Enduring Extravagance

A timeless brand, Gaggenau was founded in 1683 as an ironworks in the town of the same name, evolving over the years from nail production to the state-of-the-art kitchen appliances it designs today. Luke Thomas caught up with Head of Global Business Development Gaggenau, Kais Zaiane

Tell us about your role within Gaggenau

My role involves supporting the brand in its endeavours, mostly strategically. I work closely with architects, interior designers and developers that specialise in design and delivery of luxury properties across the world and help them understand how Gaggenau can best fit into those luxury projects.

How does Gaggenau work with developers, architects and interior designers?

We develop connections and always try to work in partnership with them. They are the artists after all, our role is to support them. Developers, architects and interior designers each have a different function when it comes to completing a luxury project. A developer’s objective is to deliver the highest quality homes for its customers, interior designers help developers give a home its status and overall character while architects look into technical aspects of design that they are required to understand thoroughly and address in their plans.

For all our audiences, the concept of luxury has moved beyond the amassing of objects. Their homes either exhibit their passion, or themselves. It’s imperative that the environment achieves its stated aim. Their settings are transformed by architecture and interior design; a way of life is given form. The role of Gaggenau is to enable this way of life.

How does Gaggenau advise on requirements for each project?

We develop and sell the finest appliances on the market. They complement the design and build of projects, so, we’re generally only featured in the most luxurious, exclusive developments.

To us, the kitchen is not a static room full of machines, it’s a mind-set. Family, warmth, nourishment, belonging, status - it means different things to different people. It can be a playground, a refuge, a statement. So we don’t sell cooking equipment – we provide an environment in which you can create the culinary culture you want, so you can be the cook you aspire to be.

Why do you think Gaggenau products are so sought after?

Being over 330 years old, we consciously think long term. Our design is avant-garde yet timeless and we skilfully hand-build our pieces using the finest materials to create something that lasts.

We strive for perfection in everything we do, and our team regularly check the quality of each piece as it’s handed from craftsman to craftsman - a reputation built over centuries can be lost in the blink of an eye, and it’s therefore vital for us to implement the most stringent quality control on all our products.

We’re committed to innovation, but we are not blinded by the new. Every function must prove its worth, facilitating the private chef in their quest to create. Ultimately, we always aim to enable and inspire with appliances that are extraordinary, in both performance and appearance.

What upcoming projects are you particularly excited about?

I genuinely look forward to all our projects – each venture we take on is a new and rewarding experience. We have so many ongoing and coming up globally, from London to the Cote d’Azur and New York to Vancouver, we work with the top architects, interior designers and developers from all over the world.