Kitchens are complicated compared to every other residential space. You may begin with a remodel space or a new build. Determine the visual concept and functionality. You can measure from an existing kitchen to get some idea of pantry storage, appliance storage, dishes, towels, pots and pans, utensils, spices, file drawers, cooking, storage, baking pans, boxes of foil, wax paper, storage bags and serving dishes. Window placement and adjacencies to other spaces, cabinets and open shelving all make a difference in the appliance and countertop options.

Many contractors specify one appliance brand as it is easier. The finishes and handles will coordinate, especially if you have a knowledgeable distributor who has options from well known, reliable companies. Follow up service may be necessary. Bigger cities have more options and the best companies send their employees for regular training. These salespeople are invaluable as you can go in with your initial kitchen layout, gather information on the appliances you are specifying and adjust your drawings accordingly. The cabinetmaker usually draws the next layout to coordinate cabinetry with appliances.  This determines electrical, plumbing and the lighting layout.

Now materials – what type of materials and colors for cabinetry, flooring, countertops, backsplashes and lighting fixtures.  CADD and similar programs allow you to lay this in and import the appliances to expand your drawings for better visuals.

Determine the wall that is the most important for maximum visual effect. In remodels or new builds where the space has been determined, it is not always possible to have a perfect layout!

Baths are the most labor intensive smaller space. You have all of the subcontractors needed for a kitchen but sometimes very small amounts of material. 

Develop an estimator for yourself as these spaces are labor intensive and unless you like working for free you need to determine the price of the toilet, sinks, cabinetry, hardware, countertop material, floor tile, shower floor and wall materials, showerhead and controls, grab bars, sinks, tub, and the other components.There is a lot of time involved in finding these coordinating parts so charge a design fee up front based on the size of the bath.

A powder room is small, but often the most expensive materials are used here so you need to consider the styles and goals of the client to have an idea of the total cost.

For just a shower replacement you need a plumber and tile contractor. You can update a toilet with only a plumber but then the lav area needs a plumber, electrician, cabinet maker and a countertop installer.

I personally go to all available sources and look for the most interesting tile patterns or slabs first. Then I select the neutrals for the floor and shower walls and coordinate where the pattern will be used.

Carefully determine the quantities. The contractor usually has an account at one source so they don’t want to drive all over to create the designer bath you may be ordering. Picking up and delivering to the site the small amounts ordered will ensure the correct materials is used in the correct area and isn’t lost at the site. Deliver and hand off to the super or tile contractor along with a scaled ½” drawing to the site when they are needed.  CADD drawings are not accurate enough as the patterns have to be even and balanced and the floor and ceiling may not be level.

At this point you are acting as a contractor overseeing tile installation so you should be licensed as such. The general contractor is not always on site and the subcontractor may not understand the balance and match. 

Finding your perfect place in an interior design career.  You have options.

Accessing your skills. What are your best skills?

●     Space planning
●     CADD drawing
●     Coordinating fabrics
●     Colorization
●     Assembling presentation materials
●     Working with homeowners
●     Project management

You will become aware of your skills in part by your grades in your classes!

Do others comment on your apartment, home or outfits you put together? I can walk into someone’s home and know if they have “it” or they have hired someone. Most of us in the biz feel we were born with a skill set.

Most designers are either residential or commercial. You can do both but residential is easy to fall into as someone can ask you to help them and in states that don’t require licensing, you can just start working! There are professional insurance plans. You might be working on set design and someone asks you to come over to their home.

What is your preference?

●     Commercial buildings – offices, retail stores, apartment buildings-now you are into building codes
●     Hospitality
●     Health care
●     Institutional design-schools, government buildings and transportation facilities
●     Sustainable design
●     Residential homes

In a small town, you may start in a boutique or hardware store. In a larger city, there are more options. A contractor or architect may need help. Stores need displays.

In addition to your skill set, the type of design you go into may depend on your financial needs. Full time work may include a salary and health insurance. Building your own firm requires you to cover all expenses. Licensing varies by state. You may want to incorporate or set up an LLC.