Hire architect or designer to maximize super small kitchen?

I am closing on a two bedroom in Prospect Heights on Wednesday. It has a super small kitchen, even small for Brooklyn. The kitchen is the most important room to me and I love to cook. I’d like to start rennovating the kitchen as soon as possible, to have it done by Thanksgiving. When I rennovated the kitchen in my last apartment, I didn’t use an architect or kitchen desginer. I used Traemand, the Ikea kitchen design company and the contractor helped with a desgin. I’m wondering if an architect or desginer might be able to help me get more out of the space? I also have a lot of ideas on the materials and finishes I want to use, but I think I’d appreciate a second opinon. When I threw this idea out to friends, I was surpised to hear a lot of them say that they thought kitchen desginers added expense and a layer of hassle, without so much benefit. What’s your experience?

gochrisgo

in Bath & Kitchen 13 years and 8 months ago

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gochrisgo | 13 years and 8 months ago

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Thanks for all the help. I feel better already. I had someone come in today and have two more companies coming in tomorrow. I am a big cook and once worked as a food writer, so we really do want a layout that is best for the work of the kitchen and also looks good. The kitchen is pinned in behind a bedroom and needs to incorporate a steep metal staircase to our roof garden. Brooklynista, I really like the Gardenweb forums. I pick up lots of intel on everything from induction stoves to plants for the roof over there.

builtinstudio | 13 years and 8 months ago

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I would also be happy to talk about your project and/or come by for a consultation to see the space, extremely important for small spaces. We have designed many kitchens from small rentals, to high-end condos, to single family homes.  You can see some of our work at www.builtinstudio.com.  Please feel free to call or email me. Gary Eisner, geisner@builtinstudio.com, 347-599-1054

Brooklynista | 13 years and 8 months ago

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Wow. The editing feature is nonexistent today!   That garden web link should read: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/kitchbath

Brooklynista | 13 years and 8 months ago

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Masterbuilder makes a good point.  Whoever you go with, you’ve got to be clear that you’re looking for a  kitchen to suit you and not the designer, architect, vendor, contractor, etc.   Are you at all familiar with the kitchen forum on the Garden Web?  If not, you may want to check them out: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/kitchbath/ In my experience, that’s the best kitchen design/build/reno source on the web.  The site is largely dominated by consumers (including some of us from the brownstoner crowd), but there’s also a good are also a good representation of designers, architects, trades, and other professionals who give helpful advice without pushing products or services.  Perhaps best for your needs, there are some regulars on there who are truly expert in layouts and they love to be given complex problems, such as figuring out how to get the most out of small or challenging spaces.  BTW,  I suggest to you that, depending on just how much reno you want/need to do, a completion deadline for Thanksgiving may be ambitious.  You mentioned having a good idea about your finishes but what about your basics?  Are you planning on changing cabs? Wiring, plumbing? Venting? Flooring, Tiling? And, you’re not even sure about lay-out at this point?  I can think of few home improvement projects that deserve more time and patience in planning, design and execution than a kitchen reno.  In any event, congratulations on your new home and good luck!

agdipierro

in Bath & Kitchen 13 years and 8 months ago

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You will get the best l design from a licensed architect who understands all facets of the desing, approval, and construction process. I have designed several kitchens and would be happy to provide a no fee consultation. Ed Kopel Architects, PC

masterbuilder | 13 years and 8 months ago

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From my experience, architects are generalists and you would need to know that the architect is an expert at design, especially with configuring small spaces.  As for kitchen designers, if they are bundled with a particular product they may also be tailoring the product to your kitchen more than tailoring the kitchen to you.  A friend of mine recently showed me a Japanese design magazine that highlights concepts for small spaces.  They featured a lot of novel ideas.  You might want to arm yourself with some magazines to get an idea of what can be achieved and go from there to reach out to professionals who might be able to assist.  A kitchen designer/custom millworker might be your best bet.

Brooklynista | 13 years and 8 months ago

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Go with a CKD.  Those folk live and breathe kitchens.  More than understanding space and design needs in general, they understand the space and design needs of people who cook.  While many architects and IDs can be generally good at what they do, good kitchen design is a specialized skill.

JorgeF | 13 years and 8 months ago

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I am an architect if you want to discuss your ideas – jorgefontan@gmail.com