Quarter-inch Spaces - The DJCK Blog

Stephen James Smith

Do you remember those wash drawings of “the car of the future”..? And when we were amazed to see how things were expected to be “in the 21^st century”..? Well, folks, this IS the 21^st century - and we are IN it. Indeed, we are almost a decade into it already! We are actually driving those 21^st century automobiles.

So how did those concepts get from wash drawings to the real thing? Indeed, how does any design get from its conception to manufacturing?

Answer: design engineering. Often the most overlooked part of the process, but undoubtedly the most important; from both the designer’s viewpoint and that of the manufacturer. In essence, design engineering is the element which provides the “instructions” of how the manufacturer will actually build the design concept.

And this is where Deborah James Coastal Kitchens comes in. Effectively, DJCK serves as both the back-room of the designer AND the engineering department of the factory (ie: the “face of the factory”). Which means that you, as a design professional, have total control over each and every project – yet without the additional overhead of the expertise required in order to undertake the design engineering, manufacturers’ shop drawings, and order-processing. (Oh, and we provide all that as all part of the service, at no extra charge.)

So how do your clients benefit? Easy, the whole essence of the DJCK model is that the service is “factory direct”. This means that no longer do you and your clients have to pay “through the nose” for the overhead involved in running a manufacturer’s or dealer-style showroom (by this I am not referring to a designer’s showroom or design gallery, of course).

Deborah herself used to own Rutt of Chicago, in the Chicago Merchandise Mart, complete with $1m-worth of displays, an amazing monthly lease to pay, and all the costs of staffing and other overhead. Guess who ends up paying for that… the interior designer and/or the end-user, of course. It was this experience which led Deborah to consider that “there must be a better way for designers to obtain high-end cabinetry”.

Thus, the DJCK model has eliminated those costs from the equation, giving you (and your client) the opportunity of “factory-direct pricing”. You are able to sit down with your client at a computer – a virtual showroom if you like - to assess which styles and themes the client has in mind (remember, this is the 21^st century, after all, when even the sales of $1m boats and houses, even of whole islands, are made through the internet).

For the “touch and feel” we send you samples of your actual project at no additional charge , and we also provide interior design professionals and specifiers with a complete support service, including turning your concepts and drawings into manufacturers/shop drawings as well as comprehensive order-processing – again all at no additional charge.

We realize that there is always a natural resistance to a new way of doing things. And when you become a registered purchaser of DJCK you have absolutely no commitments nor quotas to fulfil – indeed there are no costs at all! Anf, it is a free market, after all, and you are free to choose whichever suppliers you are most comfortable with.

So, of course, we have no objection to you continuing to utilize a manufacturer’s or dealer’s showroom for your cabinetry. But remember, DJCK is here to help you, as an interior designer or specifier, to be more competitive in your marketplace. Our mantra is to provide you with unbeatable quality, at an unbeatable price, and with the very best service.

Your clients will always be happily surprised when they learn that the cost of their dream kitchen could be in region of 25-50% less by going factory-direct. Surely they would prefer to “touch and feel” those kinds of savings…

Stephen James Smith is Co-owner and Managing Director of Deborah James Coastal Kitchens, LLC., which provides manufacturing and design support services to interior design professionals and architects throughout the USA.

How long have you been involved in the kitchen industry?
Let’s just say, “For over two decades”. I don’t want to sound ancient!  My biggest success until now was when I owned the flagship showroom Rutt of Chicago in the Chicago Merchandise Mart. During that time I worked with some wonderful clients: Kennedy family, Van Kampen family, Chicago Tribune family, as well as designing the television showpiece kitchen at the home of TV chef Charlie Trotter. I have worked with some of my clients for over 20 years and in several successive homes, and still do the occasional direct work for one or two of my long-term clientele.

What made you start your current business?
I had been providing high-end cabinetry to residential clients for over two decades and had always felt that there was a better way of doing this; whereby interior designers could retain control of their projects without the need to go through the traditional route. So, the concept of “factory-direct” for interior designers was born. I had carried this in my head for several years when I met my partner. With his business acumen and experience he was able to see exactly how the business model would help interior designers, and we have since refined it to something unique in the industry.

