Recently, I was interviewed by Houzz, in conjunction with Ferguson Kitchen Bath & Lighting Gallery, for my top tips in renovating a kitchen.  Click the image above to read the full article. 

​Whether you are renovating a kitchen or bathroom or building from the ground up, this will be one of the most important investments you will make in your home.  Designing a kitchen or bathroom is more than just designing a pretty space.  Because of the complexity of these projects, a higher level of expertise is needed on product, design, and installation. It involves not only choosing the right materials, but also configuring plumbing and electrical.   A professional designer can help you put all of these pieces together so you can get a beautiful, functional, and safe space. Just like going to a doctor that is a specialist, a kitchen and bath designer specializes in these areas of the home.  This is why hiring a certified designer is such a pivotal decision in the design process.

​NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Designer) is the premier association for the kitchen and bathroom industry. They are the trusted source for information and have researched and developed a set of guidelines.  NKBA certified professionals can hold one of several titles based on their level of experience and knowledge.     

The Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer designation proves the designer’s ability and competency in their field.  They have fulfilled a requirement of industry experience along with additional educational hours of training.  Then they must pass a rigorous test, which includes both a multiple choice and drawing component.  This test is based on the NKBA kitchen and bath planning guidelines (58 total) and local building codes, kitchen and bath design, construction, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems.  To remain current, Certified Kitchen and Bath Designers are also required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education every two years.  Certified designers are also skilled at assessing client needs and wants to create a design that meets and exceeds these desires.   

You can trust that a certified designer:

• Is knowledgeable in kitchen and bath design and planning.
• Has spent time in the industry learning to become an expert in their field 
• Continues learning to stay current with the latest materials and building techniques
• Is a good communicator to listen to your needs
• Can communicate that vision to the various trades
• Will save you time and money by avoiding costly mistakes

​The real question isn’t why would you hire a CKBD, but rather why wouldn’t you?!