How to find the right designer for your kitchen project
As an architect with 35 years of experience I can assure you one type of designer isn't necessarily better than another. Kitchen designers are a specializing in a very narrow scope of work.
They are specialists which can be an advantage. Do you want the kitchen design to blend with the rest of the house? Maybe an Interior designer would be better.
Does the kitchen renovation require structural work to remove a wall(s) to achieve an open concept? Maybe an architect would be a better choice. Or maybe a combination would be best
More important than the title of the "designer" is their capabilities and how you as the client relate to them. Don't get caught up in the stereotype interior designers or architects only focus on aesthetics at the sacrifice of function.
In fact, I believe the most important element of a successful kitchen design is the client themselves. The most common assumption of clients is the designer knows what’s "best" and can design the space in a vacuum.
The best clients know how they want the space to function, what their individual work flow is, and what they need for the kitchen to function properly. Prior to the first design meeting you should ask yourself:
1. What are the specific problems with the existing kitchen? Does the layout/workflow cause congestion? Not enough storage? Not enough counter space? Poor lighting? Really think about your daily experience in the space, even make notes throughout the day so you remember what irritates you or what works.
2. How would I like my work flow to function? From bringing groceries in from the car, to storage, to prep, to cooking, to cleanup. How many cooks are going to be in the kitchen? How many "spectators"?
3. Do you want to design for everyday or do you want to design for special occasions (Australia Day, Christmas, parties)? I.E is one oven good enough for every day, but on those special occasions you want double ovens.
4. What kind of storage do I need? Food, dishes, pots and pans, small appliances, cookbooks, trash, etc. Do an inventory of what you have and what you want to have to make sure you provide a space for everything.
5. In addition to cooking and eating, what do I use the kitchen for? Entertaining, homework, office, etc.
6. Where are you going to use individual small appliances like coffee makers, blenders, mixers, etc? Do you have a convenient outlet at that location? Do you have appropriate lighting for that task?
The more the client can tell the designer how they want the kitchen to function and look the more the designer will be able to make that vision a reality. The fewer the questions the designer asks the more you will be getting the designers vision of your kitchen, not your own.
Always remember the designer may have their expert opinions but YOU are the one that is going to be living in the space EVERY DAY! What may seem unorthodox to most people may be your normal.
A kitchen is custom to you (unless of course you want to design for "resale") and if you feel strongly about something don't give in simply because "that isn't what everybody does".
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This commentary via Fricke Design does not constitute advice; readers should seek independent and personalised counsel from a trusted adviser that specialises in property, a tax accountant and property design specialist.