Michelle Gillbanks.

Michelle's journey into the world of kitchen design began at a very early age. She was inspired and mentored by her mother, Sue Gillbanks - an acclaimed, award-winning designer.  Growing up surrounded by design excellence, Michelle naturally developed a keen eye for detail, strong sense of style and a deep passion for the profession.  

Michelle officially launched her career in Australia, working as a project manager on high-end, custom-built homes. This experience gave her a comprehensive understanding of the entire design and build process—from concept to completion.   This knowledge continues to influence Michelle's work today, with her behind-the-scenes knowledge ensuring each project runs seamlessly, blending creativity with practicality.

In 2015, Michelle returned to her roots in New Zealand to focus exclusively on kitchen design, joining forces with her mother at Kitchens By Design. Since then, she has carved out a name for herself in the industry, earning multiple awards and accolades for her innovative, functional, and beautifully crafted kitchen designs.  Her most recent awards are listed below.