The CKD, Your Design Partner
Christine M. Ramaekers, CKD

In the initial meeting, your CKD will interview you at length to discover how you cook and live in the kitchen space. This is the time to share all your ideas – notes and pictures, too. As you talk, the CKD will help you sort out priorities for the present and the future.

After that, the CKD brings you preliminary designs to review. You go over the plans together, discussing the advantages of each. The CKD has the knowledge to provide you with choices and the relative investment figures. Together, you will perfect the plan to make your dream kitchen a reality.

Some CKD's offer a design service only. Others are affiliated with a showroom and will offer product selection services. Other CKD's can manage the whole project for you, from initial design services to installation supervision.

CKD's will submit a clear and complete proposal encompassing all of the work planned. The specifications should describe in detail all construction work, cabinetry, countertops, appliances, wiring, plumbing and lighting, as well as the division of responsibilities for the work.

CKD: The Professional Kitchen Designer to Consult

• CKD's work directly with homeowners. They also work with architects, builders, remodeling contractors and interior designers.
• CKD's respond to difficult spaces with creative solutions. They are talented space planners who are sensitive to design and lifestyle trends that affect kitchen planning. You will find there are ways to solve problems and indulge wishes.
• CKD's help you understand your choices during the planning process. They know kitchens from the inside out: from the wiring, venting and plumbing hidden inside the walls, to all the technical and aesthetic aspects of cabinetry, appliances and surfacing materials.
• CKD's keep up-to-date on new equipment and new construction materials, as well as building codes, safety rules and environmental regulations. They will make sure that your new kitchen meets standards for safe use by you and your family.
• CKD's understand budgets and can explain the pros and cons of products as they relate to the required investment. CKD's’ sound advice will help you make the right decisions for your new kitchen.
• CKD's are in the business of fulfilling expectations.

What it takes to become a CKD

Certified Kitchen Designer - CKD - is a certification administered by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). It takes years of training and expertise to earn those coveted CKD initials. Requirements go far beyond the demonstration of space planning ability and design talent. A successful design also requires thorough knowledge of building, construction, mechanical and electrical systems. It requires the ability to write specifications and draw plans that plumbers, electricians and cabinet installers can interpret. It means being familiar with local building codes, safety and environmental regulations, not to mention all those new products – everything from high-tech appliances to cabinet finishes to custom door knobs.

The CKD exam is a full-day test including written questions and a design problem. Current requirements to sit for the exam are:

1. File affidavits from fellow professionals and letters of reference from past clients.
2. Have at least seven years of experience in the planning and execution of residential kitchen designs, or the equivalent in experience and education.

What It Takes To Maintain Certification

Individuals who have passed the CKD exam must continue to polish their professional skills. CKD's are required to participate in an Ongoing Professional Development program, whereby they earn continuing education credits by attending educational programs, seminars and conferences. All CKD's must keep up with changing technologies and products.

CKD's also adhere to a Code of Professional Conduct, which assures the public of the integrity and service of certified members of the NKBA.

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