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ASID
Metro New York - The Designer's Role in Kitchen
& Bath Renovations
December 14, 2006
A team leader, an expediter, a project coordinator,
a communicator and a client advocate…when it comes
to renovation projects, these are all responsibilities
that an interior designer undertakes…and many
more. The role of the interior designer continues
to evolve and reveal itself as integral to the
success of any project team. When it comes to
renovation projects, specifically kitchens and
baths, the interior designer needs specialized
expertise to deliver the desired results and forge
a long-lasting client relationship.
In a do-it-yourself world, the best service a
designer can provide is catching clients before
they try to do a kitchen or bath renovation themselves.
Overwhelmed with options and aesthetic possibilities
and unaware of the technical and code compliance
issues, the role of the designer is to guide and
educate the client.
“As kitchens and baths are the most expensive
rooms in the house to renovate, they are the two
worst projects for a non-professional to tackle
on their own,” comments Marc Schlesser, Chief
Design Officer for MyHome, LLC.
Like many areas of design, these two project types
have their own unique set of challenges. Examining
the working relationships, key moments in the
design process and the typical challenges will
reveal the intricacies of these renovations and
the importance of enlisting the right team to
successfully complete kitchen and bath projects.
Working Relationships
Teamwork is important for the success of any project
and when it comes to kitchen and bathroom remodeling,
it is no different. The designer needs to be a
communications chameleon as they work to develop
strong relationships with all of the parties involved.
They need to enlist a strong team in order to
achieve success. This is part of the value the
designer brings to their client. The team necessary
to complete a successful kitchen or bath remodel
may vary, but seamless communication as well as
trust and mutual respect are important components
for all those involved.
Communication is key when working with the architect,
and it begins with clear direction from the client.
It is important that all parties understand their
responsibilities and who controls the design integrity
of the project. Clarify where the architect’s
involvement starts and stops and how the interior
designer will collaborate with the architect on
the design concept. This relationship will vary
based on experience levels, technical and structural
issues as well as the client’s direction. If everyone
understands their roles, then the process runs
smoothly and the design phase moves closer to
construction.
Aside from working with an architect, designers
may also work in conjunction with kitchen and
bath specialists who are in tune with the product
offerings, manufacturers and the intricacies of
planning these spaces. The kitchen and bath specialist
can support the project with the necessary technical
drawings utilizing specialized software to create
the proper documentation. Plumbing drawings are
critical, so if the interior designer does not
typically create this type of documentation, then
the kitchen and bath specialist offers another
level of detail that can alleviate problems later.
With all of the products available and all of
the circumstances to be prepared for, the interior
designer can offer these additional experts to
the success of the client project.
Feature Story
“Kitchen and bath design is very technical and
repairing mistakes is very costly,” describes
Schlesser. “If an interior designer does not specialize
in kitchen and bath design, then involving a kitchen
and bath specialist will bring tremendous value
and give the client the best service possible.”
“Have patience with all parties,” advises Allan
Linder, Director of New Business Development for
MCK+B. “Allow each party to follow through with
their expert knowledge. After all, that is why
the client hires an interior designer, architect
and a kitchen and bath designer."
This team works together to create the best solution
on paper, but then it requires another level of
team work with a contractor to make the design
a reality. “It is important to keep a list of
good contractors as a designer must count on high
quality craftsmanship to maintain the design integrity,”
comments John Buscarello, ASID of John A. Buscarello,
Inc.
It is crucial that everyone understands their
roles and responsibilities in the construction
process and that one point of contact is established.
Whether it’s the interior designer or a project
manager, there needs to be one contact giving
direction to the contractor to avoid confusion.
Other relationships prove to be important throughout
these renovations. Buscarello believes building
relationships with the building management will
serve the designer well. By respecting the managing
agent and the other tenants in the building, the
designer will maintain peace. Other support staff
such as a good expediter is also important. Remodeling
projects are full of surprises, such as bad plumbing
and crooked walls, so the better the support team;
the better the designer can handle these surprises.
From the managing agent and expediter to the architect,
kitchen and bath specialist and contractor, it
is important to work with reputable professionals
and have a mutual respect for all parties involved.
Still, in the end the client is the priority and
when everyone else walks away from the kitchen
and bath remodel, the interior designer has a
long term relationship to keep in mind.
