I’ve got a new appreciation for bath & kitchen designers like Sandra Daubenmeyer.

Previously, I viewed hiring a designer as an extra step in the remodeling process.  Why not just shop for cabinets, plumbing, appliances, lighting, countertops, and flooring on your own?

In my case, I’m decidedly design-challenged.  But my wife Deb has good taste.  Did we really need a design professional for our kitchen remodel?

Yes, yes, and yes.

First of all, we had a lot of trouble envisioning the final design.  We knew some of the products we wanted, but how would they work together?  Which products would compliment each other and which would clash?

Also, we needed to be saved from making mistakes that others learned the hard way.  With no previous experience, we didn’t know what we didn’t know.

And what about all those nitty-gritty details?  How could we assure that everything fit perfectly?  Being off by even 1/8th of an inch is big trouble.

Enter Sandra of KSI Kitchen & Bath in Macomb Township, MI.

Deb interviewed several local designers.  All were good and offered professional expertise.  KSI got the nod because Sandra was able to paint a picture in Deb’s head about what the final design would look like.  Sandra’s vision meshed with the themes Deb and I had previously identified.

Sandra’s been working for KSI for more than two years, and has nearly four years of total bath and kitchen experience.  She also holds a degree in interior design from Baker College that includes an NKBA-approved kitchen and bath certification.

The interior design background gives her an edge.  She is able to jump from the computer to the showroom seamlessly.

“I love to work the floor and help people design their projects, Sandra said.  Some designers don’t have the patience for all the detail work that follows.  I enjoy both aspects.”

Sandra uses software from 20-20 Technologies to develop her designs.  Even in Michigan’s down economy, she’s handling a couple of major remodels per month while assisting contractors with a half dozen more.

Once again, I’m thankful for Bath & Kitchen PROS like Sandra.  Otherwise, I’d be stuck looking my design disaster for the next 20 years.