Kitchen designers plan and design new or remodeled kitchens, oversee installation and construction, and help with decoration. They must have knowledge of architecture, interior design, and local building codes. They work with clients to choose cabinetry, flooring, appliances, and color palettes that fit their home, lifestyle, and budget. Kitchen designers can work in retail stores, showrooms, or independently. They typically hold at least an associate’s degree in interior design or kitchen and bathroom design, and a bachelor’s degree is often preferred.
A kitchen designer is a design professional who works with homeowners to plan the layout and functionality of a new or remodeled kitchen. Kitchen designers can also oversee installation and construction, as well as help with decoration. In the retail environment, a kitchen designer is often a sales professional as well as a designer.
Most kitchen designers are skilled in hand drafting and computer aided design (CAD). They must know at least the basic principles of architecture and interior design; many kitchen design jobs require an in-depth knowledge of one or the other, or both. Kitchen designers should also be familiar with local building codes and requirements. Many of them have worked on the construction side of kitchen design and are well versed in construction techniques and practices. Commercial kitchen designers, who work with restaurants and other large-scale food service facilities, may have even more specialized knowledge in areas such as health codes, industrial design and ergonomics.
The ability to work well with clients and determine their needs is an important part of a kitchen designer’s job. Residential kitchen designers help their clients choose cabinetry, flooring, appliances, countertops and color palettes that fit the client’s home, lifestyle and budget. An initial consultation can take place at a showroom or home improvement center or at a client’s home. After viewing the kitchen space, the kitchen designer offers suggestions on the type and location of cabinets and appliances, as well as specific materials and products. The designer can prepare and present multiple designs to the client or work on just one design, making changes throughout the process.
Kitchen designers can find work in different environments. Most major home improvement stores have several kitchen designers who help customers with everything from choosing a new sink to designing an entire kitchen, complete with custom products and materials. Kitchen and bathroom showrooms also offer kitchen design services. Independent kitchen designers can work independently and be hired directly by clients. They can also subcontract their services to builders or architecture or interior design firms.
Most kitchen designers hold at least an associate’s degree specializing in interior design or kitchen and bathroom design, and a bachelor’s degree is often preferred. Typically, a kitchen designer is expected to have completed courses in interior design, architectural drafting, CAD, space planning, and construction techniques. Some programs may also include sales and marketing. In some areas, full certification or licensing may require several years of experience and an exam.
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