Questions & Answers

Do you offer design consultations?

Design Consultations are $300 plus tax for up to 1 1/2 hours. Each additional hour billed the Studio Hourly rate of $100 per hour. Design Consultations are good for Clients looking for a second opinion on the current design plan, Do-it-Yourself clients seeking direction on space planning, or Site Measurements for your up-coming project. Fees do not include tax.

What is your Design Retainer and what does it include?

Design Retainers generally start at $2,500 and up, sometimes less, depending on the scope of work. Design Retainers are used as a deposit toward your design time and billed hourly thereafter. Design fees are billed bi-weekly, are non-refundable, and non-transferable. All design retainers expire within 90 days.

What are your payment terms and payment methods?

Payment methods include direct debit (via E-transfer), Visa & MasterCard (via PayPal), certified cheque, and cash. For complete details on terms of service, please click here to open the document.

How long does it take to design my kitchen, bath, or other room?

Every project is different, but it can generally take about three to four weeks to plan kitchens and bathrooms, where as more complex kitchens and bathrooms can take up to twelve weeks. The process takes this long because we will select every surface, finish, material, fixture, fittings, equipment/appliances and accessory together – no stone will be left unturned.

We will meet once per week and your ability to make decisions will impact the length of the planning process. Each design takes two meetings before the design is finalized. Start planning before it’s too late.

If you need additional weekly meetings, and the schedule permits, this can be arranged for a premium.

Where do I start with planning?

I know, you’ve been dreaming again, haven’t you. It’s always fun to start a project. You can quickly reduce the number of billable hours by starting some preliminary planning yourself. Start by getting your hot hands on the NKBA’s Kitchen & Bath Planner. If you don’t have one, just ask me!!

As a pro designer, it’s always a good feeling when the client is well prepared.

How do I find my design style?

I suggest this to anyone who is looking for anything – compare. You do this with clothes and groceries already, so you should do the same thing with style choices.

  1. Look thru a magazine or online photo journal and start to look at some pictures of spaces. I like Houzz.
  2. When you find a space you like, tag it with a sticky-note or something…
  3. On the tag, write up to 3 words that say what you like about the space. It can be a colour, a feeling or emotion, or even a detail that you like.
  4. Review your photos and you’ll start to discover what you like – thereby finding your style.

What is a standard design package?

A standard design package includes a dimensioned floor plan and interpretive drawings (either elevations or perspectives, not both.) A standard design package is only produced with a design retainer.

A construction document package includes a construction plan, floor plan, finishes, mechanics, lighting, and interpretive drawings. All plans are complete with specifications, dimensions and centre lines. A Construction Document Package, in part or in whole, ranges in price from $3,500 to $5,000.

How do I figure out what my budget should be?

Every project is different, and there are always ways to effectively manage your purse. For kitchens (bathrooms are different) here is a great guide I created:

Do I have to shop for cabinetry?

I will supply, delivery, and install all cabinetry purchased through me. I am a Hertco Kitchens LLC dealer providing me with some endless options below:

  • 70 door design variations from stained finishes, hand applied finishes, painted, thermafoil, laminate, and stainless steel
  • Species in solid/veneer of African Mahogany, Alder, Beech, Brazilian Cherry, Cherry, Fir, Hemlock, Hickory, Knotty Cherry, Knotty Maple, Knotty Pine, Maple, Red Oak, White Oak, Brookside Quarter Sawn, Bamboo, Quarter Cherry, Quarter Mahogany, Quarter Wenge, Quarter White Oak, Quarter Zebrawood, and Walnut.
  • 5/8″ thick case cabinets available with a standard white melamine case and drawer box and full back options
  • Upgrades available to Maple Melamine Case, White Vinyl Plywood Case, Birch Plywood Case, and Ladesco Cherry Plywood cases
  • 6 drawer box options, dowled and/or dovetail drawer boxes
  • Formaldehyde emissions ≤ 0.09 ppm* for particleboard (PB)
  • Formaldehyde emissions ≤ 0.05 ppm for plywood (HWPW-VC)
  • CARB compliant Birch Plywood Cases
  • Blum fittings and functional accessories (www.blum.com)
I can do this or anything you want using my Rolodex of professional NKBA Industry contacts.

What is formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a naturally occuring chemical found in nature through food and our bodies. It breaks down naturally when in balance. Where it becomes dangerous is when it is added to wood products (through an adhesive) in excessive quantities. It is a known carcinogen in high quantities.

Can I purchase and supply my own countertops?

You can do whatever you like; however, as your designer of choice I can not be held responsible for product damages as a result of poor countertop installation. You will need to sign a waiver that you agree because I take this very seriously. I take it so seriously that I wrote an article about a poor countertop experience on Design Kula.

My preferred countertop fabricator is FloForm Countertops providing me with:

  • Artisan Stone Collection : Granite Countertops
  • Cambria : Quartz Countertops
  • DuPont Zodiaq : Quartz Countertops
  • DuPont Corian : Solid Surface Countertops
  • Vetrazzo : Recycled Glass Countertops
  • Heritage Wood : Wood Countertops
  • PaperStone : Recycled Paper Countertops
  • Formica : Laminate Countertops
  • Wilsonart : Laminate Countertops
  • Arborite : Laminate Countertops
  • Nevamar : Laminate Countertops
  • Pionite : Laminate Countertops
  • Kohler : Sinks & Faucets
  • Corian : Sinks
  • Wilsonart HD : Sinks

What if I want IKEA cabinets. Can you design with them for me?

Yes, I can absolutely design you an IKEA kitchen but I think you will find that my kitchens are very competitive with IKEA’s pricing. IKEA does not include:

  • Cabinet assembly – my cabinets are pre-assembled
  • Cabinet installation – I have a pro on-staff who is friendly and fun
  • Adjustments and services – I’ll adjust your doors and drawers for up to 90 days
  • Furniture Grade A particle board – IKEA uses low grade
  • 70 door styles and 22 species options
  • Heavy Weight drawer glides and cabinet hinges approved for up to

If you have your heart set on IKEA, then I can still design the kitchen using a Design Retainer. I can continue to supply you with countertops and the extras.

What is an “Interior Decorator”?

Decorators are members of organizations (such as CDECA) but they are not trained or educated in structures and systems.

What is an “Interior Designer”?

Interior Designers are specialists in materials and finishes in both Residential and Commercial spaces. Registered Interior Designers (RID) have passed the NCIDQ exam and are a current member of  their provincial legislative body, such as  IDIBC. There are many professional interior designers who have not written the examination and they are no less qualified.

What is a “Kitchen and Bath Designer”?

Kitchen and Bath Designers have the same responsibilities as Interior Designers except they specialize further because the building envelope, ventilation, plumbing, electrical, millwork and materials are more complicated as they relate to a kitchen or bathroom. Kitchen and Bath Designers have passed the minimum AKBD exam and are a current member of the NKBA. There are many professional kitchen & bath designers who have not written the examination and they are no less qualified; however they are members of the NKBA.