A question that is often asked of me is, “What is the benefit of using a Kitchen Designer?”
So I thought I’d attempt to answer this and provide some insight into what to think about when choosing who will design your kitchen.

There are numerous reasons to engage a Qualified Kitchen Designer early on in your renovation or new build.  Whether or not you have an Architect or Interior Designer involved; you should always seek the services of a Kitchen
Designer to work in with these professionals.  I liken it to this analogy; every six months you will see your Dentist
for a check up and maybe a filling, but if you needed to have an impacted wisdom tooth extracted, wouldn’t you seek the advice of an Oral Surgeon?  Your Dentist may be perfectly adequate to complete this procedure for you, but given the option wouldn’t you choose someone who does this day-in day-out?  If something should go wrong, wouldn’t you want to have the very best advice on hand?  In a strange way the same applies to Kitchen Design. Sure most professionals could “Design” a kitchen adequately, but few could design something uniquely yours, that meets all the regulations,
that has flair and functions beautifully.  I guess I’m saying employ the people that specialise in their field.

Kitchens are not that easy

Contrary to popular belief, kitchens aren’t that simple to create.  Drawing pretty pictures is one thing, but ensuring all regulations are met and having a design that works is quite another.

The regulations regarding kitchens are constantly changing and as a qualified Designer I need to ensure I am up-to-date with every change.  Believe me, there is a colossal amount of regulation that I need to consider when I’m designing for my clients.
It certainly isn’t the sexiest part of my role, but it is the most important.  These come into play more with renovations,
in particular when it comes to heritage homes and leaky buildings.  You may have a kitchen now that met the criteria in the 80’s, however we may have to look at the building structure to ensure it meets with the codes of today.  I have come across people who have put in their lovely new kitchen, but it was illegal. All it would have taken was a little more money to put it right
before the kitchen was installed; now they have to remove the kitchen to correct the issue.  You guessed it….they have to employ the trades to complete this and it will cost a great deal more.

Do you know all the latest and greatest products available on the market?  I do, and I get trade discounts.  Think about all the amount of product available on the market, all I have to worry about is what is new for the kitchen (ok in my case the bathroom and laundry too). Again this comes back to specialising in the field.  The various suppliers in the market know who specialises in kitchens and will release the information to them before any other designers or the general public, as they
often want their opinion. A  Designer needs to fully understand how you will use your kitchen. Funny question I know, but you
would be surprised at how many companies design a kitchen without asking the right questions and you as the client end up with a kitchen that isn’t specific to your needs.  For example, who will be using it the most?  How often would you use your oven and what for? (This will determine the type of oven we recommend). What small appliances do you use on a regular basis?  The list goes on.

Cookie cutter is what I would consider a lot of Designs, same upon same.  Great Designers need to know what the trends
are, and actually I believe we should lead the way.  Personally I travel a lot, to not just trade shows around the world, but I also like to get amongst it and I find the most interesting things outside these shows will inspire me; even a pair of shoes may spark an idea.  When you employ someone to complete your kitchen, wouldn’t you like to know that no one has a kitchen quite like yours?

We’re your allies

At the end of the day we work for you, no one else on the project.  Therefore we can work together to get what you want in the end.  I can’t remember how many times I’ve been told, “it’s nice, but not exactly what I wanted” or “we felt pressured to do it this way”. A Qualified Kitchen Designer needs to work with you to come up with your dream kitchen. If they listen to you at the
beginning, the end result will be perfect.  We then work in with the other professionals to ensure that the end result will enhance your space.

We also relieve you of the pressure as we will ensure the project runs smoothly from beginning to end, after all, our name is ultimately attached to the kitchen.  It’s our job to ensure the kitchen is delivered on time and within budget.

To sum up
- A qualified Kitchen Designer is up-to-date with the regulations
- Knows the latest trends
- Has access to the latest products
- Will design a functional yet visually stunning kitchen
- Specialises in their field
- Can save you money
- Works to your budget
- Will work with other professionals to achieve the best outcome for you
- Provide you with a bespoke kitchen – not a cookie cutter kitchen
- Manage the entire process
- Ultimately is working for you

Mal Corboy