Kitchen Architecture

Bachelor of Architecture, Certified Kitchen Designer

Toni brings added value to the kitchen and adjoining spaces, by designing them to last and grow with changing family & social dynamics; a kind of timeless approach. For continuity, other rooms which may require the same thoughtful attention to spatial planning are often designed at the same time - from the laundry to wardrobes, bathrooms, media centres and even furniture.

With a relaxed friendly style, Toni draws on her extensive product and material knowledge to conceive durable, space-efficient combinations, often inspired by the contextual nature of the environment, cues from the homes design styling. This versatility is reflected in her diverse portfolio of built kitchens.

A Toni Roberts kitchen is also beautifully made thanks to her meticulous attention to design detailing and understanding of what works. The patience, craftsmanship and sheer talent of the manufacturing teams she collaborates with is evident and critical to the stress-free process and final high standard of the kitchens she creates.

Testimony to this, are glowing recommendations from clients and referral work which are indicative of the following she has. Several clients have now commissioned Toni for their second or third kitchen renovation.

As the design portfolio indicates, many of Toni's kitchens have been published in leading design magazines while several of her kitchens have received top design awards New Zealand wide.

Toni Roberts B.Arch CKDNZ

Bachelor of Architecture (graduate architect), CKDNZ (Certified Kitchen Designer NZ), Member of: Independent Designer Group (IDG), National Kitchen & Bathroom Ass. NKBA NZ and Architecture | Women

• Attended Auckland University School of Architecture, graduating in 1991. Won overall Top Student Carters’ scholarship in third professional year 1989
• Toni began specializing in kitchens in 1993 with Kitchens By Design, Parnell
• Won two TRENDS/NKBA Awards 1996 - Best Use of Space and Best Use of Colour
• Topped the country with the Premier Award in the NZ St George Kitchen Design Awards in 1996
• Certified Kitchen Designer (CKDNZ) accreditation gained with NKBA NZ in 1997
• 1998 gained two commendations for the NZ Kitchen Design Awards.
• Toni designed and managed the kitchen (featured in URBIS) for the significant architectural icon of Brian Brake's House in Titirangi. The households an NZIA 25-year Enduring Architectural Award, 2001. The owner wrote afterwards "We think the kitchen's fabulous! It's certainly got the Wow-factor"
• In 2001 Toni was involved in the formation of the Independent Designer Group Ltd, which is a group of Auckland kitchen design professionals who network together to discuss latest product releases, explore design applications and bounce ideas off each other. While maintaining their individual businesses, they build on their skills through sharing knowledge, which ultimately inspires excellence in all aspects of each designer's projects.
• Won the NZ Generation IV competition in 2003 for sympathetic application of a timber benchtop.
• 2007 and 2008, Toni was the specialist lecturer for the 10-week Kitchen Design module of Unitec's Interior Design degree.
• Several kitchen photos also feature on Toni's Display Boards at the Auckland Home Ideas Centre in Parnell.
• Toni has been a regular speaker at various Home Show seminars.
• Since 2011, Toni is the most popular Kitchen Design Seminar presenter at the Home Ideas Centre, Parnell. Attendees consistently comment that her easy communications are both informative and inspiring.
• Won National Kitchen & Bathroom Association (NKBA) award in 2014 – Best Drawing Standards.
• Guest panel-speaker on Professional Designer’s Panel at 2015 NKBA conference.
• Consistent Winner of Best of Houzz awards accredited each January to the top rating designers based on homeowners’ reviews. Only 3-4% of professionals on Houzz internationally receive this award.
• Many of Toni's kitchen projects and stories have featured in various publications including Kitchen Trends, NZ House and Garden, Your Home & Garden, Urbis, the architect's magazine Home, Kitchen & Bathrooms Quarterly, Habitat, Food and Homes to Love (online magazine promo).