Independent Kitchen & Bath Designer
Career Description
Independent designers that work in the kitchen and bath area are unique because they do not sell or represent a product; they sell their services. Therefore, an independent designer must be knowledgeable about current trends and products. The independent designer's goal is to create cutting-edge designs to increase their marketability. Independent designers charge a flat rate or an hourly rate for their design services. Some independent designers have employees that help with the design process. In addition to creating revolutionary designs, successful independent designers conduct research, write books, publish articles, and give presentations. Some may also act as general contractors for a project obtaining building permits, ordering supplies, and organizing sub-contractors.
Job Description
- Receive layout and dimensions
- Assess clients' needs
- Conduct product research
- Prepare detailed cutting-edge designs
- Generate designs to customers
- Research and publish
- Advertise to attract customers
- Ensures clients are satisfied
- Develops working relationships with suppliers
- Responsible for profitability and efficiency of business
Skills Needed
- Effective communication skills/people skills
- Advanced product knowledge
- Advanced knowledge of kitchen and bathroom design
- Advanced computer-aided drafting skills
- Exceptional creative and esthetic abilities
- Excellent hand drawing skills
- Marketing skills
- Proficient in researching and writing
- Professional presentation skills
Required Education
Usually, independent designers in the kitchen/bath industry have obtained a Bachelor's degree in Interior Design or an art-related discipline. Independent K&B Designers participate in many professional development courses and are accomplished learners. They have achieved NKBA Certification, are members of several associations, volunteer for officer positions, and participate in design competitions. They have gained the knowledge of kitchen and bath design through NKBA courses and Accredited Programs. Attending an NKBA Accredited Program can give students that wish to be independent designers the kitchen and bath industry knowledge to be successful. Many colleges across the U.S. and Canada offer degrees in the kitchen/bath specialty area.
Click here for a list of NKBA Accredited Programs.
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) offers NKBA professional development courses to provide students with the knowledge to work within the kitchen and bath specialty area.
The Association offers several levels of certification for designers. Click here to learn more about NKBA certification.
Earnings
The earning potential for independent designers varies greatly. The designer's creativity is crucial in determining monetary success. Success in publishing, achieving awards for designs, and networking capabilities can drastically increase an independent designer's popularity and customer base. According to a study conducted by Alexandria Tech, 35% of the independent design firms in the kitchen/bath industry reported yearly incomes between $50,000 and $99,000.
Below are the earnings for interior designers per bureau of labor statistics below.
Median annual earnings for interior designers were $36,540 in 2000. The middle 50 percent earned between $26,800 and $51,140. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $19,840, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $66,470. Median annual earnings were $40,710 in engineering and architectural services and $34,890 in furniture and home furnishings stores.
Overall, the employment of designers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2010. In addition to those that result from employment growth, many job openings will arise from the need to replace designers who leave the field. Increased demand for industrial designers will stem from the continued emphasis on product quality and safety, the demand for new products that are easy and comfortable to use, the development of high-technology products in medicine, transportation, and other fields, and growing global competition among businesses. Demand for graphic designers should increase because of the rapidly increasing demand for web-based graphics and the expansion of the video entertainment market, including television, movies, videotape, and made-for-internet outlets. Rising demand for professional design of private homes, offices, restaurants and other retail establishments, and institutions that care for the rapidly growing elderly population should spur employment growth of interior designers. Demand for fashion designers should remain strong because many consumers continue to demand new fashions and apparel styles.
Suggested Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2002-03 Edition, Designers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos090.htm (visited July 17, 2003).
Learn More About An NKBA Student Member's Experience- Terri Belage, CKD
Education
Terri graduated from the NKBA Accredited Program at the University of Nebraska at Kearny with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. At the university, in addition to the Interior Design general coursework, Terri was trained extensively in the NKBA Guidelines & Presentation Standards that are utilized in the kitchen and bath industry. It was through this successful learning experience, as well as the networking events that her school participated in with kitchen/bath professionals, that led to her gainful employment in the industry.
Past Work Experience
- Part-time local cabinet dealer
- Part-time as a cashier in a lumberyard
Current Employment
Independent Design Consultant for NKBA member firm Mary Jo Peterson, Inc. The firm represents local residential clients and national accounts with large production builders and architects. Terry participates in all aspects of the job description for an independent designer including creating AutoCAD drawings and hand drawings for these accounts.
Terri Answers Your Questions
Q: What do you attribute to your success on the job?
A: "From my experience, it is important to listen, but even more important to take good notes and create a to-do list. There are too many projects and too many details to remember everything."
Q: How are most of your designs prepared?
A: "We prepare most of our drawings in AutoCAD and email drawings back and forth with our national accounts. If time is critical, sometimes we simply do an overlay draft of the drawings on vellum. For our local residential clients, we supplement the AutoCAD drawings with hand sketches of design features. This helps add a personal touch."
Q: How do you suggest one would do to jumpstart their career?
A: "Involvement in the NKBA has helped me to make contacts and meet new friends. I had been going to meetings for three years before I became an officer; not only do I know more people now, but they know me, not just my name."