What Is a Certified Kitchen Designer?
Certified kitchen designers "specialize in the design, planning and execution of residential kitchens," according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, which oversees the certification process. Applicants must meet professional requirements and pass a certification exam.
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Experience
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Certified kitchen designers must have at least seven years of experience, three of which consist of full-time work designing and managing kitchen projects. The other four years can include education or related design experience.
Education
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Before applying for certification, kitchen designers must complete 60 hours of courses from the National Kitchen and Bath Association or an equivalent college.
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Exam
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Certified kitchen design applicants take an academic exam as well as a practical exam that gives them six hours to produce four documents related to a design project: a floor plan, construction and mechanical plan, elevation plan and specifications form.
Benefits
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Certified kitchen designers not only know how to design an efficient kitchen with sufficient workspace, but they also know about building codes, construction materials, mechanical systems, appliances and other aspects in which homeowners may not be well versed.
Considerations
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When hiring a kitchen designer, the National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends interviewing several designers, requesting a portfolio of past projects and a list of satisfied clients, and choosing a designer who displays fresh ideas.
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