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Don’t Just Pick a Pretty Portfolio: How to Hire the Right Kitchen Designer for Your Remodel
- Julie Hampton
- Aug 6
- 8 min read
Updated: Sep 27
A kitchen remodel isn’t just a big investment—it’s a full blown production. And a kitchen designer? They assist with developing your plan before tools hit the jobsite. This process goes way beyond picking tiles and paint colors—good kitchen designers turn your vision (and let’s be honest, your saved post chaos) into a plan (and documents) that’s actually buildable.
We don't build kitchens from mood boards and paint chips, right?!
Kitchen designers coordinate the pre construction details, spot red flags before they cost you money, and help keep the whole thing on schedule. But not all designers work the same.
There is both the creative and the technical side. And they may not be involved at all in the management side.
When you hire the right team members to develop your kitchen project, everything clicks. Project development comes AFTER your solo planning phase. And I always encourage you to hire a designer AND a contractor during project development--to guarantee what is designed can be built, and within your budget.
Table of Contents
Where Do You Even Find a Good Kitchen Designer?
What a Kitchen Designer Actually Does (Spoiler: It’s Not Just Picking Tile)
Most homeowners assume a kitchen designer’s job is to make things look nice. But a good one? They do way more than choose paint colors.
A great kitchen designer is your lead strategist—especially in the preconstruction phase. They help shape your layout, check that everything actually fits, and prepare detailed plans before demo starts. That upfront planning is what saves you from budget surprises and mid-project panic.
They’re also your translator. You bring the ideas; they turn them into something buildable. If your dream peninsula clashes with a support beam, or your cabinetry blocks the plumbing line—they’ll catch it before it costs you money.
According to the NKBA, remodels with formal preconstruction planning land 30% closer to budget.That’s not a fluke. That’s the power of working with a smart designer who knows how to plan.
And here’s the part most people don’t realize:The designer you hire will guide hundreds of decisions. A great one keeps your goals, layout, and budget front and center the whole time.
A not-so-great one? They’ll sell you on shiny finishes, ignore how you actually live, and push ideas that photograph well—but don’t function. Some will even design over your budget just to pad their portfolio. Worst case? You end up with a plan that’s beautiful on paper, but too expensive to build. I’ve seen it happen more than once.
A good designer stays accountable to your budget, not theirs. They understand how design and construction come together, and they’ll never brush off your preferences with “Oh, I don’t do herringbone backsplash,” like one homeowner recently heard.
They listen. They prioritize what matters to you.And they design something you can actually build—and live with happily for years.
Where Do You Even Find a Good Kitchen Designer?
Start with Professional Associations
If you want someone legit, go straight to the source. Industry organizations like the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) are gold. You’ll find certified pros (look for CKBD after their name) and kitchen specialists who live and breathe remodels. The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) also have searchable directories. Not everyone listed specializes in kitchens, but many do—and you’ll at least know they’ve been vetted.
Check Showrooms and Vendors
Don’t sleep on showroom referrals. Visit a cabinet dealer or appliance showroom and ask the staff who they trust. Many work closely with independent designers—or even have one in-house. These folks often know which designers actually get results, not just pretty drawings.
Bonus: if you hire someone connected to a showroom, you may get better product support (or discounts) down the line. Some kitchen designers work specifically with certain cabinet lines--and it's great! They know very creative ways to make the line work and what's possible.
Browse Online Portfolios (With Caution)
Houzz, LinkedIn, and Instagram are all fair game—just don’t fall for the flash. Look for actual kitchen remodels in the portfolio, not just styled photos. Sometimes the details are in the not so pretty "during construction" photos, that matter. Filter for people with certifications and strong client reviews. Save examples you love to show later, but treat this as a starting point. A pretty feed is no guarantee they understand workflow, measurements, or real-life install timelines.
Kitchen Design Isn’t Just Creative—It’s Technical, Too
A mood board won’t save you from layout mistakes.And it definitely won’t help when your contractor calls to say the new fridge blocks the pantry door.
That’s why real kitchen experience matters more than style. A great designer understands how kitchens work—not just how they look.
That means:
Mapping efficient workflows
Knowing code clearances and appliance specs
Designing around structure, plumbing, and sequencing
This isn’t about picking finishes. It’s about thinking through how every inch functions.
Do they do the drawings themselves?
Not always—and that’s okay. Many experienced designers partner with draftspersons or kitchen designers who do this work daily (I do, too). If someone only designs 4-6 kitchens a year, that is not the same experience as someone designing DAILY and 30-50 kitchens a year. Something to consider.
Questions to ask :
What software do you use? Can I see what previous clients received as construction drawings and documents?
Who prepares the floor plans and elevations?
How do you ensure measurements are correct?
Questions That Actually Help You Hire the Right Designer
The consultation isn’t just a vibe check—it’s your chance to see how this designer thinks, plans, and communicates. Come prepared with questions that go beyond “What’s your style?”
Here are a few to ask:
How many kitchen remodels have you done start to finish?
What’s your process from design to construction handoff?
How do you work with contractors or trades?
