You’ll want to hire both a designer and a contractor if you’re keeping the same footprint of your kitchen but just updating the space. However, if you’re knocking down walls and doing major construction, you’ll need an architect on board too. “Pros are available to help you with everything from contracts and permits to space planning, budgets, choosing finishes and fixtures, shopping, ordering products and managing your project from start to finish,” Terrill notes. Our designers recommend getting at least three quotes for each expert you’re hiring to make sure you’re paying a fair price. Now it’s really time to get cracking. “This phase includes sketches, space planning, preliminary floor plans and elevations showing the layout and cabinet sizes,” says Frederick. Most of this is a collaborative effort between your team, who will work together to create a how to lay out the kitchen. Of course, you as the client will get to look over the plans before they’re put into action and suggest tweaks until all parties are satisfied.