How does the business model work?
We have simplified the whole procedure. Designers bring their concepts to us and we produce manufacturer’s drawings for them, as well as undertaking the order-processing, all as part of the service. (Don’t designers LOVE order processing…?) We consult with them along the way and ultimately manufacture the finished product, which we supply “factory direct” to the interior designer at trade price. Interior designers are is thus relieved of all the mechanical “hassle” and receive a high-quality product at a very competitive price.

Is this service open to anyone?
The service is to the trade only, and is open to interior design professionals and specifiers to register a trade account with us at no charge and without any commitments or quotas. Our service is nationwide and we have service representatives in key locations to provide every assistance locally. Also, I am always happy to talk direct with any interior design professional.

Do you just produce kitchens, or is there more?
We produce high-end custom cabinetry for any room in the house. Of course, 90 per cent of our business happens to be kitchens and bathrooms, but we have also worked on libraries, dining-room étâgères, living-room entertainment centers, bedrooms, and mud-rooms. Also, because of our capacity to produce the most intricate wood carving, the company also manufactures high-end bespoke furniture, which we produce either as a one-of-a-kind or as a limited edition, according to a designer’s requirements.

What is your view on the current economic climate and its effect on the interior design industry?
The current economic situation has, of course, reduced demand, even at the high end. In fact, I have never seen the high end of the market affected so badly. But the business IS there, for those who have the right product and service at the right price AND who are willing to persevere and go out and get it. All business also have to look at the way they work and figure out how to achieve the same ends through more competitive and profitable means. That is why our business model is so effective: it provides the high quality that people demand yet, being at trade price and “factory direct”, it is available at a price which end-user clients also find very attractive.

Moving away from the business side of things, why did you choose to live where you are now?
I am originally from Wisconsin and worked for many years in Chicago, but my heart was always in New Orleans. I moved to live in Southern Louisiana with my partner and our dogs after Hurricane Katrina. My daughter had been living there for several years and I wanted to be closer to her also. We all love the climate and the landscape, and we never cease to be breathtaken by the beauty and splendor of the Garden District and the romance of the French Quarter.

Thank you Deborah.

Deborah is co-owner of Deborah James Coastal Kitchens, LLC.
www.deborahjameskitchens.com

Originally published by Design Success University
www.designsuccessu.com

Stephen James Smith spotlights designer Anne Thull’s views on art and functionality.

“Furniture and Cabinetry are not just functional. I endeavor to design products for these areas that are themselves timeless works of Art.”

Heady words from designer Anne Thull, who owns and operates her own design business in the San Francisco Design Center. Anne views cabinetry as “architectural art” and furniture as “functional art” because they can be strong elements that may dramatically enhance an architect’s overall structural design concept. Explains Anne, “Cabinetry, for example, can become a design theme throughout the entire building that becomes a strong structural and timeless backdrop for the interior designer’s trendy touches. Thus, functionality becomes art.” 

Anne has been involved with providing fine art designs in a variety of materials for the past three decades - turning a client designer’s sketch into the finished article for the individual end-user, or designing and manufacturing custom architectural art such as entry doors, cabinetry, and fireplace surrounds as well as functional art for furniture.

Anne’s skills even extend to the creation of original murals, paintings and sculptures, as well as featuring selected artists in her showroom.

So where does Anne’s architectural art and functional art philosophy come from?  “I have always viewed many architectural and functional pieces as the basis for artistic expression,” explained Anne.  ” I see no reason why various essential functional areas cannot be viewed as  serious‘ artistic’ pieces  that enhance and add great value to all work and home  environments.  After all, automobiles have long since been viewed as functional products , designed in a handsome style that carries a definite intended image, works of art if you like, and there are some wonderful examples of artistic expression in the history of the car, and such examples have become classics that I greatly admire,” she added.

Such an outlook has served Anne well, one of her latest creations being a most beautiful piece of cabinetry that may be used as a furniture- island piece, which sits proudly in her showroom and which has turned heads. This is a fine example of a functional art piece designed by Anne and produced by Deborah James Coastal Kitchens, which demonstrates great design and a beauty beyond its functionality. As Anne explains, “To some, a cabinet may be merely a cabinet. But this piece shows how a practical and functional piece can become artistic, by  emphasizing  features such as wood grain and by purposely highlighting  the natural beauty of each wood species as it is incorporated into the design.“

Anne concluded, “It sits as a piece of art in itself, because it is an exceptionally well-made  product that is practical and appealing, yet timeless because its design enhances its purpose.”

