Mayan Metzler from German Kitchen Center speaks exclusively with Marco Derhy about the groundbreaking partnership with Leicht

BAHIA by Leicht — 2024

What inspired you to found the German Kitchen Center (GKC) in 2010 and how did your first experiences shape the direction of the company?

GKC's founding in 2010 was driven by the vision of bringing world-class German kitchen design and engineering to the US market. Our first significant milestone was partnering with Leicht, a brand recognized worldwide for its unparalleled combination of quality, innovation, flexibility and value. Opening the first lightweight flagship showroom on Manhattan's Upper West Side allowed us to showcase these exceptional products, and the overwhelmingly positive customer response reinforced our belief in this partnership.

Leicht's ability to continually delight customers with its innovative designs and diverse offerings became the foundation of GKC's success, allowing us to expand nationwide and deliver thousands of successful projects. This partnership continues to shape our direction as we strive to provide unrivaled service and state-of-the-art kitchen solutions through a synergy of Leicht's products and GKC's expertise.

What makes the partnership with Leicht so unique?

Three key factors make our partnership with Leicht unique:

1. Global leadership: Leicht is the undisputed world market leader in premium kitchen design and is known for its innovation and quality.
2. Unprecedented Cooperation: German Kitchen Center (GKC) is Leicht's largest partner outside of Europe, a testament to the strength of our relationship.
3. Exceptional Value: This exclusive partnership allows us to take advantage of special pricing, ensuring excellent value for money for our customers.

Together, GKC and Leicht provide unparalleled kitchen solutions that combine premium design with exceptional affordability.

Leicht, the leading German brand No. 1 for premium kitchens

How has the partnership developed with Leicht’s new state-of-the-art production facility?

Leicht's new state-of-the-art production facility worth 90 million euros has taken our collaboration to a new level. It expanded production capacity and improved efficiency while maintaining exceptional adaptability. This is a rare achievement in the industry, as most manufacturers limit options as they grow. Leicht has done the opposite, maintaining its “almost unlimited variety” while scaling production. It is considered a miracle in premium kitchen construction and amazes the entire industry.

How does GKC use Leicht's customization capabilities to create tailored customer solutions?

Customization is one of the most rewarding aspects of our partnership with Leicht. Every customer comes to us with a unique vision for their kitchen – a space that reflects their style and lifestyle. Leicht’s nearly unlimited designs, materials and configurations allow us to turn this vision into reality. From sleek, modern designs to warm, timeless aesthetics, we can customize every detail to suit our customers' tastes and needs. This ability to create truly bespoke solutions is why so many of our customers view their kitchens not just as a functional space, but as a distinctive statement of their individuality.

KYOTO by Liecht – 2025

How do Leicht’s sustainable practices fit with GKC’s commitment to healthier living spaces?

At GKC, we have always valued creating healthier living spaces, and Leicht's commitment to sustainability fits perfectly with this philosophy. Today's customers are more aware than ever of the impact their home has on their well-being and the environment. Leicht supports this claim by using pollutant-free, environmentally friendly materials that meet strict sustainability standards. This not only creates a healthier kitchen environment, but also contributes to a better quality of life overall. By incorporating Leicht's sustainable practices into our designs, we help our customers create spaces that are as safe and environmentally conscious as they are beautiful and functional.

What makes Leicht’s signature “Interior+ Hardware” unique?

Leicht’s “interior+ hardware” represents an innovation that only a few manufacturers can offer. While most companies source their hardware externally, Leicht took a bold step by designing and manufacturing his own hardware. This decision ensures that each piece of hardware is not only exclusive, but also crafted to fit seamlessly into Leicht's overall design language. Much like Audi's LED lights have become a distinctive trademark, Leicht's “interior+” hardware gives its kitchens a unique visual and functional signature. From tall cabinets to innovative wall systems, this proprietary hardware transforms ordinary storage space into extraordinary design elements, offering unmatched functionality and aesthetics.

TERMA-ROCCA from Leicht, the leading German brand No. 1 for premium kitchens – 2025

How does Leicht’s versatility enable GKC to deliver complete home solutions?

Our partnership with Leicht extends beyond the kitchen and enables GKC to offer comprehensive solutions for the entire home. Leicht's adaptability allows us to design furniture for various spaces including vanities, closets, closets, home offices, pantries, laundry rooms, libraries and mudrooms. Whether for a complete renovation or a new construction project, the diverse offerings from Leicht ensure a uniform, high-quality appearance throughout the entire house. This versatility not only makes it easier to create functional and visually stunning spaces, but also strengthens GKC's ability to deliver complete home solutions that meet the needs of every customer. We can transform any living area into a beautiful, unified and highly functional environment by incorporating Leicht's flexibility into our approach.

What can we look forward to from GKC and Leicht in 2025?

GKC is transforming the kitchen experience by integrating TerraLux technology and the revolutionary Kitchen Companion. This AI-driven platform reimagines kitchen functionality, allowing users to manage recipes, inventory, and shopping lists directly from their devices. The Kitchen Companion is optionally available for all kitchens, including those from Leicht. It brings comfort and innovation to new and existing kitchen designs.

Thanks to Leicht's unrivaled quality and GKC's forward-thinking approach, customers can look forward to kitchens that combine timeless design with the latest technology. This partnership continues to set new standards for bespoke, high-performance kitchens tailored to modern lifestyles.

TOPOS by Liecht

How can readers follow your journey or get in touch with you?

For anyone who wants to stay connected or learn more, we invite you to visit our website and Facebook to explore our latest collections, view stunning designs and download our catalogs. If you would like to discuss your kitchen project directly, please contact us at mayan@GermanKitchenCenter.com or my cell phone at (347) 992–0410.

Mayan Metzler, founder and managing director of the German Kitchen Center (GKC)

Thank you for sharing your incredible journey, your passion for innovation, and your vision for the future of kitchen design with us. We can't wait to see what's next with German Kitchen Center's groundbreaking Terra Lux technology and this exciting partnership Leicht, the world leader in innovation and design for premium kitchens. Keep pushing boundaries and inspiring us all!