Customer service is the cornerstone of KWD, and as the business has grown so has our business development team. Meeting with our clients is such an exciting time, when we learn about the project ahead, discuss ideas, present samples and talk through the process, so it’s really important that the right relationship is established from the very first meeting. And now that Kate is working with James and Claire on all business development projects, each and every client is assured of the time, care and attention to detail they deserve.
James Buddle manages all projects in the Melbourne CBD and surrounds, and having lived in South Yarra, Toorak and Armadale for many years, he is very familiar with the architecture and landscape of these areas. With an impressive CV behind him, James was most recently importing decorative art tiles from Canada which he sold to the retail marketplace in Australia for over 15 years. His passion for all things beautiful combined with his innate design aesthetic saw him establish strong relationships with his client base, offering them sound design advice and exceptional customer service.
With James heading up the metropolitan area for KWD, our clients can be assured of a collaboration that is open and honest. He has a way of exploring and understanding a client’s visual needs and practical requirements so that he can assist them in creating a space they feel comfortable and at peace with. His love and knowledge of plants and trees has seen him develop a talent for landscape design, and he understands how to integrate the external environment with the internal. Be it a small residential project or large scale commercial build, James communicates clearly and executes professionally to ensure each and every project receives his full focus and commitment.
“The KWD team is professional and supportive, with Kate providing passionate leadership. Her wealth of knowledge comes from being involved in the industry for so many years, and her expertise ensures I am offering our clients the best possible hard finish and design solutions. Sourcing from a large number of import partners allows us to work with a wide range of budgets and timelines, and the access we have to a stunning and amazing variety of resources enables us to fulfil a client’s brief and exceed their expectations. It is stimulating and satisfying to incorporate such an array of finishes into the projects we work on, from traditional to contemporary, from retro to industrial, and from bold and colourful to conservative and classic palettes and styles. I love working in an industry where positive and motivated clients work with incredible architects and designers to create spaces that will stand the test of time.”
Claire Williams knows and loves the Mornington Peninsula. Born and bred in Flinders and living in Mt Martha, Claire understands the cultural landscape, the effect of light and the sea air and the terrain from hinterland to coast. With a strong background in business, tourism and hospitality, Claire is proficient in project management, operations, financial management and deadlines. Importantly, she also has first class communication skills and is warm, friendly and approachable. She listens carefully to client briefs so that she has a full grasp of the design and budget requirements. Having worked with KWD since its inception in 2013, Claire also has fantastic relationships with all our import partners, builders, architects and contractors. Her accuracy and attention to detail is complemented by her efficient and organised mind, and her problem solving skills ensure any issues that arise are handled quickly and effectively.
“Kate is so very professional and hardworking, and it is amazing to see and hear her in action in a client briefing. She instinctively knows what clients are looking for and her mind is an instant resource for every type of hard finish available on the market. She can pull together a design, complete with colour palette, in the first consultation. I have been very fortunate to have been trained and mentored by Kate, and I know that I can efficiently see through the projects that we are fortunate enough to work on. The KWD team is like a family, and we have a united vision of the KWD philosophy. I so enjoy the challenge and excitement of each and every new project, and I know that the design, source and supply service we offer is customised, personal and unique.”
Kate attends every initial client consultation with James or Claire, and she leads the creative direction of the project. She has a natural and instinctive gift for design, and she works closely with James and Claire to make the vision a reality. It is then James and Claire who project manage the whole process of the build, ensuring that every hard finish that has been specified is sourced and supplied on budget and is delivered on time.
If you would like to arrange a meeting with Kate and James or Claire, or have a chat about your design project, please email Claire Williams if you are on the Mornington Peninsula (claire@katewalkerdesign.com.au) or James Buddle if you are based in Melbourne or surrounds (james@katewalkerdesign.com.au). We look forward to working with you.