After more than 30 years at the helm of one of the kbb industry’s most respected software innovators, Richard Turner, Managing Director, and Theresa Turner, Marketing and HR Director, have announced their retirement from ArtiCAD – the company they founded and nurtured from a small start-up into a trusted international brand.
Their departure marks the end of an extraordinary era for ArtiCAD and the beginning of a new chapter under the leadership of Brandon Kwesiga, who joined the company in May 2025 as Managing Director. His early appointment was carefully planned to ensure a seamless transition, allowing ArtiCAD to continue its growth trajectory while building on the strong foundations established by Richard and Theresa.
From a spark of inspiration to an industry legacy
ArtiCAD’s story began in the late 1980s, when Hull-based computer games entrepreneur Richard Turner partnered with a kitchen and bathroom specialist to open a showroom business. Richard spotted a challenge and an opportunity. The retail business needed design software to transform the sales process, to manage projects and to reduce costly remedial work. The existing design software at the time was expensive, complicated, and far from user-friendly. Determined to change that, he brought together his gaming development team and kbb industry experts to create something better. That spark ultimately became ArtiCAD – and the business was founded in 1992. Designed for simplicity and creativity, ArtiCAD revolutionised how designers sold kitchens, and within two years had attracted over 2,000 users.
From that humble beginning, ArtiCAD grew into a company that has transformed the way kbb professionals design, sell, and present to their clients – evolving from a small UK start-up into a truly global brand, with thriving markets in South Africa, Ireland, Australia, and the USA. Its reach and reputation today stand as a lasting testament to the vision and determination of its founders.
Richard Turner: “It’s been an incredible journey, thanks to great colleagues, great customers and ever-changing industry challenges. Harnessing the latest technology innovations and developing simple, practical and affordable solutions has been a real pleasure. Riding the storms of financial recessions and a world pandemic were less of a pleasure but I’m really proud of our resilience and what we’ve achieved.”
Alongside Richard was his wife and business partner, Theresa Turner, whose vision and drive also helped shape ArtiCAD into the business it is today. Over her 33+ years with the company, Theresa built its marketing function from the ground up, established the renowned Supplier Partnership Programme, and laid the foundations for several of ArtiCAD’s teams, including the Customer Support Team – now one of its most recognised strengths.
Theresa also created ArtiCAD’s enduring strapline, ‘Designed to help you sell’, a phrase that perfectly captures both the company’s ongoing purpose and the passion that has driven its success. Her influence extended far beyond marketing; through her work across HR, leadership, and culture, she helped build the collaborative, people-first ethos that defines ArtiCAD today. Together, Richard and Theresa’s partnership has been the heartbeat of the company, touching every department and every member of the ArtiCAD community.
Theresa Turner: “As we step away, our overwhelming emotions are of profound gratitude and pride in what ArtiCAD has achieved. I feel truly honoured to have worked alongside so many super-talented colleagues (past and present) – who have made building the business, with its many challenges, an absolute pleasure! There are too many customers, suppliers and industry supporters to thank in just a few sentences.”
A new chapter for ArtiCAD
Incoming Managing Director Brandon Kwesiga joins ArtiCAD with an impressive track record of driving growth and innovation across leading brands. Most recently serving as Director of Sales and Marketing at Anthill, a process management and automation platform, Brandon brings a unique blend of commercial acumen, product insight, and customer experience expertise.
Brandon’s arrival comes at a time when the KBB software landscape is undergoing a significant shift. In recent years, several major players have consolidated, a trend that has seen software solutions become more expensive, support services outsourced, and decision-making increasingly removed from the day-to-day realities of KBB professionals.
Brandon Kwesiga: “I’m genuinely excited to be part of a company with such an incredible legacy, one built on innovation, integrity, and a deep commitment to excellence. It’s an honour to carry that legacy forward as we open ArtiCAD’s next chapter, continuing to deliver trusted, cost-effective solutions and local support that empower our customers to thrive.”
About ArtiCAD:
ArtiCAD’s stunning KBB CAD, pricing, project management & installations software plus VR & unique online apps help professionals win sales, manage installations and deliver an exceptional customer experience: online, in-store and in-home.
Contact:
Alex Rollinger
Field Marketing Manager
alex.rollinger@articad.com
+44 (0)1923 888101
www.articad.com