The Design Process
– The Challenges
Like any design project, the first step in a bathroom
or kitchen remodel is to listen to the client’s
needs and work with them to develop a solution that
suits their home, their lifestyle and their budget.
Understanding the client’s daily routine, the limitations
of their physical environment and budget constraints
require listening and research skills that prepare
the designer for their problem solving task.
“Understand the client needs,” comments Linder.
“Kitchen and bath designs are based on only two
things: function and aesthetics. One is usually
more important to the client than the other. Know
which one.”
As the design team works with the client’s needs
and wants, they also need to adhere to accessibility
and building codes and understand the intricacies
and restrictions placed on their client’s home by
condo or community boards and building by-laws.
Building by-laws may restrict the duration of renovation
projects which can impact the project timeframe
and design details.
The by-laws may also restrict the type of work that
can be performed. In some cases bath tubs and other
fixtures may not be permitted to be removed. Amperage
issues may also dictate the types of appliances
that can be specified. Ventilation issues and building
by-laws preventing walls from being moved may restrict
design options. ADA requirements need to be considered
when a construction permit is necessary and in many
cases the required space is difficult to accommodate,
once again challenging the designer.
The ultimate challenge is how to make the codes
and rules work within the design intent. As part
of this problem solving stage, the designer may
need to work with an architect to develop a design
concept or partner with them to gain proper approvals
and permits for the floor plans. When square footage
is of enormous value, the planning stage takes time.
In kitchen and bath renovations every inch counts,
so exact measurements are of the utmost importance.
Designers can spend three to four months planning
the space prior to construction.
As the design plans are being developed, the designer
works with the client and coordinates with all appropriate
parties to make educated product, finish and material
selections. The role of the interior designer is
once again that of a guide and educator. With numerous
options available in cabinetry, hardware, countertops,
appliances, lighting etc., the designer helps the
client navigate through the maze of possibilities
and select items that best suit the budget, the
building conditions and the timeframe as well as
the lifestyle of the client and overall design intent.
The designer also assesses stair and elevator conditions
to make sure all of the selected materials can travel
to the work area and is informed on product availability
and delivery issues.
“The choices are overwhelming and the designer becomes
an editor who helps the client work through the
choices,” comments Buscarello. “Consumer stores
and showrooms tend to be sales focused and concentrate
on the narrow scope of the sale, while the designer
is focused on the client’s needs and the big design
picture.”
Many designers find that enlisting the services
of a kitchen and bath specialist is in the best
of interest of their client, and it allows them
all to work through this process smoothly and expeditiously.
The collaboration between the interior designer
and kitchen and bath specialist throughout the design
phase will insure that the client is receiving all
of the appropriate product knowledge that will support
the decision making process without losing sight
of the big picture.
As these product decisions are made and orders are
placed, taking the time to review the details and
double check the documentation helps to prevent
issues from arising later in the process. “The extra
time spent up front is time well spent,” advises
Benjamin Huntington, ASID, CID, FSIA and ASID President-Elect
New York Chapter. “Keep your eye on the present,
but impeccable links to the future. This will allow
you to follow a paper trail and provide speedy resolutions
if problems arise.”
With the design finalized, the selections made and
the orders placed, the designer’s role takes on
new meaning. “Once the drawings and specifications
are complete, the designer’s role becomes that of
acting as the client’s agent. Our responsibility
is to make sure contractors understand everything,
and that their prices reflect the quality of their
work,” describes Huntington. “We act as the client’s
protector; we are the first and last line of defense
between the client and the contractor.”
It is in the best interest of the designer to be
involved in selecting the general contractor. Both
the client and the designer need to establish a
level of comfort and trust with the contractor.
The designer needs to communicate the project aesthetic
with the entire construction team and not assume
they will understand the intent from the plans.
Organization, communication and documentation will
help to create a good working relationship throughout
the construction phase.
“Don’t assume the contractor will know how to position
things because once it is in, it is too late,” comments
Schlesser. “Think about if you have told them everything
they need to know, and inspect the inventory of
materials immediately to make sure it is right.”
Cabinetry, appliances and countertops are all expensive
components of the design, staying in tune with the
delivery and inspection of all of these details
will help eliminate any surprises.
