Designing the perfect kitchen or bathroom can be a dream come true for many, but it can also be a harrowing experience for many first timers. Finding the right designer to carry out your vision and putting your full trust in their ability will be the key to your satisfaction, but with so many designers out there, how do you choose? Here are some tips for hiring a designer and ensuring your redesign goes according to plan. Good Luck!1) Check Their CertificationDo you know if your designer is certified? Call the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) at 800.843.6522 or click NKBA.org and use their Pro Search to find certified designers in your area. Certified designers must maintain their credentials by attending CEU each year to keep their certification.2) Ask For ReferencesA good designer will have no problem giving you a list of references that can vouch for their work. Don’t be afraid to call past clients and ask them about their experience. How did the finished product turn out? Were they happy? What design style was it? Were there any errors during the process? Any hidden costs or significant setbacks? Ask these questions and any others you have so you really feel comfortable with your decision.3) Helpfulness CountsDoes your designer draw layout plans that can be submitted to pull permits, making it easier for you to take care of details on your end? What about helping provide the necessary paperwork to give to contractors to bid on? Do they offer their opinion on colors and textures and suggest things that might work? If they are helpful in the entire process, it will make things much easier for everyone involved in the end.4) Ask for 3D RenderingsWill you receive full color 3D renderings? Without these, there is no way to see what your kitchen will look like when built, as it is very rare for all of your materials to be in one display. The full color 3D renderings will help you to visualize what your dream kitchen will look like and make sure your expectations are as accurate as possible.5) Make Sure They Have a Strong NetworkDo they refer contractors? Are they a contractor? Do they help with project management? Many people can create a design but if they can't get it to pan out in real life, what's the point? Make sure your Certified Designer has a relationship with contractors, speaks their language or better yet, is one themself!