David McNulty, 41
Title Kitchen designer
Owner Kitchen & Bath Creations Inc., Park Ridge
Salary range $40,000 to $100,000 or more
Q. How did you get started in this business?
A. I actually ran into someone in Chicago who worked for a kitchen-and-bath firm downtown. He asked me if I’d be interested in pursuing this career. I wasn’t sure, but I agreed to give it a try. I worked under the umbrella of an interior designer and an architect. I worked with builders, residential construction and kitchen and bath remodeling projects. After two years, the company dissolved, and I saw a lot of clients experiencing great difficulties. I saw that and vowed that I wouldn’t allow my customers to experience that again. So, I decided to start my own company.
Q. What kind of work do you do?
A. We first meet with customers at our showroom. We discuss what they’re looking for, what their budget is, when the project should start, all the basic questions.
Kitchen design is a rather complex thing. It’s not as simple as some of the home centers make it sound. A lot of the public is misled into thinking free design is the way to go. But free design is usually something a computer spits out, not something someone is very carefully going through. We make sure our designs fit in with the lifestyles and habits of our customers. We consider the way the kitchen relates to the rest of the home. Do our clients want it concealed or do they want it to open up into an adjoining family room?
Q. What are the educational requirements of this job?
A. The state of Illinois does not require certification to practice kitchen design. But it is advantageous for consumers to only work with designers who are certified by the National Kitchen and Bath Association. To become a certified kitchen designer requires seven years of documented experience. I’ve been a certified kitchen designer since 1994. I’m required to complete at least 15 hours a year in continuing education to retain my certification.
Q. What interests you about the industry?
A. I was truly fascinated with woodworking as a child. I was great in woodshop. I’ve always been fascinated, too, with real estate. I’m also the creative type. And finally, I’m an avid cook. Kitchen design seemed to be a perfect fit for my passions. I also enjoy the type of industry that is different from job to job. I’m never at a loss for an interesting project.
Q. What are the challenges of the industry?
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A. One of the challenges is that we deal with so many different people, all with different personalities. We also have to deal with the amount of space customers have versus the dreams they have. Dealing with customers’ budgets versus their dreams is another challenge. You have to bring them back to reality. With a little bit of education, we can either sway their budget or modify their dream in a way that would be most advantageous to them.
Q. What are some of the rewards?
A. I love the phone calls I get after a job is done. I love how excited my customers get. I also enjoy taking a look at a finished project and knowing that all the artistic embellishments I created came to fruition. It’s rewarding to know that something you created will be enjoyed for the next 10 to 20 years of these people’s lives.
Q. What skills do you need to succeed in this field?
A. You need a general feel for space, planning and organization. I design my kitchens several different ways before finding the right fit. When I’m sketching a kitchen, the right plan just hits me. Generally, it takes me some time before I can get to that point.
You also need attention to detail. If you’re going to skip over the details, maybe you should reconsider what you’re doing. Should you be in kitchen design or are you just a cabinet salesman?
I think you should know how to cook too. If you can’t cook, then how can you design a kitchen? I truly believe that a lot of kitchen designers could benefit from having some culinary classes.
Q. What is your typical day like?
A. Every day is a little different. Some days we are so busy, pressed for time, trying to meet deadlines, and everyone is screaming at each other to get something done. Other days, we can take a deep breath, sit back and focus on other aspects, like redesigning our showroom or working on our brochures.
Q. What advice would you give to someone else interested in this field?
A. I would recommend that they go to work as an apprentice for an interior design firm for about two years, before they even invest in school. The one thing they can’t teach you in school is people skills and relations. You have to get these people to believe in you, believe in your talent and trust in you. You can get a better feel for how things are handled. Then, if you feel comfortable with that, you can go to school. That’s how I did it. It’s better than spending the money on school only to find out that you don’t like it.