FAQS

What is a Certified Kitchen or Bath Designer?
A Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) or Certified Bathroom Designer (CBD) is a professional who is qualified by education and experience to research; design; plan and supervise the installation of residential kitchens. The certified kitchen and bath designer has to prove knowledge, technical understanding and the ability to communicate ideas though a stringent examination process administered by the National Kitchen & Bath Association. This assures the client that the individual is a competent kitchen designer.

What geographic area do you cover?
Most of my work is in San Francisco, the near East Bay, and the Peninsula through San Carlos. I occasionally work with clients who are farther away. I usually do the first one or two meetings face to face, and often a final meeting to review detailed cabinet fittings and samples of finishes. Other communication can be done with phone, fax and email.

How long will it take?
A straightforward design takes about two months. If an engineer or architect is required, it will take longer. Once the design is nearly complete, we will need to select a contractor if you haven't previously selected one. Cabinets will then need to be ordered, which can typically take anywhere from 6 to 10 weeks. Once your project is started, it will take at least 2 months to complete, depending on the contractor and scope of work.

What is your style?
I work with your style and the style of your home. My personal preference is toward a clean style with natural materials and understated moldings in which form follows function. I have done many projects in Victorian, Edwardian & other styles typical of the Bay Area.

How much will the project cost?
A good way to find out is to ask both design professionals and contractors what their average costs are running for Similar projects. You should plan on spending a minimum of $60,000 for your kitchen or $20,000 for your bath in the San Francisco Bay Area if you want to find a quality contractor to handle your project. If you anticipate relocating windows or walls, you should assume the cost will be higher. I sometimes encourage people with limited budgets to consider getting certain phases of the project done by directly contracting with specialists whose phase of work can be done before or after the main project (such as electricians for service upgrades, painters or flooring people). There are other ways to keep down costs such as working with a stock cabinet line that has a custom option where needed.