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The Architect's Role In Kitchen Remodeling

Renovators Place Columnist
Oct 08, 2009

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As you plan your kitchen remodeling, you'll talk to remodeling contractors and possibly kitchen designers. Do you need an architect as well?

Architects Offer Variety of Kitchen Remodeling Services

Architects can provide a wide variety of kitchen remodeling services. The decision to hire one often hinges on how complicated the kitchen remodeling project is. Among the services an architect offers are:

Space planning.
Room and kitchen design configuration.
Kitchen design layouts, including placement of appliances, kitchen cabinets and an island.
Zoning applications and drawings, including discussions with building officials.
Detailed kitchen remodeling drawings that your remodeling contractor will use on site.

Consider an Architect When Redoing Kitchen Design

An architect can be a valuable asset when you are rearranging your kitchen design. This is common in older homes that have small kitchens. Often the solution is to open up the space and create a large kitchen design with a connecting family room. The key is blending the spaces so the new looks like part of the old. Consider an architect if you are:

Moving walls.
Adding space.
Relocating windows or adding replacement windows.

Get Help Blending Your Kitchen Design

During a kitchen remodeling, you often are blending two space or kitchen design themes together, such as 1920s kitchen tile with modern stainless-steel appliances, or an old farm table and a granite countertop. An architect can help blend a kitchen design together, working with you on:

Replacement windows with existing architecture.
Kitchen cabinets with original molding around doorways.

The Architect and the Remodeling Contractor

When interviewing architects, look for those who have good relationships with area remodeling contractors. You'll want someone who:

Can work as a team to get the kitchen design results you want.
Is readily available throughout the kitchen remodeling project in case problems arise.
Is skilled at problem solving, particularly when remodeling old houses.

Some Remodeling Contractors Are Architects

Some kitchen remodeling contractors are also architects or have architects on staff. When interviewing remodeling contractors, ask about the "design-build" way of doing business.