I work as an independent in order to better meet the needs of my clients. In the interests of flexibility, I structure my fees in a two ways: hourly or contract-based. The contract-based design fee counts towards the total kitchen cabinetry order. Most of my clients use my cabinetmaker and, thus, any design fees are absorbed into the cost of the cabinetry.

An initial consultation lasts two hours and costs $250. Thereafter, I charge an hourly rate of $100. This method works well for the following:

• An exploratory meeting to answer the clients’ questions about the possibilities of their space.
• An introductory meeting to start the Client down the right path.
• To offer a second opinion of another design.
• To answer specific questions regarding elements like paint color, materials, finishes or appliances.
• To go shopping for materials, appliances, tile, granite, etc.
• To design small projects (under 10 hours).

The Clients and the Designer commit to a fixed-fee contract based upon the scope of the project. This fee serves as the design deposit towards your total kitchen cabinetry order. Additional services not outlined in the contract, like additional layouts, revisions or shopping trips, will be billed at $100 per hour.

THE SMALL KITCHEN $1,550

The total design fee for a small kitchen of under 150 square feet is $1,550. This includes the 2 hour introductory meeting, the initial measurements, the initial layout(s), presenting the initial layout, revision of the layout, elevations of the kitchen, presentation of the elevations, one revision of the elevations, final measurements and cabinet pricing with my cabinet maker. This contract also includes a two-hour shopping trip.

A small kitchen generally takes me about 30 hours from initial meeting to the cabinet installation. Through my cabinetmaker, cabinets in this size kitchen tend to range in price from $18K to $33K depending upon style of cabinet, number of cabinets, materials, finishes and "bells and whistles."

This design fee counts towards the cost of the cabinetry.

THE MEDIUM KITCHEN $1,850

The total design fee for a medium-sized kitchen of 151 to 275 square feet is $1,850. This includes the 2 hour introductory meeting, the initial measurements, the initial layout(s), presenting the initial layout, revision of the layout, elevations of the kitchen, presentation of the elevations, one revision of the elevations, final measurements and cabinet pricing with my cabinet maker. This contract also includes one 2-hour shopping trip for appliances or counters.

A medium-sized kitchen generally takes me about 60 to 75 hours from initial meeting to cabinet installation. Through my cabinetmaker, cabinets in this size kitchen tend to range in price from approximately $24K to $48K depending upon style of cabinet, number of cabinets, materials, finishes and "bells and whistles."

This design fee counts towards the cost of the cabinetry.

THE LARGE KITCHEN $2,750

A large kitchen of over 275 square feet costs $2,750 to design. This includes the 2 hour introductory meeting, the initial measurements, the initial layout(s), presenting the initial layout, revision of the layout, elevations of the kitchen, presentation of the elevations, one revision of the elevations, final measurements and cabinet pricing with my cabinet maker. This kitchen also includes two 2-hour shopping trips for appliances and counters.

A large kitchen generally takes me about 75 to 85 hours from initial meeting to cabinet installation. Through my cabinetmaker, cabinets in this size kitchen tend to range in price from approximately $26K to $57K depending upon style of cabinet, number of cabinets, materials, finishes and "bells and whistles."

This design fee counts towards the cost of the cabinetry.

Kitchens often come with ancillary projects like: Mudroom, Butler’s Pantry, Bar, Laundry Room, Entertainment Center or a Powder Room. These projects generally take me three to ten hours and can be billed at the hourly rate or as a fixed fee.

THE PROJECT-BASED CONTRACT FOR BATHROOMS

The Clients and the Designer commit to a fixed-fee contract based upon the project’s size. The design fee does not count towards a cabinetry order.

THE SMALL BATHROOM $950

A small bathroom of under 75 square feet costs $950 to design. This includes the 2-hour introductory meeting, measuring, the initial layout(s), presenting the initial layout, revision of the layout, elevations of the bathroom vanity, presentation of the elevations, one revision of the elevations, final measurements and cabinet pricing with my cabinetmaker. This contract also includes one 2-hour shopping trip for tile or fixtures and fittings.

A small bathroom generally takes me about 12 to 15 hours from initial meeting to final walkthrough. Through my cabinetmaker, cabinetry tends to range in price from $1K to $7K depending upon style, size, materials and finishes.

THE MEDIUM BATHROOM $1,450

A medium-sized bathroom of 76 to 100 square feet costs $1,450 to design. This includes the 2 hour introductory meeting, the initial measurements, the initial layout(s), presenting the initial layout, revision of the layout, elevations of the bathroom shower and vanity, presentation of the elevations, one revision of the elevations, final measurements and cabinet pricing with my cabinet maker. This contract also includes two 1 1/2-hour shopping trips for tile, fixtures and fittings.

A medium-sized bathroom generally takes me about 15 to 20 hours from initial meeting to final walkthrough. Through my cabinetmaker, cabinets in this size bathroom tend to range in price from $2K to $14K depending upon style of cabinet, number of cabinets, materials, finishes and "bells and whistles."

THE LARGE BATHROOM $1,850

A large bathroom of 100 to 175 square feet costs $1,850 to design. This includes the 2 hour introductory meeting, the initial measurements, the initial layout(s), presenting the initial layout, revision of the layout, elevations of the bathroom, presentation of the elevations, one revision of the elevations, final measurements and cabinet pricing with my cabinet maker. This contract also includes two 2-hour shopping trips for tile, fixtures and fittings.

