When a potential client contacts me about creating a kitchen design for them, the flow of events follows a pattern. We talk about my fee structure and I meet with them to discuss ideas and look over the space. I take careful measurements and photos and look in their basement if they have one to see if there are structural issues to contend with, and to check out the plumbing, heating and cooling, and especially the electrical systems to see if they can meet the demands of a modern kitchen. I also look over their "Idea File" if they've created one. (Hopefully they have). I then work on floor plans, providing alternative layouts if necessary. Usually I e-mail these to my customer and they give me feedback. After the final layout is finished, depending on how far they want me to go, I will work with them selecting finishes, counters, appliances, etc., importing these into the finished plan, as in the loft kitchen above.
"That sounds great", you say, "but we live a thousand miles away!" To which I would reply, "No problem!" Seriously, it's a little more complicated, but I do it all the time. E-mail, digital cameras and scanners, and software have made this possible. More and more I find myself using Google Sketchup for my design, and clients can download the free Sketchup Viewer to view, rotate, zoom in and otherwise navigate through the drawings.
There is some other work that has to be done for this long distance relationship to work. You will have to provide me with site measurements, photos of your existing space, and copies of anything you've put together while doing your research. It might make sense to hire a competent contractor for a few hours to make measurements and check out the utilities. So, there's a little more work on your end and a little less on mine.
If you're interested in having me do some design work for you, or would like some more information, please e-mail me from the link at the top of the left column on this site.
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