Yes. Dana Jones, the owner of The Kitchen Consultant, has been a Certified Kitchen Designer since 1996. A Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) is certified by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (www.nkba.org). To become certified, a designer must have a minimum of seven years of verifiable experience designing kitchens or a design degree and five years of experience. A designer must submit work samples as well as affidavits from clients and other designers. Finally, the designer must pass a daylong examination. To maintain certification, a designer must continue his or her education to stay current on design, construction and products.

How is a kitchen designer different than an architect or interior designer?

There are exceptions to every rule, but an architect is responsible for the structure of a home -- the foundation, walls, roof and mechanical systems. An architect is concerned with making the shell of the home structurally sound, functional and attractive. An interior designer uses furniture, fabrics and finishes to make a home beautiful, functional and comfortable. An interior designer will also often modify the actual structure of a room to create a more useful or attractive space. Architects and interior designers often design kitchens.

A kitchen designer, however, typically has more in-depth knowledge specifically about the kitchen. Kitchen designers can suggest structural changes as well as help you pick the finishes and other elements to make a room look like a unified whole. More important, a kitchen designer has experience in the specific areas of cabinet and appliance layout and function. A kitchen designer knows what clearances are required around appliances, how much storage and countertop space is ideal, what appliances are available and how to detail the cabinetry to achieve different looks. Also, because a kitchen designer has extensive experience with cabinetry he or she can also design bathrooms, home offices, bars and entertainment centers.

Projects, particularly large projects, are enhanced by working with a team of design professionals. An architect, an interior designer and a kitchen designer all working with a skilled contractor can create a more finely detailed finished product.

Why can't my cabinetmaker or contractor design my kitchen? They see a lot of kitchens and know what works.

Cabinetmakers and contractors see a lot of kitchens and design many of them. However, unless they have design time built into their pricing, it is in their best interest financially to invest the least time possible in design. That way, they can focus on what you hired them to do -- building your kitchen. That means sticking with a proven formula and not customizing the details for your particular needs.

What about letting one of those large home improvement stores design my kitchen? Their displays look nice.

It is possible that a large home improvement store would do a great job designing your kitchen. The designers have varying levels of experience, however -- from people just starting in the business to people who have been designing for years. Remember that displays are not generally designed by the employees at that store, but by someone at corporate headquarters. Also, they must design with only products that they sell, which may limit your selection