taking out the Trends International Design Awards' Australian Designer Kitchen of the Year Award on the weekend.
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After growing up at Sandon Point near Bulli and starting his career as a joiner/ cabinet maker 25 years ago Mr Hepper founded his own business, Concepts By Gavin Hepper, 12 years ago and his client base has grown ever since.
"We will now get judged against all winners from the rest of the world," he said.
"It is great to help put the Illawarra on the international stage. It couldn't come at a better time with the building boom at the moment."
COVID-19 is helping the Towradgi business expand and it is presently seeking to fill a new intern position.
Mr Hepper was scheduled to fly to Melbourne this week to work with some new clients but had to postpone the trip because of new coronavirus cases in Victoria.
"We have actually got a lot of work in Melbourne at the moment," he said.
"COVID has taught us we can communicate via Zoom or video links. The way we do our design presentation with 3D virtual imagery means we can do that online. We are taking on a lot more work interstate."
Mr Hepper said having one of his designs win TIDA Australia Designer Kitchen of the Year was incredible.
He said the project near Waterfall was only achievable by the client's complete faith in the vision and the support of suppliers and tradespeople who worked alongside Concepts by Gavin Hepper.
"The brands I worked with on the project have pushed the win out on their social media. I have received a huge influx of inquiries that have come in from people who have looked at that kitchen and decided they need it in their home."
"We have been doing a lot of collaboration with businesses and brands who are searching for ways during COVID-19 to present their new products to the broader building, design and architecture industry. A lot of them have approached us to use their latest products in our projects as a way to release them into the market."
Mr Hepper has won NSW Bathroom Designer Awards in the past but the business has evolved significantly since over the last five years.
"We have really ramped up the design and project side of the things. We have another extremely significant project in Coledale that we are also expecting to be very successful.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
