if she (#1) came well recommended and you paid your money already I'd see what kind of preliminary stuff she comes up with. If it's good and you like, stick it out. If not I'd part company at that point citing that you just can't work with her, or you don't like the direction it's going and better to part now than spend more $$$ and still be unhappy or un-satisfied.

At that point you'll have gotten some value for your upfront fee, and can engage the 2nd lady.

I kind of agree with antss. However, I am remembering your very first post, about $$ not being a constraint. If KD #1 is going to require ALOT more of your time (and I know you have kids, and you're building a new house, so time isn't something you have excess of right now), maybe you just want to cut bait and go to #2 -- because, if you just take what KD #1 did have have #2 tweak it, it may take more time from both of you to correct it, than having #2 do it right the first time (one of my mantras to my kids).

Just because she lacks experience doesn't mean she can't be creative. The #1 question that I would be asking is has she done something as detailed as you want before? Has she worked with a wide variety of clients? What about the firm she works for as well? Is there someone more experienced at the firm to step in in case she has a question? Have you seen past examples of her specific work? What about her training that she has? Is she more than just cabinet brand trained? If she brings some education and some projects that you've liked to the table, it may be a good fit, with you just being nervous because "better" just opened up.

Going with #2 could be the right thing to do for you, but it could also be the wrong thing, if you have incorrect expectations. If your architecture itself isn't that out of the box and creative, don't expect cabinets to fill in the gap too much for a "wow" factor, no matter the experience level of the designer. IF the space is a bit awkward architecturally, then it will remain that, just with better built in furniture. There is only so much that can be done with window placements and adjacent rooms already planned by your architect.

How much time has #1 spent on your project so far? Since your potential time on the project is "unlimited" with her, what's been accomplished so far? Do you already have a detailed rendering of the potential kitchen in 20/20? How many design meetings have you had? What has she done for the money you've already spent? Would you be OK with taking these preliminary ideas from her and going to #2? However, if you haven't even broken ground yet, frankly, your project might not be at the top of anyone's priority list because so much can change from the original blueprint and there's no point in wasting too much time and effort on designing something that won't fit when the drywall goes up. At this stage, if your building plans are pretty firm, if you've gotten a decent rendering or two, along with a very basic price, you're par for the course in a new build, and probably wouldn't be receiving any more time/attention/creativity from any new designer. YOur kitchen will not be designed down to the last detail before the framing is even started. ;)

So be very sure that what you expect from #1 is in line with reality, as well as what you could potentially expect from #2. The "better" option for you could potentially be neither.

along with finding out how much time #1 has put into it with and w/o you involved, how about just paying an initial hour worth of time to the 2nd one, meeting her and looking at some of her work etc?

you might find you don't like her or her work... after you've cut #1 loose. you don't want to make another 'panic time' decision...

Also, I'd just throw out that there's nothing wrong with using two KDs, even if you end up liking both of them. While I'd want to settle on one before you get to the final planning stages, you might well get some creative ideas from the other that you can incorporate.

We had four different people give us plans (none of them formally KDs, and all unpaid) and each got me thinking in new ways. I think, in the end, we've included at least one element from each of their plans (plus, of course, lots of GW elements!) so I don't think it was wasted time for me (possibly for them, but they were doing the plans in order to give us bids on work or cabinets, so that was another story all together!) I found it really interesting to see what different people did with the same small space (and also who listened to what I had to say about the things that were important, and who didn't---although some of the people who didn't listen gave us some of the most interesting ideas, too!)

So I agree that you might give KD #2 an hour and just see what she has to say. If you love her, you can decide to cut #1 loose, or just see what her plan looks like and weigh the pros and cons of both.

Thanks everyone. I'm still thinking about it and weighing the options. The 2nd one is 2 hours away, so meeting her would be more like a phone conversation. Which I could definitely do.
#1 has not done a kitchen the size or detail of mine. I hired her based off of references, but that probably wasn't smart considering her inexperience. (she started her own KD business and doesn't work for anyone)
I think what I'll do is wait and see what #1 comes back with. Maybe I'll like it....but then again, I don't even know what makes a kitchen layout good. I didn't know how bad mine was until I posted it here!

First, I find it kinda odd that you paid a kitchen designer a fee upfront, without seeing a design. There are so many places you could test out kitchen designs for free. That said, I have to say you must have hired her for a reason. Let her do the designwork that you have already paid for, and make her work for her money!! Do you have hourly constraints? If so, keep track. If not, then take her designs and post them here. Get feedback, tweek and have her re-work.

If she's as *green* as you say, $3,000 is a hefty sum. High-end kitchen showrooms may charge that, but then credit that amount to the cabinets. Which brings me to another question: is she pricing out cabinets as well? Have you seen actual samples? Or, is she coming up with an incredible design that you can't afford.
I suggest you stick it out with designer #1. Afterall, everyone starts somewhere and this experience may be just as beneficial for you as it is for her. Be honest and upfront with her and ultimately, it's your kitchen.
Good luck!

