If you’re looking for an associate degree that’s going to allow you to be creative and have fun, yet still enable you to actually earn a living, then you might want to look at getting a kitchen and bath design associate degree.
Why Get An Associate Degree In Kitchen and Bath Design?
If you have a knack for decorating, design, and color, then kitchen and bath design might be your true calling.
In a kitchen and bath design associate degree program you’re going to learn how to design new living spaces for your clients. You’ll work with them to create the kitchen of their dreams, or a bathroom that’s truly an oasis of relaxation.
What You’ll Learn in a Kitchen and Bath Design Degree Program
A kitchen and bath design degree program is going to start with a strong foundation in the arts. You’ll be learning the basics like drawing, painting, and color theory. You’ll study 2-D and 3-D design, and learn about some of the most cutting edge designers out there today.
Next you’ll get into the more advanced programs. You’ll learn how to use computer programs like Auto-CAD to design spaces. You’ll learn about lighting, building systems, and what building codes you’ll have to follow as a designer.
You’ll also learn the business side of kitchen and bath design. You’ll have classes that will teach you how to run your own design firm. You’ll learn how to interact with clients, how to price your services and bid for jobs, and how to keep costs under control once you’ve been awarded the project.
This is definitely a hands-on degree that many people really have fun with.
Careers With An Associate Degree In Kitchen and Bath Design
Most kitchen and bath designers are self-employed. But, this is great for you because it means you have freedom to make your own hours and create your own destiny. Owning your own business is a lot of work, but it’s also very rewarding and a lot of fun.
Many kitchen and bath designers form strategic partnerships with other professionals in the housing industry. For instance, you could partner with custom home-builders, sub-contractors, or manufactured housing companies.
This is why having the ability to network with others is so important in kitchen and bath design. It’s essential that other people in your industry know who you are, and it’s vital you have, and keep, a good reputation. Sloppy work or dishonesty will ruin your business.
Kitchen and Bath Design News, a leading trade publication for the industry, reported in 2007 that 20% of designers were earning $50,000 per year or less, 31% earned $50,000 to $74,999, and 17% earned $75,000 to $99,000.
Kitchen and Bath Design also discovered how important it is to become a Certified Kitchen Designer/Certified Bath Designer (CKD/CBD). This certification statistically has a positive impact on designer’s salaries, so it’s definitely worth the time and effort to get certified.
You can earn a great living in kitchen and bath design but it’s important to learn how to network and communicate with people, clients and others in your industry alike. Your biggest hurdle will be getting your name out there, but once you do that you might find you have more work than you can handle!