Attention to detail (PROFILE Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast 2024)

With discerning skills in design and architectural craftsmanship, Richmond-based Annett and Klaus Todt have carved out a distinctive reputation for modern minimalism.

Klaus and Annett Todt.

Going about it very quietly, Annett and Klaus Todt have been enhancing New Zealand interiors for almost 15 years with their Germanic design approach that results in modern, minimalist spaces with a high level of precision and functionality.

Emigrating to New Zealand in 2005, it was not the Todts’ intention to be self-employed as they had said goodbye to the stresses of owning a joinery business in Germany but, after working in the industry here for a few years, Klaus realised that his skill set could fill a gap in the market.

Impossible is overrated is the mantra that Living Design bring to all their projects.

Klaus is a schreinermeister which Annett explains has no direct translation. “It’s completely different but master joiner would be the closest description.” She laughs and points to the Living Design website which says that calling Klaus a master joiner is akin to calling Beethoven a busker. It goes on to say that schreinermeisters are masters of the German art of design and can only earn the title after years of training and experience. Since they’re considered by some to be closer to architects, the couple prefer the term ‘architectural joiner’ — and the Living Design portfolio certainly reflects those disciplines.

A custom designed tea towel rail is just one innovation

The attention to detail is captivating. Kitchens have drawers that wrap around corners, secret cupboards tuck cooks’ accoutrements away in all the right places and their cutlery inserts are works of art. Annett explains that a tea towel rail that seamlessly forms part of an island bench came about because none of their kitchens have handles, rather negative detailing to achieve the sleek Living Design aesthetic, and they needed to find somewhere to hang tea towels in a kitchen with a handle-less oven. Every little thing is considered and built into the design.

Klaus is a schreinermeister which, loosely translated, means master joiner.

And it’s not just about kitchens. Living Design can do whole house fit-outs, including specialised doors and window frames, living and dining room furniture, wardrobes and bathrooms, which Annett says they particularly enjoy because they like the challenge of small spaces. “That’s why we also love renovations. Creating a new use out of an existing space, there’s great satisfaction when clients experience the end result and hadn’t pictured what was possible.” Klaus’ approach to design is to look at a room and do something not thought about before. “Every project comes from our own hand – designed by Klaus, manufactured in our workshop and installed by us. From the first sketch to the last screw, it’s all done by one team,” says Annett.

Colourful, custommade cutlery trays.

They work closely with architects and enjoy that process. “It’s always a bonus to share ideas and points of view — to understand why an architect has designed something that way, what the bigger thought is, and add to it. Architects quite often approach us when they have a challenging project and we love that,” says Annett. “Challenge is not a bad word for us; we find solutions for things that others struggle with.”

Klaus is very good spatially and his unique mix of design and master-craftsman skills means clients can approach Living Design directly. They’ll advise if builders, architects and structural engineers need to be involved. Annett stresses that the best approach is to talk to them first. “We like to be involved from the start, even with new builds. We can change walls to make things more beautiful and functional when they’re still on paper.”

Their skills stretch to bathrooms, too.

The couple want to achieve the best result for the client and have many meetings before they start to design to get to know their clients’ habits and how a day in their home works. “It means the process takes a lot longer but we deliberately keep our client list small to give us that time.”

The Todts’ impeccable taste has them importing products, many from Germany, which also fill a gap in the market. “We know these products are out there,” says Annett, “so why not use them?” They were the first in Aotearoa to have a Bora cooktop in their home, the distribution of which now rests withKouzina (whom they have a close relationship with). Silvertouch — a scratch- and fingerprint-resistant stainless steel is under their care, as is Aqvato (3D-printed custom basins made of sand). “They’re my baby,” Annett says fondly. There will be an Aqvato launch happening soon, they are working on introducing more products to the New Zealand market and, if we are lucky, a Living Design furniture range, too.

livingdesign.co.nz

ON OUR RADAR...

Basílica de la Sagrada Família by Antoni Gaudi is a building we both admire because of its uniqueness and complexity. And for the fact that New Zealand architect Mark Burry was appointed as the executive architect in 2012 to get it finished. (KT & AT)

New materials and the new technology of materials for furniture, kitchens and bathrooms is always inspiring. Especially when the full cycle is applied and materials, that so far have been considered waste, are turned into fully functional new materials. (AT)

‘Impossible is overrated’ is a mantra we follow. There is a solution to everything. (KT & AT)

Who Not How by Dan Sullivan is a book I recommend. It shifted our thinking from owner-operator to team player and manager. (AT)

The Vipp rubbish bin is the last thing we bought for the house. It is a waste bin made of waste, with an iconic design dating back to 1939. (AT)

ANNETT AND KLAUS’S FURNITURE BUYING TIPS:

Invest in quality

Retract from fast lived trends

Quality over quantity

Articles

Q&A with interior designer Vanessa Webb owner of Dress my Nest 2020

Kāpiti Coast-based interior designer Vanessa Webb is the owner of Dress My Nest. Here, she talks smart buys and style

more