And that is the key to Anne’s philosophy. Should any object be “just what it does”..? Or should its design enable that object to stand up in its own right as a thing of timeless beauty and function?

With Anne, the answer is most definitely in the latter.

Stephen James Smith is co-owner and managing director of Deborah James Coastal Kitchens, producers of high-end kitchens and cabinetry factory-direct to interior designers and specifiers nationwide. www.deborahjameskitchens.com

Anne Thull is owner and creative consultant of Anne Thull Fine Art Designs, providing artistic consulting and custom or limited edition products. www.annethullfineartdesigns.com

Stephen James Smith ASID, FRSA 

I’m almost afraid to start with, “in the current economic climate…”

However, in the current economic climate… all businesses are faced with an enormous challenge: “How to remain profitable so that we can make it through. Unless we retain our profitability, we ain’t gonna be able to pay the bills; we ain’t gonna be in business!”

Therefore we increase our marketing efforts (don’t we?), we try to cut costs, and we try to increase profitability on every job and assignment we are involved with.

“But the business just isn’t there!” I hear you cry. Yes it is. We just have to find it. Yes, it is like trying to find the proverbial needle in a haystack, but it is there, especially at the higher end of the market. And if you don’t go for it, someone else surely will.

Of course, the business is not there in the volume you may be used to. So how do you make less business more profitable?

Some may say: “Think outside the box”. Let me tell you something: there IS no box! Who says you are forced to do business the way it has always been done? Who says it has to be conducted in the ‘old’ way? Come on… we are almost into the second decade of the 21^st century. Do we still have to do things the same way we did in the 80s? (Not that there was anything wrong with the 80s, except for some pretty dodgy hairstyles).

A reminder folks – this IS the 21^st Century. Recession aside for a moment – this is that bright high-tech future they told us about way back when we had more hair and less bulk. This IS “tomorrow’s world”.

We have computer systems that fit into our pocket; we have email on-the-go; we have internet and website promotion. We are able to conduct worldwide business while still in our PJs for goodness sake!

So let’s not even THINK about “thinking outside the box”: let’s throw away the box.

What has this got to do with interior design? What has this got to do with the way you provide new cabinetry for that client’s kitchen project, or master bathroom, or library? Answer: EVERYTHING. There IS a way for you to provide your clients with all the service they need, all the quality they demand; while at the same time enabling you, as an interior designer, to be more profitable than you may ever have been. Simply by discarding the “old way” and looking at new perspective - a 21^st Century perspective.

When it came to providing cabinetry for a client, the traditional way has been for the interior design professional to go through a cabinetry dealer, probably charge only a fee, maybe a small markup if you are feeling really brave.

Why would it not be possible for YOU to make the margin rather than the dealer? Wouldn’t it be nice if you were able to do what you do best – that is, working for and with your client and making their dreams come true while your supplier does all the grunt, but gives you a more-than-reasonable margin?

Well, now it IS possible. “Thank goodness,” you say when you realize that no longer do you have to spend hours on detailed specifications and order processing.

“Thank goodness”, you say, when you realize you can spend time with your client instead of with the manufacturer.

And “Wow!” you exclaim when you realize that you can not only charge somewhere closer to your hourly rate but you can also make a margin three or four times what you have been used to!

That is exactly the business model which Debi Oertle and I devised a few years back, and have since been refining, when we ourselves realized that there must be a better way. That surely the interior design professional should be earning more for what they do. That surely the control should be in the hands of the interior designer – and so should the profit!

So, we threw away the box! We threw away the showroom (incidentally, Debi’s showroom which she owned and operated in the Chicago Merchandise Mart swallowed up ENORMOUS overheads). We utilized the internet to its fullest advantage, and we developed a model which gives control and the profitability BACK TO YOU, the interior designer. 

