INTRODUCING ... KERRY CARTER
We joined Operations Manager, Kerry Carter, to learn more about her story as she celebrate her 20th anniversary at Clive Christian Furniture Co.
I began my journey with Clive Christian Furniture Co. nearly 20 years ago! I made the move here after many years working in a drawing office where I was in charge of producing car Bodyshop layouts and the drawings for spray booth ducting and building works.
My current role still has elements of drawing but as Operations Manager I work closely with the technical team to ensure that each individual project we undertake has the correct parts; and the relevant information required to ensure the workshop can create each piece perfectly.
I think if you asked anyone who works here, they’d agree - there is no such thing as a typical day! However, most days are spent gathering the information required for each project to progress. This can involve calls, emails and conversations with colleagues in the central design team, the workshops or from one of our showrooms and Design Consultancy’s all over the world. So, although I spend a lot of time on the workshop floor, I do spend the majority of time at my desk – rarely meeting my quota of fitbit steps!
Aside from gathering information, I work closely with the Technical team. We cover various elements that occur before, during and after the furniture has been handcrafted in the workshops. From initial enquiries, to drawing up and entering the parts needed to create bespoke pieces, to arranging the dispatch and transport of orders.This diversity across design, manufacture and distribution means that the single most important part of my job is supporting each member of the team so that they can perform to the best of their ability.
Even after 20 years, I don’t think I really have a favourite project, due to the way the technical team and myself work I often remember individual pieces rather than the entire project! That said, I am really enjoying working on the new Vietnam showroom which is set to launch 2019. Vietnam is a very large project in fact on launch it will be the largest Clive Christian Furniture Co. solus showroom in the world. Having been so closely involved with the process since the initial design phase, it’s very satisfying to see it go through into production, and see it being installed in all its glory.
Sometimes it's hard to keep all the plates spinning whilst working with lots of different personalities but is hugely rewarding when everyone pulls together to achieve something that at first glance didn’t look achievable.
I’ve been very fortunate with opportunities in my time here. I was lucky enough to be working with the team in New York whilst the Kips Bay Decorators Show House event was being held. Our furniture was featured in the event and hearing all the visitors - noted designers, developers, NY socialites and the public admiring our furniture, thinking “We made that!” was a real highlight.
When I’m not at the office I really like to travel. I’m currently in the process of renovating an old barn in Italy which we bought with some friends –home renovation must be in the blood or I’m a glutton for punishment! I think if I wasn’t working here, ideally I would be a Wine & Chocolate taster, but one who never put on weight! Failing that, a property developer, which kind of brings me full circle to where I am today.