One of the things that I’ve said numerous times is how passionate I am about learning about the products I source so that I can educate my clients. As an interior designer, how can I confidently recommend a product for a client project if I don’t really know much about it?

Well, one solution is to dive in and immerse myself in the deeper details about how a product is made, how it began, its purpose, and the people behind it. So, that’s what I did! I recently had the opportunity to embark on an extraordinary journey that took me and an amazing group of San Antonio designers (and our fabulous Cosentino rep and guide Sonia) to the heart of innovation in the world of interior design. Our destination? The remarkable headquarters of Cosentino, nestled in the vibrant landscapes of Almeria, Spain…oh and Cosentino picked up the tab for the accommodations and food? What?! There’s no way I was passing this up!

Join me as I share some of our experiences learning about one of the most exquisite surfaces and materials that redefine the essence of modern, sustainable living.

Where it begins…

First stop…the quarries. It was really cool to see where Cosentino gets their raw materials from. Seeing quartz in its purest, natural form was absolutely amazing! To learn about the history of the Cosentino family and how much land they have acquired for decades was so interesting and truly a treat.

Discovering the essence of Cosentino

As we stepped into the realm of Cosentino, we were immediately enveloped by an aura of creativity and craftsmanship. Even from the moment we walked into the building, we were greeted by a screen that included all of our business logos! That was very cool and we felt so welcomed.

Everywhere we looked, we were surrounded by Cosentino products on the walls, on the floors and even outside. We were then given a tour of the building to include the lab and their beautiful showroom. It was like being at KBIS (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show) all over again, but better!

We weren’t allowed to take pictures while in the lab for obvious reasons, but it was really cool to see the super smart people behind the innovation. You could see formulas written all over the glass windows and advanced machinery within the rooms performing tests on the products. I felt like I was in Tony Stark’s lab at the Avenger’s compound!

The showroom was really fun. We got to explore everything…I even got to see their recently launched Dekton product, Ukiyo in person! I’m obsessed with it and excited to be able to touch and see it up close. I plan on using it for a current client project and can’t wait to see the results! We were allowed to take pictures so I took a lot, including some video. All the materials on display were incredible (even products that haven’t been launched yet)!

The sprawling headquarters served as a testament to the brand's dedication to pushing the boundaries of design excellence and innovation. Every corner exuded sophistication and elegance.

Where the magic happens…

Our group was then taken on an exclusive tour of the state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities (we weren’t allowed to take any pictures or videos…bummer). Here, we witnessed firsthand the meticulous process of transforming raw materials into works of art. The fusion of cutting-edge technology with traditional craftsmanship was truly awe-inspiring, underscoring Cosentino's commitment to innovation.

One of the things that stood out was how clean the factories and facilities were! Everything was meticulous and kept as clean as possible. There were more machines than there were people, but it was like watching a well-oiled machine working consistently and orderly. We even got to touch newly made slabs while they were still warm!

Engaging with visionary minds

Our journey wouldn't have been complete without engaging with the visionary minds behind Cosentino's designs and success. We had the privilege of meeting the production designers who shared their insights into the evolving landscape of interior design and their approach to coming up with new designs. Their passion for innovation and sustainability was truly felt and provided a fresh invigoration of my creativity!

Sustainability is where it’s at

At the core of Cosentino's philosophy lies a deep commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. We learned about their initiatives to minimize carbon footprint and promote eco-friendly practices throughout the production process.

The sun is there friend! Cosentino reduces consumption through production efficiency. They have 38,000 solar panels (and growing) on their campus with a 20 MW (megawatt) output. It was insane to see those solar panels in person…pictures don’t do it justice!

Because it’s so dry in the Almeria region (they only get about one or two days of rain per year), water is their most treasured resource. They use 99% of recycled water from their Silestone manufacturing process and are able to do this through a circular system of continuous filtration that allows them to save every drop!

There is also their Silestone XM product that includes their Hybriq+ Technology Q10. This exclusive technology enables the creation of surfaces with a maximum of 10% of crystalline silica content, while maintaining high performance and excellent finishes.

It's so inspiring to see how design can be such a catalyst for positive change in the world. And I’m so grateful to be a part of this industry.

Bringing the experience home

As we said goodbye to the captivating headquarters of Cosentino, we couldn't help but feel inspired and invigorated. Our journey had not only broadened our horizons but also deepened our appreciation for the artistry and innovation that define modern interior design. Armed with newfound knowledge and insights, we're eager to infuse our own creations with the spirit of Cosentino's timeless elegance and educate our clients on this phenomenal product.

Our trip to Cosentino's headquarters in Spain was nothing short of transformative. It was such a blessing to be given this opportunity that not everyone gets to participate in. We not only got to learn about a company that started in a town with 5,000 people and is now global, but we also got to visit the city of Granada as well. It was such a beautiful city full of culture, beauty, and amazing architecture! We saw many buildings like hotels and retail shops that incorporated Cosentino products in their designs. You could tell that they have truly made their mark, especially in that region.

This entire trip was a voyage of discovery, enlightenment, and inspiration that reaffirmed our belief in the transformative power of design. As we continue to chart new territories in the world of interior design, we carry with us the timeless wisdom, boundless creativity, and relentless innovation that we encountered at Cosentino. Here's to a future filled with endless possibilities and infinite beauty!

Oh…and I’m counting down the days of when I’ll be back to the beautiful country of Spain! Hasta la proxima vez!