The KBDi Board

Peter has successfully served as KBDi President since 2020 and joined the KBDi Board in 2016. His ultimate goal is to see KBDi positioned as Australia’s foremost kitchen and bathroom association and the primary source of professional development for committed designers. He has been an active contributor to the KBDi Accreditation program and, with his extensive business and industry knowledge and connections, is an invaluable part of the team.

Peter has 35 years’ experience in the building industry as tradesman, Certified Bathroom Designer and Business Manager. He is a founder and CEO of Brilliant SA, a successful home renovation company in Adelaide, specialising in renovation of bathrooms, kitchens and associated interior spaces. As the principal designer, he has also mentored several designers to award-winning success.

A Member of KBDi since its inception, Peter has served on the SA committee since 2007, enjoying the role of Chapter Chair from 2008 to 2013.

He brings great insight into many aspects of the bathroom and kitchen industry and valuable experience in successful business management.

Dean Brakell has been appointed as KBDi Executive Director. Dean is no stranger to the kitchen sector, having been CEO of the Australian Cabinets & Furniture Association (ACFA) for more than a decade. He has been firmly entrenched in the joinery sector his entire working career, beginning his cabinetmaking apprenticeship as a fresh-faced seventeen-year-old and enjoying various roles after completing his trade. Dean holds a Master of Business Administration and is passionate about design and manufacturing in Australia. He’s committed to assisting small to medium businesses fulfill their potential and is focused on establishing better corporate governance frameworks in the not-for-profit and for-profit sectors.

Frank Iaria CKD Au holds the KBDi Board position of Executive Director. In this role, he serves as the conduit between the KBDi Board and the executive management team, ensuring we’re all on track to deliver the most valuable industry and professional support to our growing membership.

Frank is a highly experienced and well-respected professional in the renovation and building industry. He is a registered builder, certified kitchen designer and the Design Director and Founder of the Mint Kitchen Group. Under his leadership, the Mint Kitchen Group has established a reputation for quality and excellence, receiving numerous awards for its exceptional work and high-quality design and installation services.

His industry knowledge and experience are invaluable to the KBDi Board and our broader community.

Sharon was appointed to the Board in 2020 and accepted the position of Secretary soon after. Her attention to detail in recording discussions has been invaluable. Sharon is a spontaneous thinker and has been known to produce many ideas’ outside of the square’, prompting lively discussion amongst the Board. Sharon was elected by the membership for a four-year term in 2023.

Since moving to Australia from South Africa around 13 years ago, Sharon has held a range of positions within the design and manufacturing industries.

Her varied roles have given her enormous insight into all aspects of our field. From sales to marketing, flatpack to custom installations, and design to business administration, Sharon brings a wealth of experience and skills to the KBDi Board.

She has demonstrated her commitment to the industry through active participation in both state and national committees, and is looking forward to joining KBDi in its next phase of growth and development.

Ellen rounds out the current Board as Treasurer. Ellen was appointed to the Board under the Constitution and is due to finish her appointment at the next AGM in 2024. Ellen has been a valuable contributor to discussions over the past three years and will be sorely missed when she stands down.

The KBDi word of the year is ‘Collaborate’, and we’re sure you’ll agree that the executive management team and Board presented here will demonstrate how a little collaboration can go a long way to achieving big things.

Ellen is the Managing Director of Adelaide-based design and manufacturing company, SpaceCraft Joinery. She works closely with a team of talented designers and highly skilled craftspeople to deliver ultra-efficient services and premium joinery solutions to South Australia’s metro and regional areas.

With a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and decades of experience across all facets of small business management, she has an excellent appreciation for the challenges faced by many KBDi members.

Ellen was active in the SA Chapter Committee that delivered the very successful KBDi Design Symposium in Adelaide in 2017.

Fred has been a valued member of the ACFA Board (formerly FIAA) for 17 years, serving as Chairperson for a decade.

With his brother, Geoff, Fred managed the award-winning business, HK Joinery Design at Tuggerah NSW. Their work involved providing joinery for single residences, multi-level residential developments, schools, universities, hospitals, and aged care facilities.

Fred holds several qualifications from varying industries. A Certificate 3 in Furniture Making and a Kitchen & Bathroom Renovators licence, along with his many years of business experience, have given him a broad vision of the industry in general, allowing Fred to bring a more comprehensive view to the board room.

Fred is passionate about industry training for youth and mature-age workers and is committed to ensuring Australia maintains a successful and sustainable manufacturing industry.

Chris Chmielowiec, son of a cabinetmaker and an interior designer, has been immersed in bespoke joinery for much of his life. Originally from Toronto, Canada, he moved to Sydney in 2014, bringing his joinery expertise to the Australian market. In 2021, he founded Interspec, specialising in high-quality residential joinery. Combining advanced technology with skilled craftsmanship, Chris delivers seamless, timeless interiors in Northern Beaches and beyond. As a Board Member of KBDi and ACFA, Chris advocates for industry excellence, sustainability, and collaboration, striving to elevate joinery standards while fostering growth and innovation.