1074: Live from KBIS 2025: Alexander Dornbracht on Kallista, Creating Authentic Luxury, Product Innovation & Family Legacy

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

LuAnn Nigara

Business, Design, Arts

4.8 • 786 Ratings

🗓️ 28 March 2025

⏱️ 48 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Today With Alexander Dornbracht: Today I am joined by Alexander Dornbracht, VP and General Manager of Kallista, a brand renowned for authentic luxury plumbing and brassware. Recorded live from our KBIS podcast booth, Alexander shares how his family legacy in the industry—his grandfather founded Dornbracht—shaped his passion for excellence in design. Alexander reveals why Kallista stands out as a designer-driven luxury brand, explaining that despite its premium positioning, they maintain the personal touch that designers value. He discusses his passion for product development and shares his philosophy: "If you lead with the best possible design product at the highest quality with the best after-sales service, that's a solid foundation to win." Learn about Kallista's engineering innovations, including the industry's thinnest spout and custom stone tubs, plus their evolution from working with small European suppliers to becoming part of the Kohler family while maintaining their distinct luxury identity. Whether you specify luxury products or appreciate exceptional craftsmanship, this episode offers valuable insights into how true luxury brands balance heritage with innovation. LuAnn Nigara and Alexander Dornbracht's Ah-Ha Moments: “We are the brand that can always say yes to the designer vision,” - Alexander Dornbracht More About Alexander Dornbracht Alexander serves as the Managing Director for Kallista, a leading luxury brassware brand in the global bathroom and kitchen space. He built his career within multiple roles in sales and marketing organizations across a variety of industries and holds an intl. MBA from the University of San Diego. His heritage in the kitchen and bath industry has allowed him to grow up with a unique perspective and depth of knowledge, that continues to serve as a strong foundation for leadership and entrepreneurship. Alexander found his true passion in the interior design community and is committed to driving industry innovation and evolution in the luxury goods sector. Connect with Alexander Dornbracht Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn Houzz What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Resources: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference - April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida! Other Shows: AWDB: 1069: Live from KBIS 2025: Richard Anuszkiewicz on Elevating Design, Brand Collaborations & Crafting a Successful Career

Transcript

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0:00.0	Are you looking to build an exceptional team? Our hiring toolkit bundle at Luann Nigara.com
0:06.5	forward slash store is your comprehensive source for success. Craft compelling job descriptions,
0:13.7	know the right interview questions to ask, and implement a thorough evaluation process so you get the right person.
0:20.5	These were developed in collaboration
0:21.9	with my cousin Eileen Hahn and based on her 40 years of experience in building exceptional
0:27.2	teams, plus my insights from 1,000 plus interviews, our toolkits are tested and proven. Whether you're
0:35.0	scaling from 1 to 3 or from three to ten or from ten to
0:38.4	twenty, the hiring toolkit bundle provides the guidance that you can use to plan your
0:44.5	hiring strategy effectively. Go to Luannigara.com forward slash store and invest in your success
0:51.6	by investing in the success of your team.
1:07.0	Welcome to a well-designed business. My name is Luann Nigara, and I'm so glad you found this podcast.
1:13.0	Together with my husband Vince and our partner, Bill, we have grown our company Window Works from the ground up.
1:19.0	So I know and I understand the challenges you face in running your interior design business.
1:24.6	I also know that your talent alone isn't enough to ensure your success.
1:30.1	So on this podcast, we talk about strategies and practical steps to help you grow your business.
1:36.5	But make no mistake about it, we have our share of fun here too, mixed in with those aha
1:41.5	moments that I love so much. This isn't fluff.
1:44.7	Nobody has time for that.
1:46.4	Whether you are a new interior designer or a season designer, I am here to help you create
1:51.9	and to manage the kind of interior design firm that you dream of.
1:55.9	It's straight talk and it's action.
1:58.0	Are you ready?
	...

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