Welcome to the latest edition of Behind the Brand, where KBB seeks to illuminate – somewhat! – the creative process from the perspective of top product designers in the kitchen and bath fields. Being able to look at everyday objects in a radically different way is the [un]common denominator of these talented individuals.
This month, we hear from:
Peter Wells, senior principal designer, Amerock
Julieta Risso, product designer, Corner
Avi Abel, director and Jamie Chappell, vp of brand & marketing, Fireclay Bath
As a product designer, my greatest responsibility is…
Wells: To possess a strong understanding of current and forecasted home décor trends and styles that designers and home buyers will be choosing when selecting important decorative elements, particularly for their kitchen and bathroom spaces. This knowledge supports my decision making when creating new, inspirational designs that will resonate with the market.
Risso: Creating objects people live with every day, ones that feel natural, comfortable and built to last. I think about how they fit into the spaces around them, how materials feel and catch the light and how they support everyday life. At Corner, this means designing kitchens and interiors that enhance the way clients live, making them functional, thoughtful and timeless, reflecting both their lifestyle and our commitment to enduring design.
Abel: To push boundaries and provoke an emotional reaction, whether it’s love or hate. I believe the greatest failure of any design is to be met with indifference, so my goal is to create work that is memorable and sparks a conversation.
Chappell: To stay true to the materials and the people behind them. Design, to me, isn’t about decoration – it’s about honesty, story and connection. My job is to make things that feel real, that carry a sense of hand and place, and that remind us what it means to live with intention.
Fairfax pull in Golden Champagne by Amerock. Photo: Amerock
One of my creative touchstones is…
Wells: Staying deeply involved in the home décor and product design world. I enjoy connecting with designers, decision-makers, influencers and manufacturers across various industries to learn about products, exchange ideas and explore trends. These conversations often ignite fresh perspectives and reveal insights that shape my design approach. It’s amazing how much value and inspiration can arise from sharing thoughts on topics that resonate with my design process.
Risso: Designing spaces and products that feel lived-in and practical. Thoughtful choices allow them to grow and adapt with how people use and experience them. I’m inspired by how light, materials and subtle details can transform a space and add subtle value to everyday life. When a space or product remains useful and relevant over time, it’s a sign that the design has succeeded.
Abel: The integrity of design that is both approachable and honest. I am constantly inspired by the principle that great design should be intuitive and seamlessly integrated into daily life, without pretense or unnecessary complexity.
Chappell: The act of making itself. Whether I’m throwing a pot, sewing a quilt or walking the factory floor, I always come back to process – that space where material, curiosity and imperfection meet – where boundaries in process enhance design. I always return to my art history education and lately find inspiration in movements like Arts and Crafts or Impressionism, where artists pushed back against the machine and found beauty in the human touch.
An industry trend that I’m watching is…
Wells: A growing trend in the kitchen and bath industry toward layering different eras and styles to create highly personalized spaces. This approach blends distinctive aesthetics with a mix of visual and tactile textures, resulting in kitchen and bath designs that feel curated and uniquely expressive. It’s an exciting shift that encourages individuality rather than following a single prescribed style.
Risso: Instead of following fast-moving design trends, I’m drawn to design philosophies that emphasize balance and intention. Often inspired by Scandinavian and Japanese design, they guide how we approach spaces and products so they evolve with the people who use them and offer timeless quality instead of fleeting style.
Abel: The sophisticated mixing of materials and finishes, particularly in the bath space. Combining elements like ceramics with glossy glazes, matte-finished metals, and other varied surfaces creates a rich, layered environment that feels both personal and timeless.
Chappell: The return to tactility – to surfaces that feel made, not manufactured. I think people are craving honesty and richness in design again: things that age, change and carry evidence of life. I’m also watching how the idea of “sustainability” is evolving – less about checking a box, more about celebrating where things come from and who made them.
Kyoto collection by Corner. Photo: Vladyslav Matiash
The best part of my job is…
Wells: Transforming an idea into reality. This process involves everything from sketching concepts to creating 3D CAD designs, producing physical 3D printed models and finally receiving production tooling samples in our beautiful finishes. When crafting a new collection of designs, I take pride in knowing that my contributions will help others create spaces that are functional, beautiful and meaningful.
Risso: The best part of my job is seeing a client excited about what we’ve designed, noticing how it fits seamlessly into their daily life, feels intuitive to use and transforms everyday moments in their space. I also love the challenges, whether complex scenarios, bold ideas or unexpected constraints that push me to think differently. These are often the moments that lead to the most inventive and meaningful solutions.
Abel: The collaborative process of bringing a vision to life across all departments. Working with teams from marketing and sales, to production and client support, provides a holistic perspective and ensures the final product is successful from every angle.
Chappell: Working with people who care deeply about craft, storytelling and doing things the right way. I’m lucky to call our California tile factory my office – a place where ideas flow easily between our production, innovation and creative teams. We celebrate wins together, solve problems side by side and stay grounded in what makes us makers. That same spirit carries through to our clients, who bring their own lens as designers. There’s nothing better than seeing someone fall in love with our work – and make it part of their story.
Fireclay Bath. Photo: Fireclay Tile
If I had a week off from the studio, I would…
Wells: Travel to discover new design destinations that spark creativity, broaden my perspective and elevate the quality of my work. My focus would center on exploring art, architecture, fashion, innovative materials and diverse cultural influences to inspire fresh ideas and design solutions.
Risso: I’d spend it exploring: walking through small towns, reading in the sun or hiking in nature. I love watching how people live, how spaces tell stories through their details. Those quiet moments of observation ground me and keep my ideas fresh.
Abel: Disconnect to reconnect by spending quality time with my family and friends, and by immersing myself in nature. I find that stepping away from the screen and into the real world is the best way to reset my creative perspective and come back with fresh energy.
Chappell: Hitch up my little trailer, load up my dog and head somewhere quiet with a lake or river. I’d likely spend the days fishing, reading, painting and doing my best to forget my phone exists. Being outside, in nature, truly unplugged always rewards me with the feeling of clarity.
