What Is the Job Description of a Kitchen Designer?
Would you like to showcase your eye for designing, remodeling, and accessorizing kitchen spaces? A job as a kitchen designer might be for you. There are a variety of educational and certification options to choose from. Keep reading to learn more.
Career Overview
A kitchen designer is a type of interior designer who works with clients to discuss all aspects of creating, remodeling, or updating the kitchen area of their home. You would discuss building materials, themes, colors, patterns, and room layout with a client. You'll then have to produce sketches and drawings based on what your client tells you he or she wants, which will serve as a basic plan for the remodeling of the kitchen.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisOccupation">Important Facts About This Occupation</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Required Education </td><td>Associate's or bachelor's degree in interior design; an art or design background could also be useful</td></tr>
<tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Sharp, creative eye; good listening, drafting, and layout skills; ability to use computer software, laser scanners, and architect scales; knowledge of buildings and industry trends; communication skills; administrative skills</td></tr>
<tr><td>Work Environment </td><td> Offices, design sites; flexible work schedules are required to meet with clients</td></tr>
<tr><td>Similar Occupations </td><td> Industrial designers, craft and fine artists, architects</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---JobResponsibilities">Job Responsibilities</h3><p>Once you start a project, you'll need to install lighting, flooring, appliances, windows, paint, drywall, doorways, counter tops, and other furnishings. You'll need to coordinate with your clients to ensure that their project remains within budget. You would also be responsible for working with building contractors, electricians, painters, plumbers, and other professionals to get your job done. You could also suggest particular kitchen accessories, such as tables, dishware, glassware, serving pieces, and decorations that you think will match a client's aesthetic taste.
</p><h3 id="section---Licensing">Licensing</h3><p>The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) is one avenue to look into for obtaining a license. To be eligible for their exam, the NCIDQ recommends that you earn six years of interior design education and work experience combined. You'll then need to register to take the exam. The NCIDQ also has continuing education requirements that must be met to keep you license active.
</p><p>You can also look into certifications from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), which offers several designations to choose from. If you're interested in gaining an Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer (AKBD) certification, you need at least two years of design experience, 30 hours of coursework, two professional endorsements, and successful completion of the exam. To become a Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD), you'll need seven years of design-related experience, 60 hours of coursework, two client and two professional endorsements, and you must pass both the AKBD and CKD exams.
</p><h3 id="section---SalaryInfoAndJobOutlook">Salary Info and Job Outlook</h3><p>According to <i>PayScale.com</i>, the majority of kitchen designers earned between $30,000 and $74,000 a year, as of January 2023. Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not provide information specific to the field of kitchen design, the BLS did project that the employment of interior designers in general will likely rise by only 1% between 2021 and 2031, which is slower than the national average of 5% for all career fields.</p>