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

Choosing natural stone is about far more than aesthetics.

In this episode of Behind the Design, I sit down with Nathan Karpenko, co-owner of CAV'ART Designer Stone, to explore what really happens behind the scenes when selecting one of the most important materials in a home.

Nathan shares his journey from working in luxury hotels to leading one of Australia'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.

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.

Whether you'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.

In this episode, we cover: • Nathan's unexpected path from hospitality into the natural stone industry • How a bowel cancer diagnosis changed his outlook on business and life • Starting CAV'ART during the uncertainty of COVID • Why trust matters more than selling products • The biggest misconceptions about marble, granite and quartzite • How designers and suppliers collaborate to achieve better project outcomes • Choosing the right stone for your lifestyle, not just the look • Why customer experience is just as important as the materials themselves • Building a business around quality, honesty and long-term relationships

If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to Behind the Design for more conversations with the people shaping Australia's design industry.

We'd also love it if you left a review and shared this episode with someone planning their next project.

Follow Nathan Karpenko and CAV'ART Designer Stone https://au.linkedin.com/in/nathan-karpenko-53350617 https://www.instagram.com/nathankarpenko/ https://au.linkedin.com/company/cav-art-designer-stone?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company https://cavart.com.au/

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Chapters 01:29 — Nathan Capon's Journey Into the Stone Industry 05:46 — How a Cancer Diagnosis Changed Everything 10:17 — Starting a Business During COVID 15:16 — Building Trust Instead of Chasing Sales 21:34 — Why Quality Matters More Than Quantity 25:02 — How Designers and Stone Suppliers Work Together 30:02 — Marble vs Quartzite: Choosing the Right Stone 32:01 — Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing Stone 34:18 — How to Choose the Perfect Stone Slab 37:32 — Creating an Exceptional Customer Experience 41:10 — Business Lessons on Leadership, Relationships & Growth 45:12— Final Advice for Designers, Builders & Homeowners

Keywords Natural Stone Stone Selection Kitchen Benchtops Marble Benchtops Quartzite Benchtops Interior Design Australia Interior Design Podcast Home Renovation Tips Kitchen Renovation Bathroom Renovation Stone Supplier Australia Marble vs Quartzite Choosing Natural Stone Interior Designers Australia Building Relationships in Business Cava Stone Camilla Ingall Behind the Design Podcast Design Industry Residential Design