What’s included in your design package—drawings, product specs, 3D renderings?
How do you handle revisions or unexpected site issues?
You’re not grilling them—you’re making sure they’ve thought this through. A great designer will have clear, confident answers. If they seem vague or dodge specifics, that’s a red flag.
Remember, this person will be steering the design development one of the biggest projects in your home. Ask like it matters—because it does.
Understand Their Pricing Model (and What You’re Really Getting)
Designer pricing can feel like a mystery—but it doesn’t have to. The key is knowing what’s included and how they charge.
Some designers bill hourly, others offer flat-rate packages, and some tie their fees to product sales. Make sure you know exactly what you’re paying for. Are you getting just a layout and mood board? Or does it include detailed drawings, fixture selections, and contractor-ready plans?
Ask:
What’s included in your base design fee?
Are site visits, revisions, or trades coordination extra?
Do you earn commission on products you recommend?
You’re not being nosy—you’re being smart. A good designer will break this down clearly and never leave you guessing.
Remember, a higher price isn’t always bad—what matters is the value behind it. A $5K design fee might save you $25K in construction mistakes. Ask for clarity now so you don’t pay for confusion later.
How a Kitchen Designer Works With Contractors (And With You)
Every kitchen designer has a slightly different business set up and process. Rarely will you be comparing apples to apples.
Some deliver a complete design package with drawings, selections and documents, answer questions, and then step back. Others stay involved—checking in weekly, coordinating with trades, or even managing the entire remodel.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach--they all work well and have pros and cons to consider and fall in different investment categories.
But here’s what I can tell you after running hundreds of projects: The number one reason a remodel goes off the rails isn’t bad kitchen designers or bad contractors. It’s unclear roles and poor communication.
The safest setup? One clear point of contact managing the day-to-day. Whether that’s your GC, project manager, or you—it needs to be one person. Otherwise, decisions get delayed, trades get mixed messages, and momentum stalls.
That said, if your designer says they’ll be “on call,” make sure you understand what that really means. Because in the middle of a kitchen install, when a cabinet question pops up, your contractor may need an answer within the hour.
Waiting until the end of the day? That doesn’t cut it.
And if your designer can’t be on call like that, that’s okay. But it should be clear from the beginning. Because what doesn’t work is someone saying they’re available, but disappearing when it’s time to troubleshoot.
(This loops back around to why I REALLY like construction and design working together during project development. I review the six phases in the Smart Start Remodel Guide)
You should also ask how often your designer checks in—because even when everything is going smoothly, someone should still be on site. Remodels move fast. And problems are easiest to catch before they escalate.
Here’s what to ask about your kitchen designer's process:
Do you stay involved during construction?
What does “on call” mean in practice?
How quickly do you respond to site questions?
Do you check in regularly or attend site visits?
Designers can absolutely be part of the project development process. They can stay available, check in, and guide design decisions throughout the build. But there needs to be a clear chain of command.
Red Flags That Don’t Show Up on Instagram
Some red flags are obvious. Others hide behind pretty photos.
Here’s what to watch for:
No sense of cost. If every answer is “We’ll get a quote,” and they can’t discuss realistic budget ranges—that’s a problem. Remember, quotes require a plan to be accurate.
They don’t listen. Your designer should guide you—not ignore you. If they skip ideas they disagree with (like keeping a family heirloom or using herringbone tile), or insist their aesthetic comes first, really think if your vision will come to reality.
No interest in how things get built. If they say, “The contractor will figure that out,” for everything.... they’re skipping half the job. That answer is definetly correct sometimes--but not ALL the time. Design choices affect construction—your designer should understand both.
The design process is unclear. If they can’t map out every step of the design process upfront—from first meeting to handoff—you’ll end up chasing clarity the whole time. You shouldn't find out what’s next only when it’s next.
Great design is more than pretty—it’s collaborative, grounded, and buildable.
Your Gut Is Smart—But Put It in Writing Anyway
Finally: chemistry matters.You’ll be working closely with your designer for weeks—maybe even months. If something feels off during your consult, pay attention.
Ask yourself:
Do they listen well? (This is the #1 complaint I hear from homeowners.)
Do they understand your vision—and tell the truth about what’s realistic?
Do you feel more confident after speaking with them?
You’re allowed to want someone who’s talented, clear, and easy to work with.That matters.
But be careful not to confuse friendly conversation with professional readiness.Some designers are warm and personable—but that doesn’t mean they’re experienced, reliable, or prepared to lead a remodel.
Honestly? Homeowners often trust designers faster than contractors.They feel easier to talk to. They seem more aligned.But I’ve seen just as many remodel frustrations come from designers as I have from builders. It’s just not talked about as openly.
The same level of vetting, structure, and clarity you’d expect from a contractor?
Use that here too.
Once you’ve found a designer you trust—lock it in with a contract.You should have a clear agreement outlining:
Scope of work
Deliverables
Fee structure
Timeline
No assumptions. No vague promises. Just clarity.
It sets the tone for a solid working relationship—and keeps everyone on the same page from day one.
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