deVOL Folk: Emily’s Story
1st July 2016
If you come for an interview here, it will most probably be with Paul, owner and director of deVOL. Yes, it can seem a little scary as an interviewee, but I remember Paul once told me that he only really hires people that he likes. Well, it makes sense, if you have your own business why not fill it with great people who work hard and all get along? And so it means that we work with a pretty lovely bunch and we thought it might be quite nice for you to get to know the people behind the product. From the directors, to the designers, to the guy who sands down your beautiful new cabinet, we all make deVOL. So here’s our first deVOLfolk blog, meet our wonderful London showroom manager, Emily…
E M I L Y R U M B L E
LONDON SHOWROOM MANAGER
One of the first things I noticed about Emily is that she’s always the first one to get stuck in and help out, whether it’s planning a team outing or hacking the tiles off the walls to help remodel our showroom, she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty and she does it all with a big smile on her face. It’s no wonder why, in only a few years at deVOL, she’s helped to set up and run our very first London showroom! Now in its second year, we’ve never been busier, but with help from the team, Emily manages to juggle ensuring the smooth running of everything here in London with designing some really amazing kitchens.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
Meeting a happy customer and seeing the finished kitchen. So often we don’t get to talk to the customer once the kitchen has been installed. The final stages of the project are often dealt with by the production team. I always get really excited when a customer pops into the showroom and lets us see images of their kitchen and tells us what it’s like actually living in a deVOL kitchen.
Do you have a favourite design that you’ve done?
I have to admit, I was really excited by the Pimlico kitchen. I loved working on this project. The customer was so lovely and we spent a lot of time refining the design. The bespoke Classic kitchen range gives you so much flexibility and I felt like I really had a personal input into this design.
Who are your biggest design inspirations?
Oh my, that is a big question! I recently travelled to Barcelona and saw a lot of Antoni Gaudi’s work. I really enjoyed the beautiful detailing, but also his innovative architectural and interior designs. I really love functional, interactive design and it’s even better when I can see it for myself in person. Travelling and seeing architecture and design from different cultures is a great passion of mine.
You’re known for throwing a great fancy dress party. What was your best fancy dress costume or costume of an attendee?
I recently dressed up as an astronaut for a London Underground themed party. Hopefully you can guess the station link, if not this will help…’Houston we have a problem!’
You’ve treated us to some delicious treats as part of our London Bakes, do you have a favourite recipe?
Chocolate Caramel Slices (or Millionaire Shortbread)! It takes a long time and patience to make with the shortbread, caramel and melted chocolate on top, but it reminds me of home and is a massive sugar rush.
Emily works in our London showroom in the design district of Clerkenwell. You can book a design appointment with her or one of the team by calling 0203 8375900 or emailing us at london.enquiries@devolkitchens.co.uk. If you follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest, or if you’ve flicked through one of our brochures, you’ve probably stumbled across one of Emily’s designs. But, just in case you missed them, here are some of our favourites.
