Designers are in business with new studio and gallery

Jan 28 2008 By Samantha Castle

WHEN two friends who shared a love for design teamed up to start a business they never dreamed it would become so popular in just three years.

Friends Kate Hamilton-Hunter from Glan Conwy and Nia Roberts from Denbigh are the creative energy behind the Contemporary Design Company and proudly opened their new studio at Victoria trading estate, Bodelwyddan, this month.

The pair have been working together for three years, building up a huge following across the UK and beyond through exhibiting in trade shows in London, Harrogate, Manchester, Birmingham and Llandudno. The company has 150 stockists in up-market gift shops and galleries from London to the Orkney Islands.

Kate is a jewellery designer working with recycled biscuit tins, aluminium and silver, while Nia is a contemporary artist working in eco-friendly paints, inspired by the landscapes of North Wales.

A brand new website will be ready to launch in early February, which will bring more coverage for the designers. All Contemporary Design Company products are promoted as being hand-made in Wales, as Kate and Nia are very passionate about the country they have grown up in and want to share this passion with everyone else.

James Rabiola of Art for Design said: "As an advertising/marketing executive from the United States, I have been to many events, but this one brought home a sense of pride that only a successful company like theirs can bring about.

"Pride because Kate and Nia’s commitment to their dream to create products from old tins and materials that most people just turn into rubbish has finally become a reality. Their company has showed me when the commitment truly exists success will come knocking at the door.

"Wales should be proud that two friends like Kate and Nia, who just a little while ago created a company while working at home, has now caught the public’s eye."