Knowledge Center

FAQ

Q.   What are the key criteria I should consider in selecting a design firm?

A.   Professionals recommend that you select your design firm with as much care and scrutiny as you devote to choosing your appliances and home furnishings.   Key considerations in making this very important selection include the following:

• NKBA* Certified Kitchen Designers On Staff
• ASID** Certified Interior Designer On Staff
• Extensive Industry Knowledge & Experience As Evidenced By Past Work And Peer Recognition
• Quality & Breadth of Selection of Product Lines Represented
• Professionally Equipped  & Designed Showroom
• Prompt, Courteous & Reliable Service
• Quality of Design, Workmanship and Products as Verified by References
• Presents You With A Well-Defined Budget & Written Contract
• Offers “Value-Added” Customer Benefits Beyond Price Alone
• Quality Of The Design Created
• Access To Exclusive Product Lines
• Specifications of Finishes & Selections Prior to Construction
   
  *  National Kitchen & Bath Association
  ** American Society of Interior Designers

Q.  Will a kitchen or bath remodel increase the value of our home?

A.  According to the Cost vs. Value Report compiled by the National Association of Realtors and Remodeling Magazine, kitchen and bath remodels are among the top 10 ways to improve your home.   For both a Major Upscale Kitchen Remodel and Upscale Bathroom Remodel, you can expect to recoup approximately 3/4 of your investment in a resale.   Keep in mind that a remodel can also significantly accelerate the speed of your home sale should you choose to market it.

Of course, there are other important considerations to take into account as well in choosing whether or not to remodel.  With a kitchen, bath, master bedroom and/or home-wide remodel, you can significantly improve the quality of your life.  Most people spend a great deal of time in their homes.  By improving the beauty, functionality and comfort of your key rooms, you can begin enjoying these benefits immediately and continue to do in the future.

Q.  What are the key responsibilities that Archipelago will assume?

A.  Archipelago Hawaii’s goal is to make your project design process as problem-free and as positive as possible.  Our client-friendly staff will guide you thru our overall approach and keep you regularly informed on our progress as we proceed.  In plain terms, here are the key responsibilities that Archipelago will assume:

• Detailed Explanation of Our Overall Design Process
• Review of Client’s Specific Vision, Site Requirements, Financial Parameters and Potential Plan and Style Options;
• Development and Presentation of Client’s Concept Design Options;
• Review of Client’s Options Including Cabinets, Appliances, Furnishings, Fabrics, etc.;
• Preparation of Client’s Final Drawings;
• Specification of Client’s Finishes and Other Selections;
• Purchase Order Submission and Shipment Coordination for Cabinets, Appliances, Furnishings, Fabrics, etc. Desired by Client;
• Project Management On Client’s Behalf

Q.  What role will I be asked to play in the overall design process?

A.   With Archipelago’s unified design-team approach, you have the opportunity to be either an involved or less involved participant in the process based on your preferences. 

Initially, we will ask you to complete a fact-gathering questionnaire.  This document provides our design team with key information like your remodeling goals, design preferences, scope of remodel desired and preliminary financial parameters. 

Following design development, you will be given the opportunity to:

1. Select Appliances, Furnishings, Fabrics, Flooring, Cabinetry, Etc. As Applicable From Our Recommendations; 
2. Review And Approve Sales Agreements And Purchase Orders For Any Desired  Purchases You Would Like Us To Make On Your Behalf; And 
3. Conduct A Final Walk-Through Following The Project’s Construction.

Q.  How does Archipelago’s approach differ from that of other design firms?

 A.  At Archipelago Hawaii, there are numerous ways we strive to provide our clients with a truly unique and positive experience. 

First and foremost, we pride ourselves on designing with the client’s specific vision and needs in mind.

Second, you benefit from our designers’ unmatched ability to blend creativity and beauty with everyday functionality and practicality of construction.