How to Find a Good Kitchen Designer?

Choosing a kitchen designer feels like a big decision. You’re trusting someone with your home, your budget, and the heart of your daily life. But how do you actually find the right one for you?

Short answer: Look for a kitchen designer who balances function and flow with style, communicates clearly, understands local build conditions, and can give you builder-ready plans. A good designer won’t just draw a pretty kitchen — they’ll make sure it works for your family every single day.

Where do I start looking?

• Word of mouth: Ask friends or family who’ve renovated locally. The best referrals often come from lived experience.

• Local searches: Try “kitchen designer Hawke’s Bay” or “interior designer Napier/Hastings” — then check reviews.

• Industry directories: In New Zealand, NKBA (Kitchen & Bathroom Association) is a trusted source of accredited professionals.

• Social media & websites: Look for designers who share both finished photos and process explanations. The latter shows how they think, not just what they’ve done.

What makes a kitchen designer “good”?

A good designer will:

• Ask about your lifestyle first. Do you cook nightly? Host often? Need space for kids?

• Prioritise layout. They’ll talk work zones, clearances, and storage before finishes.

• Explain their process clearly. You should know how many steps, what you’ll receive, and how long it will take.

• Collaborate with trades. Builders and joiners respect designers who provide precise, buildable plans.

• Respect your budget. They’ll tell you where to save and where to spend.

Red flags to watch out for

• Only talks about finishes and “looks” (ignores layout/services).

• Vague about fees or what’s included.

• Won’t provide drawings beyond sketches.

• Limited local knowledge (especially for Hawke’s Bay’s villas, 70s homes, and block construction).

Local insight: Hawke’s Bay

Homes here often need creative solutions — like working with block walls, adding power outlets, or maximising natural light in coastal houses. A good local designer will have solved these problems before and can show you case studies.

3 tips to choosing the right designer

1. Meet 1–2 options. Compare not just style but communication.

2. Ask to see builder-ready drawings. Pretty images aren’t enough — your builder needs detail.

3. Trust how you feel. You’ll be in close contact for weeks — the right fit is as much about rapport as skill.