Sorry, but I totally disagree with Dytecture. I began my career as a kitchen designer at age 59 and am totally loving the creativity. I also had knowledge of the industry but it was always more of a "hobby" until the opportunity to turn it into a profession found me. The creativity diminishes any stress - unlike what I had in my previous career. There is pride and joy in assisting people with their kitchen remodel and seeing the finished product come to fruition. Go for it!

Become NKBA member and take a few of their NKBA University classes to see if you are suited to the technical aspects. The professional requirements will take some time and money to accomplish, and you won't really be earning during that time.

The people aspects are easy to find out if you're suited. Get a job in retail where you have to deal with a lot of jerks on cell phones thaat won't get off so you can help them. If you can survive without strangling them, and still smile at the low pay, then being a KD might be a suitable job for you. You'll make slightly more than run of the mill retail wages if you're salary. If you are full commission, if you don't sell, you don't eat. And you won't sell much of anything for the first six months. It really really helps if you have a spouse who is the steady breadwinner and your wages are just supplemental.

As far as the work itself, most jobs will be constrained by bad architecture to the same layout that they already have, just with different color fitments. The few exciting projects that come along will break your heart to lose to the race to the bottom dollar number shopper who goes with the bidder who lowballs their bid without all of the details that you've included.

It has it's moments, sure. But it's not really a profession for someone to get into late in life who needs a job NOW.

Thanks for the comments and I guess there will always be varying degrees of opinion on these kind of subjects. Sophie, you sound like I do now in my present work; just totally worn out by the daily grind. That's why i need a change, and with something that I can get my teeth into. I am generally good with people, and have always hankered for a career that incorporates design. Architecture I love, but do not have the time left to learn the trade. Eco housing and design I love and admire but the same applies. If I could enter a similar career with a slant towards a niche area maybe that's where I could stand out... or maybe I'm being naive.
Thanks for the feed back though and am considering carefully before I jump. Regards.