How one English brand is changing the way New Zealanders think about hardware

When Stephan Marshall debuted In Residence’s new Joseph Giles design hardware at ArchiPro’s 2018 Meet, Greet and Eat Gala, the impeccable quality and design value of the range was evident. But it’s not until you see the products in their Parnell showroom that you truly appreciate how well the line complements their complete range of kitchen and bathroom fittings.

This synergy, according to Stephan, was a major selling point.

“Joseph Giles architectural hardware works so well with our other products. When designers are doing kitchens and bathrooms, they’re invariably asked to work in other parts of the house as well. They need architectural hardware for doors, furniture, and wardrobes, and they want something that’s as timeless as the rest of our offering.”

In the past, that has meant going elsewhere for hardware. Now, however, architects, designers and homeowners can find a full range of unique hardware solutions under one roof thanks to In Residence’s recent, exclusive partnership with the English brand.

Joseph Giles specialises in luxury architectural hardware for doors, windows and cabinets and their collection is extensive. We visited Stephan at the In Residence showroom to see the products which includes hinges and pivots, lever handles, knobs, edge pulls and much more - and learn about why they’ve decided to bring Joseph Giles into their exclusive family of handmade, luxury brands.

Introducing Joseph Giles to the In Residence family

The first thing that drew In Residence to Joseph Giles was the emphasis on design and fine detailing.  

As Stephen explains, “They’re very particularly. They have their own design team and - like us - they place a great deal of importance on fine, architectural design.”

This is immediately evident when you see In Residence’ collection of Joseph Giles products. All hardware is meticulously crafted - including hand hammered handles and door knobs crafted with the same knurling detail as traditional English shotgun grips. Every item is a work of art on its own and a masterpiece within the entire context of the home.

Joseph Giles hardware comes in a range of finishes that aren’t readily available in New Zealand. Stephan explains they’re getting a lot of interest in the darker colours like dark bronze. Living finishes, which form a natural patina over time, adding a unique character and design scheme, have been particularly popular.

There’s also the functionality of the product. Joseph Giles hardware doesn’t just look amazing, it performs well and will for generations, says Stephan, who explains the brand’s recently released revolutionary internal spring mechanism.

“Joseph Giles designed their own internal spring mechanism with lever handles. If you don’t have appropriate springing, the handle will sag over time. In the past, you’d need to rely on the lock in the door to provide the spring but with Joseph Giles, it’s in the handle. This is a real advantage, especially if you have an older home - you won’t need to pull the locks out of the door to accommodate new levers.”

Changing the way New Zealand thinks about hardware

So what does this all mean for the New Zealand design community? In large part that the way they fit their homes with hardware is about to change.

“Joseph Giles represents a complete solution. There’s door handles, privacy locks, striker plates, even numbers and letters - all in the same style and everything can be matched. As part of our service we also do door packing, so that when hardware goes to site, every door has a plastic bag in which is everything needed to fit each door.”

In Residence is a member of the American Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association. As Stephan explains, “Everyone in the United States who sells tapware also sells hardware, and they’re really blown away that we don’t over here.”

Now, however, there is a place to which Kiwis can go to buy beautiful hardware to complement every space in their home or commercial space - and not just the kitchen and bath.

To learn more about In Residence and see some of the amazing projects they’ve been featured in lately, check them out on ArchiPro.