Paintergirl,
I will be the first to admit that I do not know what I'm doing. I tend to trust people too soon and assume the best, especially with building this house. I have no experience and have already make bad decisions...I'm sure more are to come. Paying her ahead of time is probably a good example of that.
That said, her fee is actually $1500 total. (I've paid 2/3, not 1/3) I just assumed it was normal to pay part of the fee upfront. She is not pricing out cabinets. Actually, she wants to, but being as new as she is, and 2 hours away from our house, I've decided not to use her for that.
I'm not paying her by the hour- just the flat fee. I will post what she comes back with here and get feedback.

Spider,

It is a tough and confusing process. Your KD should be someone to cut through the options and help you develop ideas of what YOU want. But it seems to me that you are hoping she shows you something you like without your guidance. I suggest you ramp up on kitchen design yourself. What do you like, what do you want? Go and buy every kitchen design magazine on the shelves, then go to the library or bookstore and look at more. I found that my "eye" didn't develop until I saw hundreds of pictures. You can find hundreds right here on GW. Did you do the Sweeby test? There are so many resources that can help you help yourself. Then call in the KDs who will help you with layout, cabinets and execution.

Don't get down on yourself. It is a tough process, but keep in mind that the more you involve yourself, the more the kitchen will be yours.

I'm sympathetic, having been in your situation just a year ago. I ended up firing an architect I had worked with for nine months. That's a tough price to pay for realizing I just wasn't going to like his kitchen. GWers helped me realize that kitchen wasn't going to be mine. So I had to hire another architect and start again. It was lost money, but in the end wise money because the kitchen that is now being built for me is just so perfect--for me!

Hugs. You'll get there.

Semi:

No matter who you hire, it's really important to understand what *you* want to some degree -- unless/until you determine you want to just go with an experienced KD thinks you should have. That's not the KitFor way and since you keep posting here I think you're one of us -- not someone who will hire someone and let them build their vision for you.

It's terribly overwhelming. I almost sold the house rather than renovate it. But you seem to be doing fine. Two years from now, I bet you'll be here giving advice to others based on your experience.

Since you seem to have 2 people lined up to help, have you compiled enough clips and photos of kitchens you like to help them figure out a style you like and features?

If so, you're set for now. Having those "inspiration" pics will be a huge help because you can use the clips to figure out out what you go for -- you've said sort of country but that can mean different things to different people. The photos help make it more specific.

When I went through mine, I found I picked a certain shape or color or style over and over. So I was able to define for myself what I liked that way.

With that guidance, the KD you wind up with should then be able to guide you through the rest.

Oh, I definitely know the look I want. I have purchased every magazine and have tons of pictures. The funny thing is that I did not know a single thing about cabinets or what I was tearing out. I learned after the fact that I like inset cabinets....every single picture I tore out was inset!! I took it to my builder and said "What is this called?" LOL. This was a month ago- I'm making fast progress but still have a long long LONG way to go. My poor 1 year old daughter is watching a lot of the Wiggles these days.

The more pics the better -- especially handy when you get down to details. I also have/love inset cabinets and immediately loved the brand I picked and was able to get a good door and finish sample.

Once you have the KD you want for the project, she should be able to hand you a list of the order in which you need to make the various decisions. The parts are not all equal at this point.

That should focus things and free up more time for the baby. And you've got a whole forum of kibbitzers to give you feedback, sources and warn about details before you order the cabinets and on how things fit together once you get a layout you like and a lighting and electrical plan.

Stay with KD-1 and see what she has to offer. If you have the money, maybe run the ideas by KD-2 and see what she comes up with. Then you'd have two kitchen designs and you could pick the one you like best. You could also ask them both to recommend cabinets, appliances, countertops, etc.

If at that point, you still can't decide...post both ideas on this forum and get some more input. It sounds like you're having problems deciding who to trust, so why not see which KD has the best designs and who you feel more comfortable working with.

It might be a little more money, but you did say you had an unlimited budget (you know, you'll never live that one down LOL) but seriously, spend the money on planning and then you won't regret spending on the wrong finishes. A bad choice in cabinets, appliances or countertops/backsplash can cost a lot more than the extra fee for KD-2.

Remember to have some fun with all this. I know it's stressful, but you're getting to do something many people may never do...designing your very own dream home. Enjoy it! :)

Ahh, I feel better. Yes, I was thinking 1/3. But that's still a lot of money, so make sure you get every penny :))
Then, before you pull the trigger again (ya know, like buy cabinets), check with your pals on GW!!!! You're getting tons of really good advice here.

Looking forward to seeing the INITIAL designs.

If anyone is still reading this, I met with KD 1 last night and was not impressed with what she came up with.
I then drove 2 1/2 hours and met with KD 2 today, and I was blown away!!!! She is fabulous and I am so excited to work with her. Her ideas are awesome and she just "gets" it. She has done a kitchen with inset cabinets a million times...KD 1 had never done it. She said to get the look that I want, I will have to go custom....but I'm ok with that. She's going to help me with the design and then find a custom cabinet maker. I'm sure I'll pay dearly for this, but hopefully it will be worth it.

That's great news! Congrats!

Good deal!

I'm glad you found someone you "click" with! Good luck!

"clicking" with a KD is very important. I started with one and wasn't happy and then found another one that just "got" me and it is wonderful. If you end up "paying dearly" it will be worth it and you will also be so much less stressed working with someone you click with.