Award-winning kitchen and interior designer Alina Cuchiliuc brings international experience, technical precision and a deeply personal approach to creating functional, elegant spaces that truly reflect the people who live in them.
“My path was a pivot from finance,” the Kitchens By Design designer tells Verve. “I realised I wanted to build spaces, not just balance sheets. It began with my own home, but I kept coming back to the kitchen. It’s the most vital room in a house. I wanted to start at the heart.”
How has your background in Moldova, and your early experience running a furniture and kitchen design business, shaped your approach?
In Moldova, design was a matter of the soul; a kitchen was a sanctuary built to last generations. My early years on the technical side gave me a real feel for how materials truly age. Today, I look at Kiwi homes through two lenses: the airy lifestyle we love here and a grounded European obsession with quality. I choose functionality over fleeting trends to give my clients more than just a look – I give them a high-performing investment that stands the test of time.
How would you describe your design philosophy?
My philosophy is simple: a space is only truly beautiful if it actually works. A kitchen must handle the morning rush as effortlessly as a dinner party. I start with the rhythm of your day – how you move and gather. Once the layout is perfect, I bring in the soul through bold textures and lighting. If a kitchen doesn’t function, the design has failed.
What design mistakes do you see homeowners making most often when renovating?
Compromising on the things that do the heavy lifting. If a drawer doesn’t glide, the most beautiful kitchen becomes a frustration. Invest in the ‘bones’ first. You can replace a bar stool later, but you can’t easily replace the mechanics.
What do your many awards mean to you?
These awards are more than trophies; they’re proof I’m on the right path. Design is deeply personal, and when you pour your heart into every technical detail, industry recognition feels like powerful validation. It’s given me the courage to trust my instincts.
What trends and shifts in how people live – like work-from- home – most influence your process now?
We’re asking our homes to do so much more. The kitchen is now an office, a homework station, and a social hub. I design for flexibility through ‘zoning’ – ensuring a space can handle a busy morning but transform back into a calm sanctuary for
a glass of wine at night. I’m moving away from cold, clinical showroom looks; instead mixing styles and materials to bring more character and soul into the home. We don’t just live in our homes; we ‘experience’ them.
What does a typical project look like for you, from first meeting a client to the finished space?
It’s a journey of trust. It starts with a conversation about how you live, your routine, your frustrations. I never design in isolation; I ensure the vibe is consistent with the whole house. Once the shell is right, we dive into clever storage details. I stay very close to the manufacturing because the ‘bones’ have to be perfect. What drives me is seeing a vision become a reality a client can truly live in.
What project are you most proud of?
A recent project in Clevedon where I designed the entire home – from the kitchen and bathrooms to the wardrobes and bedrooms. It was a career highlight because it allowed me to create one seamless, consistent flow throughout. My clients were a joy to work with, and seeing them at peace in their five-star sanctuary is exactly why I’m so passionate about what I do.
For inspiration, look at some fabulous projects at kitchensbydesign.co.nz.
