You’ve decided that you’d rather rely on a professional designer for your kitchen project instead of trying to do this alone. Good choice! We’ve already discussed the benefits of working with a designer. Now let’s talk about how to select the right one.
The Selection Process:
- Ask friends, family or neighbors for referrals to designers they’ve worked with and enjoyed.
- Go to Association websites like ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) www.asid.org and the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) www.nkba.org to find accredited designers in your area. Sometimes you’ll even see examples of the designer’s work posted on the site.
- Ask your contractor, builder or architect for a referral. Often these professionals will make the suggestion that you hire a designer. They consider it a huge help for their clients and know that projects will run more smoothly with a designer in the picture.
The Interview Process:
- Set up a meeting with your potential candidates. Some designers charge for this time, some don’t. Ask up front if there will be a charge for the meeting. This should be a meeting to get to know them and have them get to know you and your project.
- Ask questions about their experience, education, accreditation, and don’t be afraid to ask for references. Designing a kitchen can be very complex and you want to be sure the designer understands the complexities involved in the process.
- What they’re asking you is just as important as what you’re asking them. They should be trying to get a feel for what is important to you.
The Final Choice:
- Consider how you feel about the designer. Are they concerned about you and your goals for the project? A gut reaction is a good barometer for selecting the right person for you.
- While price is important, consider the amount of experience and integrity the designer will bring to the project. An inexperienced designer will often charge far less than one who is experienced in kitchen and bath design. Again, it’s about understanding the complexities of the project.
Next week” The “B” Word (Budget – what did you think?)