Have you searched designers on houzz for your locale?

Honestly you give us no info as to what you are planning so how do we help. What does the ceiling have to do with a kitchen renovation. I for one need a ton more info as to what you want help with for sure.

Patricia - as i stated, we’re looking to do a kitchen renovation and ceiling design. i wasn’t specific here, but I usually am specific when in direct communication with designers. For this post i didn’t see how more detail was needed to get the advice i was seeking?

Since you asked… we have an open kitchen, dining and living space, with cathedral ceilings, hence why a ceiling design plays s part in the kitchen renovation.

jck910 - thanks for youf comment. yes, i’ve contacted people on here, as well as people i‘ve found through various google searches.

Johnson brothers - thanks. Yes, long distance would work. I would appreciate any referrals.

Sadly I never get to any interview stage with anyone. There is never any dialogue, just a ”sorry, but we’re not accepting any new projects” or ”we’re only accepting full renovations”. It’s been around 6 years trying to get our home renovated. Much of it we’re doing ourselves, with help from a reliable team. It took us about 2 years to find people that are reliable. We had to deal with a lot of no-shows in the beginning.

My emails are usually short and detailed….

”Hi, We’re looking for a designer to help us with a kitchen remodel, in the French country/farmhouse style. Please let us know if you’re available, and your rates. Best wishes, Kate”

My assumption is that the initial contact should not be an essay? Otherwise I would be happy to include measurements and photos of the space, if this is what they actually expect?

Kristin - thanks for the detailed reply! Really appreciate it. I’ve been dealing with this for about 6yrs, so before the latest supply chain issue, though this will now just make things more difficult.

I’m usually quite flexible with timelines. We would rather get things done right than to rush the job.

Re the designer’s style. The majority I come across are mostly working in the modern style and some are a bit cookie cutter, hence why I’ve been searching for those who can demonstrate they’ve worked in French/country style. I see what you’re saying though, so will bear that in mind.

Is there such an option as just hiring a designer for a floor plan design, including info on where to get the materials?

Honestly, your email would scare me off because it asks about $ at a time and place in the process that doesn’t make sense for most contractors….rates for what? There’s no hint as to scope of work. Most contractors don’t charge hourly rates, though tradesman sometimes do. Usually they bid a job. Sometimes (more so recently) they will do ‘cost plus’. My architect charged a percent of total project cost but all subs bid the job. Floor installer was willing to give a rough $/sf upfront but still had to walk the job before giving a bid because of unknowns like floor prep, baseboards, stairs, etc. Many good trades don’t want to work directly with homeowners, either. I would start with an architect after first ascertaining that he/she has builders they have worked with and can recommend. You will need to provide your budget up front.

Susan - my email example was sent to designers, not contractors. My comment was in response to someone asking how I approach designers. Designers have different rates.

We have reliable people that we hire to install stone or dry wall, etc, and they just give us a quote after looking at what’s involved.

If we ever find a designer or architect, I understand that they usually hire the contractor, not us.

We made contact with another designer and were hopeful. She emailed asking us questions about our style and the scope of the work. She seemed to be turned off then by the square footage of the space and then claimed she only does new build, despite her questions suggesting otherwise. She has guessed that we don't own a $3million home.

Just stunned that it’s impossible to find a designer and we may have to do an amateur job ourselves.

1- You might have better luck finding an independent kitchen designer, not an interior designer. With luck, the independent kitchen designer will know some architects (or structural engineers) who may be willing to take on the ceiling redesign.

2- Be upfront and specific about your budget. "Our total budget to remodel our 120 square foot kitchen is $52K" or whatever your budget actually is.

In what part of the country are you located? I am sure the pros here can recommend designers. I know a few in the NY/NJ metro area and I am in LA. Reach out.

Also I came across someone who had a very limited budget for a kitchen reno and we went to Ikea and Lowes and sat down with their kitchen designers. I'll tell you, I have been designing for many many years, and I was pleasantly surprised at the professionalism and specifics at the meeting. What surprised me mostly was that there wasn't any significant savings going to a big box store.

I applaud you for realizing the benefit of an interior designer, and hope you are having better luck. When you find someone to work with, it helps if you have inspiration pics, as we are not mind readers (lol).