45. How to Choose the Right Stone Without Costly Mistakes | Nathan Karpenko, CAV'ART

<p>Choosing natural stone is about far more than aesthetics.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of Behind the Design, I sit down with Nathan Karpenko, co-owner of CAV&#39;ART Designer Stone, to explore what really happens behind the scenes when selecting one of the most important materials in a home.</p><p><br></p><p>Nathan shares his journey from working in luxury hotels to leading one of Australia&#39;s most respected natural stone suppliers. Along the way, we talk about the power of relationships, starting a business during COVID, the life-changing impact of a bowel cancer diagnosis, and why trust has become the foundation of everything he does.</p><p><br></p><p>We also unpack some of the biggest misconceptions about natural stone, how designers and suppliers work together to create better outcomes, and why the best projects always start with honest conversations.</p><p><br></p><p>Whether you&#39;re an interior designer, architect, builder or homeowner planning your next renovation, this episode offers practical insights into choosing the right materials while building stronger relationships throughout the design process.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, we cover:</p><p>• Nathan&#39;s unexpected path from hospitality into the natural stone industry</p><p>• How a bowel cancer diagnosis changed his outlook on business and life</p><p>• Starting CAV&#39;ART during the uncertainty of COVID</p><p>• Why trust matters more than selling products</p><p>• The biggest misconceptions about marble, granite and quartzite</p><p>• How designers and suppliers collaborate to achieve better project outcomes</p><p>• Choosing the right stone for your lifestyle, not just the look</p><p>• Why customer experience is just as important as the materials themselves</p><p>• Building a business around quality, honesty and long-term relationships</p><p><br></p><p>If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to Behind the Design for more conversations with the people shaping Australia&#39;s design industry. </p><p><br></p><p>We&#39;d also love it if you left a review and shared this episode with someone planning their next project.</p><p><br></p><p>Follow Nathan Karpenko and CAV&#39;ART Designer Stone</p><p>https://au.linkedin.com/in/nathan-karpenko-53350617</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/nathankarpenko/</p><p>https://au.linkedin.com/company/cav-art-designer-stone?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company</p><p>https://cavart.com.au/</p><p><br></p><p>Follow Unfolded:</p><p>https://www.