KITCHENS - What to expect from the process:

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1.
MEET WITH MY CLIENT(S)
You will almost certainly have been thinking about your project for quite a while. But for me, this is where every project begins.

I have two roles as your designer: one is to bring my technical and organizational expertise to your project. But of equal importance is my role as a designer who will convert your ideas, your needs and your dreams into the best possible finished product: visually, aesthetically and functionally. At this early stage, I listen to my clients and ask them questions. I need to know how you live your lives, if and how you entertain at home and what your personal preferences are. I need to know what you particularly do not like about your existing kitchen.

2.
SAMPLES, FINISHES AND COLOURS

In order to hone in on the exact look and feel for your kitchen, we spend some time with a variety of finish materials. You get to touch, feel and see up close countertop materials, wood species and finishes, cabinetry door styles and flooring materials. In order to specify the overall colour concept for the kitchen, we throw color chips into the mix. And when we're ready to start addressing the details, we'll research appliances, light fixtures, hardware, faucets and the other small items that complete the room.

3.
THE CAD DRAWINGS
If the owners are living in the home through the remodel, we will need the kitchen to be out of action for the shortest duration possible. All details must be finalized before demolition or construction work can begin on the kitchen. Above is one of the CAD drawings for the Twin Peaks kitchen remodel - it is accurate and detailed. The full set of CAD drawings for a kitchen remodel will convey all necessary details to my client, but also to the cabinet-maker, the contractor, the electrician, the plumber and the tile-setter.

4.
BEFORE PICTURE
This picture shows the kitchen just before the contractor started the demolition phase. All appliances, cabinetry, flooring, lights, granite, drywall and trim were removed, exposing the framing, plumbing and electrical.

After the demolition stage of the project, the general contractor will have a good sense of how long the project will take. All tile, stone, flooring, plumbing fixtures, appliances and possibly the cabinetry will have been scheduled and ordered.

5.
THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Prior to this phase, I will have been steering you through your project. Once you enter the construction phase, your general contractor will take the helm. Although I will have supplied him with the information he needs to build your new kitchen, issues will come up that need to be addressed in real time. For this reason you should expect to see me on site periodically through construction. The picture above shows one example in which we tested different floor stains on the newly-installed hardwood floors mid-way through construction.

6.
THE FINISHED PRODUCT
There will have been much work done and many many details addressed, but after the construction is finished, you will move into your new kitchen.

The before + After shots above demonstrate how dramatic a lifestyle change it can be for the homeowner.

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