Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Kitchen Planner Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

The Kitchen Planner Assistant is the essential right-hand to the senior Kitchen Planners and Designers. At its core, this role is about bridging the gap between a client's dream and a flawlessly executed kitchen design. You are a key player in the creative process, providing crucial support in design development, client communication, and project administration. This position isn't just about administrative tasks; it’s a hands-on apprenticeship in the world of kitchen design, offering a unique opportunity to learn the technical and creative aspects of the trade from seasoned professionals. You'll be instrumental in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for our clients and enabling the design team to operate at peak efficiency.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

This role is a fantastic stepping stone into the broader world of interior and spatial design.

Entry Point From:

Retail Sales Associate (especially in home goods or building materials)
Customer Service Representative
Design Intern or Student
Administrative Assistant (in a related industry)

Advancement To:

Kitchen Planner / Kitchen Designer
Lead Designer / Senior Kitchen Planner
Showroom Manager
Project Manager

Lateral Moves:

Interior Design Assistant
Sales Consultant (Building Materials/Appliances)
Project Coordinator
CAD Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist Senior Kitchen Planners in creating detailed, functional, and aesthetically pleasing kitchen layouts using specialized CAD software (e.g., 2020 Design, AutoCAD, SketchUp).
Conduct initial client discovery calls and support in-person consultations to gather project requirements, understand lifestyle needs, and capture the client's vision.
Perform and verify on-site measurements of kitchen spaces, noting architectural details, plumbing, and electrical placements to ensure design accuracy.
Prepare comprehensive project quotes, detailed proposals, and sales contracts for client review under the guidance of a Senior Planner.
Generate high-quality 2D floor plans, elevations, and compelling 3D renderings to help clients visualize their new kitchen space.
Manage and maintain the design studio's material library, including ordering new samples for cabinetry, countertops, tiles, and hardware.
Prepare and assemble physical and digital presentation boards and materials for client meetings to effectively communicate design concepts.
Act as a secondary point of contact for clients, providing timely updates on project status, answering questions, and scheduling follow-up appointments.
Liaise with suppliers and vendors to check stock availability, obtain pricing, and confirm lead times for cabinetry, appliances, and other materials.
Place and track orders for all project components, ensuring accuracy in specifications and timely delivery to the job site.
Review order acknowledgements and confirmations against original plans to proactively identify and rectify any discrepancies.
Coordinate with project managers and installers to communicate design specifications and ensure a smooth transition from sales to installation.
Assist in troubleshooting minor design or product issues that may arise during the ordering or installation phase.
Maintain detailed and organized project files, including client communications, design revisions, order forms, and financial records.
Support the Senior Planner in managing their calendar, scheduling site visits, client meetings, and installer briefings.
Help process client payments, manage deposit records, and assist with basic project-related accounting tasks.
Stay informed about current kitchen design trends, new products, materials, and appliance technologies to contribute fresh ideas.
Ensure all designs adhere to industry standards, building codes, and best practices for safety and functionality (e.g., NKBA guidelines).
Follow up with clients post-installation to ensure satisfaction, gather feedback, and request testimonials or photos for the company portfolio.
Provide exceptional customer service throughout the entire process, building rapport and trust with clients to foster a positive experience and repeat business.

Secondary Functions

Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and professional appearance of the design showroom, ensuring material samples are up-to-date and presentable.
Assist in setting up and dismantling displays for in-store promotions, home shows, or other marketing events.
Help manage the showroom's general email inbox and phone lines, directing inquiries to the appropriate team member.
Support the creation of content for social media or the company website, such as taking photos of completed projects or new showroom displays.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency or a strong aptitude for learning kitchen design software such as 2020 Design Live, ProKitchen, Cabinet Vision, or SketchUp.
Competency with the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) for creating quotes, tracking projects, and communicating.
Ability to take accurate and detailed measurements using a tape measure, laser measure, and other tools.
Basic ability to read and interpret architectural blueprints, technical drawings, and installation guides.
Foundational knowledge of kitchen cabinetry, countertop materials, appliances, lighting, and plumbing fixtures.
Strong mathematical skills for calculating dimensions, costs, and material quantities.
Experience with a CRM or project management software is a plus.
Basic understanding of sales principles and the process of creating quotes and contracts.
Familiarity with a Point of Sale (POS) system for processing transactions.
Excellent keyboarding skills and general computer literacy for efficient data entry and communication.

Soft Skills

Exceptional active listening and interpersonal communication skills to accurately capture client needs and build rapport.
A keen eye for detail and a high level of accuracy in all aspects of work, from measurements to order entry.
Strong spatial awareness and a natural sense of aesthetics, color, and balance.
Superior organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
A proactive, problem-solving mindset with the ability to think critically and find solutions.
A collaborative, team-player attitude with a strong desire to support colleagues and contribute to shared goals.
Resilience and composure when dealing with challenging situations or demanding clients.
A passion for design and a genuine enthusiasm for helping people create spaces they love.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field. NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association) certification or coursework is highly regarded.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Interior Design
Architecture or Architectural Technology
Drafting and Design

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of experience in a customer-facing role.

Preferred:

Experience in a retail, design, or customer service role within the home improvement, construction, or interior design industry is highly desirable. Direct experience in a kitchen showroom or with a cabinet supplier would be a significant advantage. A portfolio of personal or academic design projects is a plus.