When issues arise, the role of the designer is to
be a problem solver. “Mistakes happen, (and) it’s
how you approach the resolution to the problem and
interface with the people involved that makes it
successful or not,” describes Huntington.
While your documentation may prove who is at fault,
Buscarello advises to use communication and reason
to work through the issue. It may be an opportunity
to rethink things rather than to just fix it.
Designers experienced in this type of work cannot
say enough about the importance of time management
and documentation. Schlesser creates a spreadsheet
in Microsoft Project that outlines the roles, responsibilities,
tasks and deadlines of everyone involved. Regular
site meetings are held early in the morning on the
job site to keep everyone on the same page. This
allows time to address issues that arise in a timely
manner. When the project is complete a final inspection
will help resolve any lingering details and insure
that everyone is satisfied with the final product.
Smart Design
While there is already enough to think about in
a basic kitchen or bath renovation project, technological
advancements continue to challenge clients, designers
and contractors. Some of the buildings in New York
may not be ready to handle some of the more advanced
technology or the building by-laws may have restrictions
that prevent certain types of technology from being
incorporated.
Products that are energy efficient and address ergonomics
are what Schlesser finds to be the “smart” features
more frequently incorporated in today’s kitchens.
Refrigerators with the freezer located in the bottom
position and sound features that indicate a door
is open are typical amenities he is including. Wall
ovens and separate cook tops versus ranges that
protrude into the typical galley kitchen are preferred
and induction cook tops are being introduced more
readily. Touch controls to simplify cleaning, touchless
faucets and light switches, as well as “very quiet-to
silent” appliances are Manhattan friendly technological
advancements that Schlesser finds worth the investment.
Linder also finds induction stoves and ultra-sanitary
soap dispensers with built-in motion detectors to
be frequently used smart design features. In addition,
he highlights microwaves that cook food perfectly
by scanning a barcode on the food package and kitchen
multimedia centers that control lighting, entertainment
and email. He references smart range hoods that
disappear into cabinetry and countertop materials
with built-in antimicrobial product protection that
safely fight the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
While the kitchen technology focuses on function,
the bathroom technology is all about the experience.
Designers are working with clients to create a space
that will pamper and relax - a simulated spa experience.
While the plasma screens or integrated television
mirror technology is available, it is not frequently
incorporated. Steam rooms are a more sought after
amenity as well as aromatherapy in bathtub installations.
Shower jets that give people the carwash shower
experience typically come with a lot of valves and
controls, so Schlesser recommends digital valves
that allow the client to program their shower experience.
This makes the controls easier to use and more aesthetically
pleasing. Multi user controls – his and hers – also
simplify and enhance the home spa experience. Medicine
cabinets with anti-fogging mirrors are user friendly
and more sophisticated lighting applications enhance
any project.
When considering these technologically savvy options,
designers need to research both the product and
the building capabilities to make sure the product
is usable in the client’s space. If the water pressure
in the building isn’t right, then the water in the
carwash style shower may just trickle out.
There are pros and cons to integrating these features
into the overall design. According to Huntington,
“Smart design can often be more expensive and contractors
tend to have less experience with the installation.
Encouraging the contractor and building management
to use new materials can be difficult.”
Still, Huntington finds that in some instances state-of-the-art
technology may perform more efficiently and help
resolve complex design issues. Furthermore, Linder
believes, “These features enhance the quality and
simplicity of life while beautifying your surroundings
and hiding the processes that make them smart technology.”
Manufacturers continue to experiment with technological
advancements; still some designers consider smart
design a work in progress. While clients are enjoying
the convenience of warming drawers and espresso
makers, they are not always sold on more cutting
edge technology.
Kitchen and Bath Design
Experts
“Kitchen and bath renovations are not easy, they
are complicated and different from a typical project,”
comments Buscarello. “Tackling this type of work
without experience can be a good way to ruin a client
relationship."
Long term relationships are the foundation of many
designers’ businesses, so it is important to understand
the unique challenges of these projects and the
advantage of creating a team of trusted and experienced
professionals. The right team will deliver the best
possible kitchen and bath solution for your client,
their trust in you will grow and your most important
role will continue to be “their preferred designer.” |
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