Move forward
Want to get a kitchen designed but don’t know how? Rachael Kwok of NKBA explains all.
Anthony Turnham
Renovating or building a new kitchen is always going to be one of the largest investments in your home. It pays, therefore, to do careful research into the right approach to ensure you achieve your wants and needs.
Unfortunately, many homeowners begin the process on the wrong foot by choosing an unqualified or inexperienced kitchen designer – or worse, by attempting the project without a designer at all. To help you avoid this costly mistake, I’m going to share the secrets to selecting your perfect kitchen designer and how they work to give you the best shot at a beautiful kitchen that ticks all your boxes.
Work with a designer from NKBA: Designers of NKBA are experienced and qualified, they adhere to a code of ethics and participate in regular professional development to ensure they remain at the top of their game. This is not the case with all kitchen designers. In an unregulated industry, anyone can call themselves a kitchen designer. This means the onus is on the homeowner to do their research before selecting their designer of choice.
Research matters: If you’re ready to get started on a kitchen design, take some time to research the various kitchen designers in your area. A simple way to do this is to visit NKBA.org.nz to search through our database of designers. You should also visit the websites of your preferred designers, check out their Instagram accounts, and ask for referrals from previous satisfied customers.
What to look for: While researching, consider whether the designers’ past projects reflect a style you’d like in your own home. Look for industry experience and, ideally, a formal qualification such as the New Zealand Diploma in Kitchen Design. Additionally, you need to understand whether a designer works with projects in your budget and what they charge to complete a design or to project manage. The best way to find this out is to meet with a few of your top picks. Come prepared with questions. Many designers will gladly meet you on-site to discuss your vision and gain a sense of the project.
The cost differs: Every designer charges differently depending on their clientele and location. Some designers charge for an initial appointment to meet with you; others don’t. Some designers require a one-off fee for a complete kitchen design, while others charge by the hour. Some designers offer project management; others don’t. All will get quotes from joiners and suppliers once the design is finalised. To understand your designers’ fees, you can check out their website or give them a call.
Check your contract: Most designers will provide you with a full quote outlining the stages at which payment is required, and what you can expect from the designer in terms of delivery. Check these details carefully to ensure you are getting what you need to move forward with a design you love and can afford. If you are unclear about the process and payment schedule of your kitchen design and installation, ensure you seek independent advice.
Working with joiners: While some joiners employ experienced designers on staff, others work closely with an independent designer. When you are happy with your final design, your kitchen designer will approach several joiners to quote for the construction and installation of your kitchen. The cost of joinery and installation is typically separate from the design.
The process once it’s all go: Once the kitchen design is underway, you will get to enjoy the best part of any project – the planning! Share your dreams and ideas with your designer, allowing them to get to know you and your family. Meet with them at showrooms to explore products and materials. Allow yourself to enjoy the process of creating a kitchen that is perfectly designed for you and your lifestyle.
For more information and inspiration, visit the NKBA website or Instagram.
