What is a CKD

Many people are familiar with the term “Certified Kitchen Designer” but few know exactly what we do and why we do it. As industry professionals, we are qualified by education and experience to design the most functional and aesthetically pleasing space taking into consideration the efficiency, cost and mechanical installation unique to that space. We are able to supervise the physical development of a project using industry standards showing the latest in design and technologies. The application for certification is based on experience, education and ability. Once the certification is awarded by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), continuing education courses are required to maintain the designation. In addition, the CKD must adhere to a strict code of professional and moral conduct in business.

The builder who realizes that the kitchen is the focus of today’s home offers the services of a kitchen designer to his/her client. Being well-versed in the newest trends in appliances, cabinetry, countertops, flooring, plumbing and lighting, as well as the functional design of the space, the CKD adds value to the project. Knowing the importance of the placement of each appliance to the relationship of use, the requirements of space, work zones, and storage considerations will make the kitchen function as the hub of the family environment.

Involving the kitchen designer early in the project, usually at the preliminary stage, is essential to the project, but more important, to the budget. The red-lined preliminary plans calling out the placement of the utilities are integrated into the final working drawings. Having to move the sink locations after the slab is poured is costly so it should be avoided, if possible.

The plan starts with the function of the space. Will this be a one or two cook kitchen, will the kitchen be used for entertaining, how many people in the family, does everyone eat at one time, etc. The list of questions goes on and on because the more the designer knows about the needs of the family, the more functional the space will be.

Storage is an important concern of every homeowner. We never have enough storage and the more storage we have, the more stuff we collect (but that’s another column). Manufacturers have introduced storage drawers for glassware and dishes, pull out spice units behind fluted columns and single and double pull out trash units to name a few. The designer and homeowner should work closely to plan the placement of “the tools of the cook” to make the kitchen organized and fun to work in. A key rule is to place the items at first or last use. Store the dishware & glasses at the eating area or near the dishwasher. The triangle, or a variation of, is still important for efficiency. Small triangle areas can work well in a large kitchen by incorporating the second sink or adding refrigerator drawers.

Your appliance choices are the basis for the kitchen design and should be chosen with the consideration of space in the kitchen, functionality and budget. Will that 48” free-standing professional gas range overwhelm the space, will it be used or just look pretty, and finally, does it fit into the budget. Compromising might be a solution here. Professional-looking ranges are available in 30” and 36” widths, which might be more proportional to the rest of the kitchen, and might also allow the homeowner to splurge on a warming drawer or a heavy-duty ventilation hood.

Since the art of cooking has become a social thing, more homeowners are choosing appliances with the professional look. Entertaining has moved into the kitchen and the guests join in the preparation of the meals. That old saying, “ an average cook can be a gourmet cook with professional appliances” is actually true. All the appliance distributors offer cooking classes so the homeowner can try before they buy. If the homeowner has never used a steamer or a warming drawer before, they should be encouraged to attend the classes.

Needless to say, I’ve only touched on the tasks of the Certified Kitchen Designer. Speaking from experience, when working with my clients on remodeling or new construction designs, I definitely do become an integral part of the project. I have many projects that do not end at the kitchen, but continue into baths, laundry rooms, entertainment centers and home offices. My focus is to work on the complete project and give the client his/her dream home and stay within the parameters of the budget.