Meet the Team

Spend some time getting to know the people at the heart of our business. Designer Kitchen Direct has branches in Harrogate, Sheffield, Stafford and Newton Aycliffe. Read more about our team below.

Directors

Dawn Rayner

Co-founder & Managing Director

I’ve been in the kitchen industry for over 40 years (that’s right, I started work at the age of 3! ). I’m proud to say that DKD is a real family affair, with lots of different family members from multiple generations all coming together as one team. But to be honest, I see everyone here as family anyway!

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Mary Major

Co-founder & Creative Director

After finishing my degree in Interior Architecture and Interior Design in 2003, I took my first job designing kitchens. I haven’t looked back since, I’ve now been a part of DKD since 2016.

I’m also a happy mummy of two, Teddy and Arabella!

Need some help planning your dream kitchen?

Sheffield Designers

Leah Fleetham

Sales Manager

I’m the first designer that DKD took onboard, and I’m also Dawn’s step-daughter.

I’ve been working here for since 2016 and I love to spend my holidays skiing with family (which I’ve been doing since I was only 18 months old!).

Simon - Designer at Designer Kitchen Direct Sheffield, an expert in bespoke kitchen design and handcrafted cabinetry.

Simon Griffiths

Designer

I might technically be new to the team, but I’ve known everyone here since the beginning (and always knew I’d end up working here officially one day!). I was a graphic designer after I left university, and have been in the kitchen industry since 2018.

Wendy Crofts

Designer

I’m a kitchen designer who genuinely loves what I do. I’m creative, a bit of a perfectionist, and enjoy getting to know my clients so I can create beautiful, practical kitchens that feel just right for them.

As a mum of two, I know how much life happens in the kitchen, and I bring that same personal approach to every design.

Mary Major

Co-founder & Creative Director

I started designing kitchens in 2003 and, after 13 years doing what I love, co-founded DKD in 2016. I love discovering what’s possible with a space, solving tricky layouts and finding thoughtful details that make everyday life easier.

Getting to know my customers is at the heart of my design work. I enjoy helping them explore ideas, feel confident in their choices and create a kitchen that’s as practical as it is beautiful.

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Harrogate Team

Gareth Wiseman

Showroom Director

I’ve been part of the DKD family since 2023, managing our Harrogate showroom and helping customers bring their dream kitchens to life. I love getting to know our clients and making sure they enjoy every step of the design process.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, especially my daughter Kate, who also works alongside me at the showroom. I’m also a keen scuba diver!

Kate operation manager and designer at Designer Kitchen Direct Harrogate

Kate Wiseman

Operations Manager & Designer

I joined DKD alongside my dad, Gareth, and love being part of our Harrogate team. My role combines kitchen design with keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes, making sure our customers have a great experience from start to finish.

Outside of work, I love travelling, exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. I’m always looking forward to my next adventure!

Explore Our Beautiful Bespoke Kitchen Showroom in Harrogate

Video

From Our Family to Yours How our family-run business pour passion into every project

Directors, Dawn & Mary, chat about what it’s like to work so closely with family members and how we try to incorporate our values into our work.

Kitchen Fitters

Jamie Kerr

Fitter

I’m a self-employed fitter but I’ve worked with DKD since 2017! I’ve been a fitter since 2002.

I love completing 12k assault courses like tough mudder and total warrior!

Morgan Kerr

Fitter

I’m a self-employed apprentice fitter and Jamie’s son. I’ve been fitting kitchens and working for DKD since 2020.

I’m a 2nd degree black belt, international Bo Staff Champion and an aspiring boxer.

Julian Rudd

Fitter

I have been a self-employed kitchen fitter since 1988 and have worked for DKD since 2018.

I love building motorcycles in my leisure time as well as spending quality time with my family

Operations

Lauren Fleetham

Operations Director

I have worked at DKD since 2018, and Dawn is my step-mum!

I spend approximately 3 hours each day taking my two huge dogs for walk; Winston is a Dogue De Bordeaux and Cali is a German Shepherd.

Dom Rayner

Financial Controller

I’m Dawn’s son and I’ve been at DKD since 2018. In my spare time I love to play bridge – so much so that I’ve represented Sheffield A, Yorkshire A and England U26s in national and international tournaments.

Becca Horsfield

Sales Support

I’ve been part of the team at DKD since 2019 and I have a degree in interior architecture.

When I’m not at work, you can find me hanging out with my little pug, Rupert!

Liam Ricci

CAD Designer

Since completing my level 2 diploma in interior design, I’ve been working in the kitchen industry since 2018 — and part of DKD since 2021.

A fun fact about me is that I’ve managed to break both my arms and legs (not at the same time!).

Explore Our Beautiful Range of Bespoke Kitchens From Contemporary Shaker Kitchens to Farmhouse Kitchens

Joel Duce

Administrator

I’m a relatively new addition to the team here at DKD, and Dawn is my cousin.

My claim to fame is that I finished in the top 100 (worldwide) in the FIFA 23 Champions Weekend!

Rebecca Duce

Technical Support/Order Processor

I’ve been in the kitchen industry since 1997, and at DKD since 2021 so far.

I’m one of Dawn’s in-laws, and Joel, our administrator, is my son, too!

Alex Major

Warehouse Manager

I have been at DKD since my wife, Mary, and mother, Dawn, went to get some business cards printed and came back with a showroom!

Having come from a hospitality background, you can always find me in the kitchen at parties mixing some drinks.

Matt Marketing Director at Designer Kitchen Direct

Matthew Major

Marketing Director

I’m Dawn’s son and have been part of the DKD family since 2024. I look after all things marketing, from digital advertising and our website to traditional marketing, helping spread the word about our beautiful bespoke kitchens.

I’ve lived in Japan for over 10 years, and when I’m not working, you’ll often find me on the slopes enjoying my love of snowboarding!

Explore More from Designer Kitchen Direct

Our Process

See how we guide your kitchen from first ideas and design consultation through to manufacture, delivery and installation.

Customer Service & Testimonials

Hear from customers who have trusted Designer Kitchen Direct, and see how we support you from first enquiry to finished kitchen.

Our Workshop

Discover where our bespoke kitchens are crafted, finished and checked with care before being delivered to your home.