How Do Kitchen Designers Charge?

If you’re thinking about hiring a kitchen designer, one of the first things you’ll want to know is how they charge. Do they bill by the hour? Is it a flat fee? And how do you know what’s fair?

Short answer: Kitchen designers usually charge in one of three ways — fixed fees, hourly rates, or a percentage of the project cost. The best option depends on your scope, budget, and how much support you need.

1. Fixed fee (most common)

• You agree on a clear scope of work up front.

• Works well for defined packages (e.g., layout plan + elevations + finishes + lighting plan).

• Gives you certainty about total design cost.

• Typical range in New Zealand: NZ$2,500–$6,000+ depending on detail and services included.

2. Hourly rate

• Flexible when you’re not sure of scope, or just need advice.

• Commonly used for design tweaks, one-off consultations, or extra revisions.

• NZ hourly rates: $120–$220+ per hour, depending on experience and location.

• Best for small jobs or where scope may evolve.

3. Percentage of project cost

• Designer charges a % of cabinetry, joinery, or total project spend.

• Usually 8–15% for projects requiring full service (concept to site coordination).

• Helpful on complex renovations where scope often shifts.

• Encourages alignment: your designer’s invested in the project outcome.

What’s usually included in design fees?

Depending on scope, fees may cover:

• Measured survey or reviewing builder plans

• Layout and elevations

• Lighting/electrical plans

• Joinery details and internals

• Materials & finishes schedule

• Appliance and fixture selections

• Builder/joiner-ready PDF set

• Optional 3D renders

Local context: Hawke’s Bay

Here, older villas and 70s block homes often need more service adjustments (electrical upgrades, plumbing moves). Designers may charge higher fees when more coordination with builders and trades is needed. A clear brief helps keep fees tight.

How to choose the right charging model for you

• Small/simple project? → Hourly or layout-only fixed fee.

• Standard renovation? → Fixed fee package for full design.

• Large/complex build? → Percentage model with full service.

3 quick questions to ask about fees

1. What’s included in your fee? (Layout only, or full plans + finishes?)

2. How many revisions are included?

3. What happens if the scope changes mid-project?