How much should I charge to help someone with kitchen design?

14 years ago

I am in the process of getting my interior design degree. I already have a business bachelor's degree but have gone back to art school.

Hubby is trying to help so he talks me up to anyone and everyone. Well, he got someone to bite and this person is interested in me possibly doing their kitchen design. I think initially they are looking for ideas. I don't know how far it will go.

At what point should I start charging or should I not charge at all? I know designers usually make their money by selling products at retail and buying wholesale but I'm definitely not set up to be there yet...still in school and have a full time non-design related job.

Experience would be good for me as well as helpful for networking and portfolio.

Any suggestions on what I should do at this point--design for free or some sort consultation fee??

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Comments (5)

rhome410
14 years ago
I can only answer how I would deal with this in your same situation, so don't take it at all as a judgment about whatever you may choose.

1) You're working on your degree but not yet fully qualified
2) You need work for your portfolio, so this benefits you to have the experience at this point

I would therefore, do it for free...or actually offer to do so, and if they insist on paying, then negotiate the fee.

I have an art and Family and Consumer Sciences degree, and love helping with kitchen design. My hubby, too, talks me up and thinks I should do this for a fee, but I don't feel I'm qualified to charge. As I said, this is only a 'what I would do.'

Best wishes! It sounds like you're on your way to a fun and rewarding career...And it's always good to have great hubby support. :-D
granite-girl
14 years ago
Some designers charge by the hour & some mark up the products. I know some designers in my small burb who probably charge over $100/hr. And I know some people who claim to be designers & charge $$$, but have no degree. They are just good at it. - Kinda make me miffed, because I actually went to school for it.
I'd suggest doing a free first consultation. If they want you to continue, then maybe charge a flat fee for your design work. Will you be drawing up a plan, or just making sugestions as to colors, styles... If you are actually "designing" the kitchen & drawing up floorplans & dictating sizes... & being responsible for measuring..., then I'd charge at least $250 design fee & let them take the plans to look for cabinets...
You could also charge a small hourly fee & work your way up as you get your degree. Because - face it- no one has time or wants to work for free, believe me I've done it!
Good Luck!
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I don't remember the details of the original thread, but I suspect a couple of things may have happened... (1) Without actual measurements, it's difficult to give good advice and (2) Did you specify certain things couldn't change? Often, if someone says certain things cannot change, you'll get two sets of advice...those that stick to the constraints (probably the ones who advised only minor tweaks) and those who, while they respect your constraints, may also think more needs to be done to fix it (the ones who probably advised more extensive changes.) Like I said, I don't remember the details... The other issue is the windows...while they are nice, their locations and size do limit what you can do on that wall. OK...what you have right now... There is a lot of counterspace where it will not be used...to the right of/above the range. Actually, the entire inside area will probably only be used when baking...but even then, it will be a pain b/c there's no water source nearby. The primary Prep Zone should be b/w the range (Cooking Zone) and a water source...or at least very near the range & water. In your case, this means the space b/w the Main/Cleanup sink (only sink) and the range...approx 36"? The refrigerator should be near both Prep Zone & Cooking Zone as well as somewhat near the Cleanup Zone (where the Cleanup sink is). The range, right now, is right in the main path into the kitchen from the DR and, possibly, the LR and at the narrowest point...b/w the peninsula and wall cabinet/counter run. It's dangerous there b/c that's where people will be trying to pass by while someone is trying to stand at the range to cook or making their way to the sink to empty a pot of boiling water. Of all appliances & work zones, the range & Cooking Zone should be the most protected. Personally, I would move the range much further into the protected area...but with the window taking up most of the wall space that can be problematical. Do you have detailed measurements? That would help immensely! (Widths of walls, windows, doorways, openings and the distances b/w those walls/windows/doorways/openings.) Regarding the refrigerator & DW distances...what is that distance b/w them? Right now, with all due respect to your architect, it really does not look like there's enough room to have the DW & refrigerator open at the same time. This will be an issue at cleanup time as you put things away in the refrigerator while you're also loading the DW.
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plllog
14 years ago
Can you check with your school about what the local laws and practices are? Do you need a business license? Do you need a license to call yourself a designer in your state/locality? Some do. Does the school have any policies about students doing work for pay? Do they have guidelines?

In general, anyone can call herself a "consultant" and consult on just about anything and charge any amount for it, so long as it isn't a specifically regulated field (e.g., medicine) and you declare the income and follow other laws. As a design student, however, you're trying to build a specific reputation in the place where you live, so you need to be really careful about protecting that.

Rhome gave you some very good advice. Tell your client up front that you're a student but that you've done a lot of work and learning the particulars of kitchens outside of your coursework, and sign a paper with them that says that if you design for them that you'll be able to come take pictures during and after their reno for use in your portfolio.
cheri127
14 years ago
Years ago, a friend of a friend wanted to start an interior design business (no degree but quite talented) so I volunteered to be her first client. She charged me $25/hr and sold me all goods at her cost. I thought it was a great deal and she got pics for her portfolio. All she needed was a business card and a tax ID number to buy "to the trade" products. Can't add to Rhome's or Plllog's excellent advice.
kompy
14 years ago
What actual experience do you have in kitchen design? How many have you done? I've been told by Int. designer friends that they barely touched on kitchen design in school.

My main fear for you is liability. If you charge, then you can be held accountable!!! What if you don't leave proper clearances? There are SO many little details and things that might not occur to you! I have been doing this for 25+ years and if I didn't make the mistake, I almost did and was lucky to have mentors above me catch potential mistakes.
If you charge someone $500 to help with a kitchen design...and then they have over $1000 in materials that need re-ordering, how will you handle that?

How much should I charge to help someone with kitchen design?

Comments (5)

rhome410

granite-girl

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