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Introducing the Professionals Depending on the scope of the project, how much time and money you want to invest, the type of professional you would choose will vary. Below find out who the professionals are.
In all our years of experience in kitchens, we have yet to see a homeowner who would not truly benefit from the professional help of a good kitchen designer.
Consider: Do you know how to assemble a car? When you see a car you like, you know it, and you may know many of the features you like about the car, but would you dare plan, order, and assemble the parts for your next $30,000 car? Do yourself a favor then — get a professional kitchen designer to plan, order, and assemble the parts for your next $30,000 kitchen.
Who Are the Pros
Kitchen Designer
 Kitchen designers specialize in kitchens — the expert who knows how to make the many details involved in a kitchen design come together just right. Some are Certified Kitchen Designers, CKD’s, Certified Bath Designers, CBD’s, Associate Kitchen & Bath Designers, AKBD’s or Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designers, CMKBD’s. They have all passed a rigorous exam given by The National Kitchen & Bath Association, adhere to the NKBA professional stardards and complete sufficient ongoing education credits for continued acceditation to keep up with changes in building codes and standards. These professionals have demonstrated comprehensive knowledge in kitchen and bath design, as well as construction, mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems. They must adhere to a strict Code of Professional Conduct and they are experts in the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Planning Guidelines & Access Standards, which recognize the importance of consumer health, safety and welfare in kitchen and bath design. They must maintain membership in the NKBA, this professional organization provides them with the training and tools needed to succeed. They are skilled at assessing consumers' individual needs and wants and creating designs that meet and exceed these requirements. They remain current on local building codes, safety and environmental regulations and the wealth of new products and equipment on the market. Different designers possess varying skill levels which may not be initially apparent. Kitchen designers work in a variety of environments and can be found in multi-branch kitchen showrooms, upscale kitchen dealer showrooms, design-build firms, in their own boutique studios or occassionally in home centers. Some have their own installers, others have sub-contractors, while still others have a good working relationship with an independent remodeler.
Remodeler
Remodelers may or may not specialize in kitchen work. Even among those who specialize in kitchens, remodelers possess varying skill levels which may not be initially apparent and few are kitchen designers. Some can and will do most of the work themselves while others act as the general contractor and rely on sub-contractors to do specialized work — from electric, plumbing and painting all the way to drywall work. Some have a number of crews while others do the work themselves with a helper or two. Some are Certified Remodelers. They have passed a rigorous exam given by The National Association of the Remodeling Industry and adhere to the NARI professional stardards.
Architect
Architects specialize in buildings, not kitchens. Their expertise lies in the structural aspects of a job and making the greater space work well for you. Among those who specialize in residential work, some will do limited kitchen planning. We have found that their kitchen plans tends to reflect their structural vision rather than focusing on the nitty-gritty of a superior kitchen plan. Architects must be licenced by the state in which they practice. Architects can become members of the American Institiute of Architects.
Interior Designer Interior designers speicalize in the planning and materials of interior spaces, paint, wallpaper, tile, etc. Kitchens are a sub-speciality of interior design which requires additional knowledge and different planning and materials than other areas of the home. Few interior designers specialize in kitchens and become kitchen designers. Their kitchen work frequently reflects their emphasis on the look rather than the nuts and bolts of the kitchen. Some interior designers have passed a rigorous exam approved by the American Society of Interior Designers. This offers them ASID certification — they adhere to the ASID professional stardards and must complete sufficient ongoing education credits for continued acceditation.
Home Builder
Home builders can be large organizations which produce many homes in a few styles with limited options for individual changes or they can be small, one-at-a-time builders with total flexibility in terms of kitchen planning. Home builders can belong to the National Association of Home Builders. |
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