George Clarke speaking as part of this year’s KBSA conference
Architect and TV presenter George Clarke has called on the KBB industry to unite on charging for design services, warning that independents risk being undermined if customers can walk away with their work for nothing.
Speaking at the annual KBSA Conference at The Belfry, Clarke argued that retailers should not undervalue the time, skill and creativity involved in producing a kitchen or bathroom design.
“As an architect I charge for everything,” he told delegates. “I can see why it’s tricky for kitchen and bathroom designers, because you’re providing a product and the design is part of that. But it’s not right that people walk off with your work and then go to someone else.”
He suggested a refundable fee system as a practical approach. “Maybe you charge for the design but refund it if they buy the kitchen from you,” Clarke explained. “That way the customer knows there’s value in what you’ve done – and if they want to take that design somewhere else, fine, you’ve at least been paid for your time.”
However, he cautioned that such a model could only succeed if independents acted collectively. “If one showroom charges and another gives it away for free, the customer will just go there instead,” he said. “You’ve all got to do it together.”
Clarke also weighed in on the long-running industry debate about who can call themselves an “interior architect”. While some qualified professionals feel the title should be protected, Clarke took a more relaxed view.
“I don’t get precious about it,” he said. “Anybody can design a house or a kitchen if they’ve got the skills. The architectural profession spent a fortune trying to protect the title, but it doesn’t stop great design from happening.”
Sustainability was another central theme in Clarke’s talk. He said consumers were increasingly expecting designers and retailers to offer greener solutions, whether in materials, supply chains or product longevity.
“I meet people every day in this industry who are passionate about being more sustainable,” he said. “It might be about sourcing more responsibly, cutting carbon in transport, or simply making products that last longer. Consumers are looking for it – and we as designers should just be doing it as standard.”
He added that he would not criticise businesses that still needed to source from overseas but stressed that supply chains must continue to evolve. “We are a globalised world – that’s a fact. But the question is how can we move product more sustainably? That’s the challenge.”
Clarke also praised independent retailers for the personal service and community focus they bring to the market. “There’s nothing more brilliant than a family-run business,” he said. “If you care, if you’re honest and you build trust, people will come back – and they’ll recommend you. That’s how independents thrive.”
“Yes, it’s tough out there,” he said, “but if you enjoy what you do and put customers first, this industry will always have a bright future.”