A large bathroom generally takes me about 25 to 30 hours from initial meeting to final walkthrough. Through my cabinetmaker, cabinets in this size bathroom tend to range in price from $4K to $18K depending upon style of cabinet, number and size of cabinets, materials, finishes and "bells and whistles."

HOW IT WORKS

THE INITIAL CONSULTATION 2 Hours - $250

The Client(s) and I meet in the space for two hours to discuss the project. I may ask for a tour of the house to give me a sense of the clients’ and house’s style. The Client shows me their “homework” - tear sheets of their desired kitchen or bath.

We discuss the space and its possibilities, constraints, cabinetry, appliances, budget, needs, wishes, etc. It is critical that all interested parties and decision makers be at this meeting. We’re laying the foundation for the project at this meeting and we need all the building blocks to do it well.

This initial fee counts towards project contracts.

THE CONTRACT

If we decide to work together, we discuss which fee structure is appropriate for the project. I draw up a contract accordingly. The contracts are paid as follows. Total cost - $250 = balance of total. Divide balance in half. The first half is paid when the contract is signed. The balance of the design fee is paid upon approval of the final layout. This design retainer counts towards the cabinetry order.

THE INITIAL MEASUREMENTS 1-1/2 hours

The Client and I measure the space and agree upon the measurements together. We also take “Before” pictures. During this process, we talk about possible trim widths, crown molding, floor treatments, paint reveals, light switch placement, heating, etc.

THE INITIAL LAYOUT 2 to 4 hours

I sit at the proverbial drawing board for a few hours trying different layouts. As one layout starts to gel, I start moving in that particular direction. This is a very rough layout with many question marks still to be answered.

THE PRESENTATION OF THE INITIAL LAYOUT 2 to 4 hours

I present my rough layout to find out if I am on the right track. If it is well received, I continue to flesh it out with the clients. If the client prefers something else, I can revisit the initial layout and present the revisions at another meeting.

POLISHING THE INITIAL LAYOUT 2 to 4 Hours

This is the stage where I polish the rough layout – answering some of the question marks. Is the microwave above or below the counter? Is the kitchen for baking, entertaining or homework? Where are those things going to happen? Is it a nighttime kitchen where lighting and sparkle are of paramount importance? Or, is it a daytime kitchen where windows and views have the most impact? Do the kids need a snack center, a lunch-making area, or a lower counter? Are the clients especially short or tall – or both? Not all these questions can be answered in the initial two-hour meeting.

RESEARCHING AND SHOPPING FOR APPLIANCES 2 Hours

This is the point where appliance shopping can be very helpful so that we can work them into the overall scheme of the kitchen. Please procure appliance specifications and an appliance list at this time. These schematic drawings contain crucial information for the cabinetmakers and me. I do have an appliance sales person that I work with. He makes sure that all the accessories are ordered; the refrigerator is hinged correctly, etc. He also gives my clients special contractor pricing.

PRESENTING THE LAYOUT 2 Hours

This meeting is good for fine-tuning the final layout and laying to rest any outstanding issues. This is another critical meeting where the principals need to be present.

DESIGNING THE LOOK OF THE SPACE 2 to 6 Hours

Using cabinetry samples, finish samples and the Benjamin Moore Color Library, we begin to put the Look of the kitchen together. We decide upon the hood, sinks, brackets, glass, etc. Essentially, we are creating a vocabulary of materials and design protocols for the project.

Frequently, we are recreating a kitchen from the “homework” picture and use that as a guide to choose our materials and our cabinet door-style. At this point, some homeowners like to go shopping for counters or backsplash tile to help with the choice of finishes and materials.

REVISING THE LAYOUT 1 Hour

DRAWING ELEVATIONS 6 Hours

I go back to the drawing board to draft the different views as if I was looking at them square on. This is where we really get to “see” the kitchen. As a result, I do tend to make some changes at this point – lining up drawers, etc.

PRESENTING THE ELEVATIONS 1 1/2 Hours

This is a very exciting meeting where we can “see” the kitchen relating together. This is the point where everyone confirms that they are on the same page. It is common to make some minor revisions at this point.

REVISING THE ELEVATIONS 1 to 2 Hours

Presenting the Revised Elevations and Layouts

At this point, I make 3 or 4 copies of all the plans for the homeowner, general contractor and cabinet-maker.

THE FINAL MEASUREMENT 1 Hour

We do the final measure once the space is gutted or, when the space is sheet-rocked. At this point, we may wish to draw the kitchen on the sub-floor to confirm the measurements.

THE CABINET QUOTE 8 to 14 Hours

I submit extensive parts lists and shop drawings, where necessary, to the cabinet-maker for pricing. This takes a week.

THE CABINET ORDER 10 Hours

The Client, the appliance sales person and I assemble specifications for the appliances, sink, faucet & hardware. We approve the finish and door sample.

The order for cabinetry needs to be submitted 6 weeks before desired delivery date. Half of the total contract serves as the deposit upon signing the cabinetry contract. The other half, minus the design retainer, is paid by certified check upon delivery.