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ASID
NEW YORK METRO |
The Designer's Role in Kitchen &
Bath Renovations
Ateam 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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