Stephen James Smith and Deborah Oertle are co-owners of Deborah James Coastal Kitchens, an ASID Industry Partner and a nationwide design, order processing and manufacturing services company specifically for Interior Design Professionals. www.deborahjameskitchens.com

This blog was first published by The Design Success University on October 19th 2008  http://www.designsuccessu.com

by Stephen James Smith 

DO YOU own a high end vehicle? A Rolls-Royce or a Bentley, perhaps? Or maybe an Aston Martin, or a top-of-the-range Mercedes or Jaguar?

Now, ask yourself, where do you take it for its servicing and repairs? The local lube and tune? Noway! The service garage down the street, who advertises, “Full-service 30 bucks”? Never! Or maybe even, you’ll take it to a registered dealer…  After all, your car IS worth the best part of a hundred thousand, or even two hundred thousand dollars. Or what about “my cousin, who tinkers with cars”..?

So, and I often ponder this: why would anyone have a totally unique custom designed and manufactured kitchen, featuring the very best woods worked by the finest of craftsmen, the smoothest of actions - not to mention the latest and greatest appliances – and costing the price of a luxury automobile… Why oh why would I entrust its installation to “my cousin Vinny”..?

There is more to installing a kitchen than merely screwing to the wall a few cupboards purchased from the local home improvement center. Indeed, the installation itself forms very much THE BACKBONE of the creation of that awesome custom masterpiece which has taken years of experience and countless hours to design and produce.

The following is a (sad but) true story:

Mr. and Mrs. Jones had spent tens and tens of thousands of dollars (more than the price of their luxury automobile) on having the kitchen of their dreams - designed by the best of high end designers and manufactured in the finest quality elite hardwoods by one of the finest cabinetry manufacturers in the country.

The cabinetry was delivered on a curbside truck, each piece custom-made, worth its weight in gold, and wrapped in thick blankets to provide the ultimate protection. The kitchen had been floored with beautiful stone tile and all the electrical and plumbing were in the right places.

Even though it was Mrs. Jones who had worked with the designer, Mr. Jones however wanted to “save money”. (Don’t we all… ) But there are savings, and there are “savings”. Despite the grandiose nature (and the price) of all this fine cabinetry and its luxury appliances, Mr. Jones thought he should get his cousin to “install” it. “He can do it in a couple of days,” said Mr. Jones (this really IS true!). “And it will save money, too.” (Honest!)

Weeks later… and it will be no surprise to you to learn that everything was, well, a mess.

And Mrs. Jones was distraught. Her cabinetry wasn’t in much better shape either…

So, at the end of their tether, the couple called their interior design professional who had worked so painstakingly on designing and manufacturing the cabinetry and in choosing the correct appliances. Holding her breath (and keeping her thoughts to herself) the interior design professional  brought in a highly-experienced recognized fitter, one who had worked with her on high end kitchen installation for something like 30 years and who had learned the trade since a youngster. Indeed, the term “trim carpenter” is the one which applies more appropriately!

Liaising closely with the factory and the designer, the cabinetry was restored to as near “new” condition as possible, complete with proper scribing to take account of imperfections in the structure of the house, for example, manufacturing new pieces where necessary, and producing additional trim and crown molding to match, as near as possible, the original pieces. And taking into consideration the particular design nuances of Mr. and Mrs. Jones’ new custom-designed and manufactured kitchen.

The professional fitter (trim carpenter) set to work, and was soon able to construct the kitchen exactly as the designer had intended it to be: as part of a functional kitchen which had beautiful aesthetic appeal. And in half the time cousin Vinny had taken to almost destroy the cabinetry (and Mrs. Jones’ dream!)

Did Mr. and Mrs. Jones save money? Not at all. Was the job performed to the highest standards to a matter of perfection? Yes… eventually. (Indeed, he actually required only three more days than “cousin Vinny’s” original two partial days.)

The moral of this sad-but-true story: A luxury custom-designed and manufactured high-end kitchen is NOT a kit car, after all…  “Cousin Vinny” would have no problem with that.

Editor’s note: Names have been changed to protect the embarrassed. The use of the name “cousin Vinny” comes from the classic movie, My Cousin VInny, and is meant only as a representation.

Stephen James Smith is co-owner of Deborah James Coastal Kitchens; a provider of design, order processing and manufacturing services to interior design professionals throughout the USA. www.deborahjameskitchens.com

I MAKE NO EXCUSES for repeating a news release we published at the end of last year - the situation remains the same: