Depending on the scope of the project, how much time and how much money you want to invest — the type of professional you would choose will vary. Below we tell you 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.
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.
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. They have 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. 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 home centers, multi-branch kitchen showrooms, upscale kitchen dealer showrooms, design-build firms or in their own boutique studios. Some have their own installers, others have sub-contractors, while still others have a good working relationship with an independent 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. 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.
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 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 designers speicalize in the planning and materials of interior spaces. Kitchens are a sub-speciality of interior design which require knowledge in different planning and materials than other areas of the home. A few interior designers have specialized in kitchens. 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 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.