Permit-Ready Plans & Specs

Complete Design Services will provide not only the renderings and mood boards that convey the concept for your new kitchen but also the full plans, elevations, detailed drawings, and cabinet lists needed for permits, construction, and installation.

With these drawings and lists, you’ll be armed for the permit office or your building site. Everything your team needs to bring our vision to life is included, plus I’m always available to answer questions and provide installation guidance.

Cabinetry is extremely complex, and making your cabinets fit into your space is a highly technical endeavor, but your cabinets can be ordered from the cabinetmaker straight off of my specifications.

My design process

• First, we meet in your home. Don’t tidy up — I’m not judging — I want to see how you really live, but also where your pain points are. Whether you’re seeking my Initial or Complete Design Service, I’ll take measurements and talk with you about the scope, budget, and goals for your project. I’ll overwhelm you with some of the choices available to you, but don’t freak out: there is a LOT involved with remodeling a kitchen, and you’ll frequently feel overwhelmed. Part of my job is to pace these decisions to keep that feeling in check. If you just want a consultation at this point, we’ll talk about cabinet construction options, the type of contractors you need, design choices and how to make them, and other high-level project information. Allow about an hour of your time for a consultation.

• Then, I’ll return to my studio to start planning your spaces. My brain usually really gets going, so I often come up with several versions for you if your space and needs allow. I’ll send you 3D renderings of these and get your feedback on which style strikes the best chord with you. This is the Initial Service outlined above, and this part of process often takes about a week.

• Once we have the style and general configuration figured out, it’s time to truly personalize this: which accessories will make your life better? Where is the best place for them? Want a coffee bar? Great! I support a caffeine habit. Do you want the coffee accoutrements paired with breakfast staples, or more as part of a drinks station? What other items will need to be stored nearby? You tell me about your life and your needs, and I’ll make your space reflect and accommodate them. We are now anywhere from two weeks to two months into the design process. This is the Big Kahuna — the Complete Design Service outlined above.

• When we’ve finalized the plans for your new space, I’ll give you the permit-ready plans and a complete list of the precise items you’ll need to order from the cabinetmaker or local retailer. This includes all construction specifications and modifications, finishing details, specific frame adjustments, interior changes, custom panel dimensions, fillers and trim, accessories, etc. It’s an extensive, detailed report that provides everything the factory needs to build your cabinets. You’ll also receive the dimensional elevations and any installation notes and detailed drawings that your contractor and their team will need to implement all of our plans. This is your Complete Design package. Although this step itself doesn’t take very long, any cabinetmaker that allows for personalization of any kind will take at least 2 months to build your cabinets to our specifications. Save your sanity and plan accordingly.