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Get to know: Richard Davonport, Managing Director

Name: Richard Davonport
Job title: Managing Director
How long have you worked at Davonport: Since we opened in 1993

What does your job entail at Davonport? And what does your typical day look like?

As the MD at Davonport, my main focus is the day-to-day running of the company and working across all departments to ensure that we’re delivering only the finest kitchens and service to our customers.

In a typical day, I can be reviewing designs and working with designers on any briefs that land to see how we can deliver the unexpected for our clients. When I can, I like to be able to dedicate time to working with our apprentices and help them to develop their skills further. It is really important that businesses like ours, spend time with the next generations to hone their skills and help to develop their confidence in what they are capable of.

At other points in the day, you’ll find me in the showroom, talking to perspective clients and understanding their briefs. Our customers are making a huge investment in their home so it is important that they feel that they are working with a company that understands them and can bring their vision to life.

What is your favourite kitchen from Davonport?

Tough one as I wouldn’t put my name to any kitchen that I wasn’t 100% happy with. However, if I had to pick, it would be our Soho kitchen. I spent a long time designing it and getting it to exactly how I wanted it. It is also very different from anything else we’ve ever designed and manufactured.

What is your favourite kitchen appliance?

On a personal level, I love my Miele coffee machine. However, if I was to redo my own kitchen, the kitchen appliance at the top of my wish list would be a Gaggenau Steam Oven. They are a fantastic piece of kit to cook with, but it is also everything else it offers, especially its ability to clean itself and it actually work. Plus, and I know this might seem hard to believe, but making Yorkshire Puddings in a Gaggenau Steam Oven mean they rise every time!

What is your favourite colour for a kitchen at the moment?

I’m still in love with two Farrow & Ball colours; Railings and Purbeck Stone. I like the as stand-alone colours, but they also work great together. They remain a timeless classic.

What kitchen trend are you loving right now?

We’re seeing a revival in the appreciation of wood, as more people are choosing to stain their kitchen cabinets rather than paint them. As a furniture maker who, even after 30 years, remains enthralled by the beauty of wood, it is a joy to behold. Wood can provide so much to the aesthetics of a kitchen, from texture to warmth.

What is one fact not many people know about you?

I’m an avid sailor who loves nothing more than being out at sea.

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