Frank Irvine is the creative skill and vision behind Kantina Projects. Born and raised in Durban, he went overseas in 1992 and spent 12 years gaining experience and know-how in both the UK and the US. In the States he worked on the homes of some of the rich and famous during his six-year stay in Sun Valley Idaho, leaving his mark on the homes of the likes of Tom Hanks and Dennis Miller (Saturday Night Live).
After growing increasingly homesick, he eventually returned to Umhlanga in 2004 with his wife and children. Thanks to his reputation for perfection and flawless workmanship, he quickly began to pick up projects through word of mouth, and has now worked on homes in the Hawaan Estate, Simbithi and the Zimbali Estate.
Frank Irvine has a passion for fine carpentry and his goal is to manifest every client’s vision. He says he enjoys working with architects and designers to gain new ideas and insight into the design world.
Frank’s expertise is not only limited to wood and he has made magnificent pieces incorporating leather and stone. He is very organic in his approach to design.
“Although I have an influence in the end result, it’s really all about balancing and blending with the client’s request” explained Frank. “Staircases are the pinnacle of my work, and it takes time and patience to make sure that the stairs fit correctly and that they are uniformly constructed.”
Challenge
He continued: “It is a challenge to do complicated and good quality work. Quality tends not to be the main focus in the South African market, however my clients have learnt that a beautiful piece is not born overnight and that good quality will last.”
Frank takes a lot of time and effort to ensure that his work is unique and made to perfection and he carefully selects suitable wood for his contemporary and elegant designs.
“We live in a manufacturing age, and it is time consuming to make each piece – whether it’s steps, tables, vanities or even furniture – but everything that comes out of our factory is hand made. It is also exciting to see people becoming more conscious about the wood they are using, with a move to using more sustainable wood like bamboo.
“Floating staircases are a contemporary design and very fashionable at the moment,” he told us. “Mixing solid wood with raw concrete or other natural materials produces a very organic look, breaking away from the traditional mould.”
Kantina Projects is soaring to great heights and it’s great to see a local talent so dedicated to quality.
For a showcase of Frank Irvine’s latest projects visit www.kantinaprojects.com or call him at 082 851 9557.