Kitchen Designers online

Kitchen design courses are offered in fully online and hybrid formats as part of certificate and associate degree programs. Bachelor's degree programs in interior design may also contain a kitchen design component. In addition to kitchen designers and planners, other professionals benefiting from courses in kitchen design include kitchen installation coordinators, project managers, salespeople, architectural drafters, contractors and builders. Depending on the specific course, focus and level of study, students may need digital image manipulation programs and graphics editors like Adobe Photoshop and computer-aided design software, such as AutoCAD. Students should check to see which software programs and hardware will be required prior to enrollment.

Online Kitchen Design Courses

These are some examples of commonly offered courses in kitchen design that can be found online.

• Kitchen Design Course: Students are introduced to the importance of incorporating function, physical space considerations, aesthetics and client expectations in the kitchen design process. Practical factors considered include traffic flow patterns, accessibility, sustainability, storage space and appliance needs. Students begin to use computer-aided design tools to represent their designs while solving problems of form and function. A digital image manipulation program like Adobe Photoshop or Corel Painter will be needed for this course. Some course versions also call for additional peripherals like a printer, scanner or digital camera.
• Kitchen Drafting Course: This course explores drafting principles and tools utilized by kitchen designers. Students learn to employ design software and digital imaging techniques to construct detailed and professional representations of their designs. Topics for consideration include accuracy, proportion and detail. Technical requirements for different versions of this course vary and can quickly change to keep up with technological advances and industry standards. Software requirements may include Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe Flash Professional or specialized kitchen design software like Autokitchen.
• Kitchen Materials and Appliances Course: This course discusses various materials and products used in kitchen spaces, including wall and floor surfaces, ceiling finishes, cabinets and countertops. Proper installation, performance standards and technological advances in the kitchen appliance industry are also covered. Students learn to select appropriate materials and appliances while meeting functional and aesthetic needs, considering craftsmanship and staying within a budget.
• Kitchen Construction Course: Students learn to identify, evaluate and communicate the construction needs of kitchen projects in this course. Included is an introduction of construction terminology, basic blueprint reading, safety considerations and building codes. Students also analyze mechanical systems as they evaluate plumbing, HVAC, lighting and electrical needs and incorporate them safely and effectively into designs.
• Kitchen Design History: This course gives an overview of kitchen designs through history, from the end of the Industrial Revolution through the present. By providing background knowledge in design history...