If you are planning a kitchen remodel in Atlanta, Peachtree City, or anywhere in the Fayette County area, one of the first questions you will face is whether you need a kitchen designer, a kitchen contractor, or both. The answer depends on your project scope, your budget, and how much coordination you want to handle yourself.
Many homeowners assume a kitchen designer vs contractor is an either-or decision. In reality, most kitchen remodels require some combination of design expertise and construction skill. The question is how those roles are filled and whether you want to manage two separate professionals or work with a single team that handles everything.
At Turan Designs, we have spent more than 24 years helping homeowners navigate this exact decision. This guide breaks down what each professional does, when you need one or both, and why the design-build model has become the preferred approach for kitchen remodels across greater Atlanta.
What Does a Kitchen Designer Do?
A kitchen designer is the creative and functional planner behind your remodel. Their job begins well before any construction starts and focuses on turning your vision into a buildable plan.
A qualified kitchen designer handles:
- Space planning and layout. Determining where cabinets, appliances, and fixtures go for optimal workflow, applying principles like the kitchen work triangle and evaluating traffic patterns.
- Material and finish selection. Guiding you through cabinetry styles, countertop materials, backsplash options, flooring, hardware, and paint colors that work together cohesively.
- 3D visualization and renderings. Creating detailed drawings and digital models so you can see your kitchen before a single wall is touched.
- Style guidance. Helping you refine your aesthetic preferences, whether that is a modern transitional kitchen, a classic Southern farmhouse look, or a sleek contemporary design.
- Specification documents. Producing detailed plans a contractor can follow precisely, including product specifications, dimensions, and installation notes.
- Budget alignment. Helping you allocate your budget so you invest in the elements that matter most without overspending where it delivers less impact.
A kitchen designer does not swing hammers, pull permits, or manage electricians. Their deliverable is the plan. Execution falls to a contractor.
If you want to learn more about finding the right designer in our area, our guide on the top kitchen designers in Peachtree City is a good starting point.
What Does a Kitchen Contractor Do?
A kitchen contractor turns the design plan into a finished kitchen. They manage the physical construction and the logistics that go with it.
A qualified kitchen contractor handles:
- Demolition and site preparation. Removing existing cabinets, countertops, flooring, and fixtures safely and efficiently.
- Subcontractor coordination. Scheduling and managing electricians, plumbers, gas fitters, tile installers, painters, and other trade professionals.
- Permitting and inspections. Pulling the required building permits in your municipality and scheduling inspections at each milestone. In Fayette County, permits for kitchen work typically cost $200-$800 and take 2-4 weeks to process.
- Construction and installation. Building walls, installing cabinets, setting countertops, laying flooring, and handling all physical construction work.
- Timeline management. Keeping the project moving on schedule by coordinating material deliveries with subcontractor availability.
- Code compliance. Ensuring all work meets Georgia building codes and local requirements for electrical, plumbing, structural, and gas systems.
A kitchen contractor does not typically choose your cabinet style, suggest your countertop material, or create a design layout. Their focus is building what someone else has planned.
For a detailed guide on evaluating and hiring a kitchen contractor, read our complete kitchen contractor hiring guide.
Key Differences: Kitchen Designer vs Kitchen Contractor
Understanding the distinct roles side by side helps clarify which professional you need for your specific project.
| Factor | Kitchen Designer | Kitchen Contractor |
|---|---|---|
| Primary role | Plans the design and selects materials | Builds and installs the kitchen |
| Deliverables | Drawings, renderings, specs, material selections | Completed construction and installation |
| Skills | Space planning, aesthetics, product knowledge | Construction, project management, code knowledge |
| Licensing | NKBA certification or design degree (not required by law) | Georgia contractor license required for projects over $2,500 |
| Cost structure | Flat fee, hourly rate, or percentage of project (5-15%) | Percentage of total project (15-25%) or fixed bid |
| Typical fee range | $2,000-$15,000 | $3,000-$40,000+ |
| When they work | Before construction begins | During construction |
| Manages subcontractors | No | Yes |
| Pulls permits | No | Yes |
| Selects materials | Yes | Sometimes, if no designer is involved |
The most common mistake homeowners make is assuming these roles overlap more than they actually do. A contractor who says they can "handle the design" may be capable of a basic layout, but they are unlikely to deliver the level of detail that a trained designer provides. Likewise, a designer who promises to "manage the project" is not equipped to coordinate subcontractors and inspections.
When You Need Just a Designer
There are situations where hiring only a kitchen designer makes sense:
- You already have a reliable contractor. If you have a trusted contractor from a previous project, you may only need someone to create the design plans they will follow.
- Your project is cosmetic. If you are updating finishes, replacing countertops, or swapping hardware without altering the layout, a designer can create a material plan that you or a handyman can execute.
- You want a design plan for the future. Some homeowners commission a kitchen design months before they plan to start construction. Having completed plans ready means you can move quickly when the timing is right.
- You are managing the project yourself. Experienced homeowners comfortable coordinating trades may only need the design expertise and plan to self-manage construction.
When You Need Just a Contractor
Hiring a contractor without a separate designer works in certain scenarios:
- You have completed design plans. If a designer or architect has already created detailed plans and specifications, a contractor can execute those plans directly.
- The project is straightforward. Simple replacements like swapping same-size cabinets, installing new countertops on existing bases, or upgrading appliances may not require design services.
- No layout changes are needed. If your kitchen footprint, plumbing locations, and electrical layout are staying the same, a designer's input may not be necessary.
- Your budget is limited. On tight budgets, some homeowners handle design decisions themselves and invest their full budget into quality construction. This can work for smaller projects but carries risk on larger ones.
Our guide on what to expect during a kitchen remodel walks through the construction process step by step if you are planning to work directly with a contractor.
When You Need Both a Designer and a Contractor
Most mid-range to major kitchen remodels benefit from both design and construction expertise. You almost certainly need both if:
- You are changing the layout. Moving walls, relocating plumbing, or reconfiguring the footprint requires careful design planning and skilled construction execution.
- Your budget is $35,000 or above. At this investment level, professional design pays for itself by preventing costly mistakes and ensuring you get maximum value from every dollar spent.
- You want custom or semi-custom cabinetry. Custom cabinets require precise measurements, detailed specifications, and experienced installation. A designer specifies them; a contractor installs them.
- Structural work is involved. Removing load-bearing walls, adding windows, or expanding into adjacent rooms demands both creative problem-solving and engineering expertise.
- You are investing for resale value. A well-designed kitchen delivers significantly better ROI than a contractor-only remodel. Professional design choices appeal to a broader range of buyers.
The challenge with hiring separately is coordination. You become the project manager, responsible for making sure the contractor follows the designer's plans, that material orders align with the construction schedule, and that design intent is not lost during installation. This is where many remodels hit problems.
The Design-Build Alternative
A design-build firm eliminates the coordination challenge by combining design and construction under one roof. You work with a single company from the first concept meeting through final walkthrough. This is the model we use at Turan Designs, and it is the approach we recommend for most kitchen remodels.
Here is why the design-build model has become the preferred choice for homeowners across Peachtree City, Tyrone, Fayetteville, and greater Atlanta:
Cost savings of 10-15%. When you hire a designer and contractor separately, each company includes overhead and profit margins. With design-build, you pay one set of margins instead of two. On a $75,000 kitchen remodel, that difference can mean $7,500-$11,250 in savings.
Faster project timelines. In a traditional approach, you complete the design phase, then bid the project to contractors, then wait for construction to start. With design-build, pre-construction planning overlaps with design. Projects typically start 2-4 weeks sooner because the team building your kitchen was involved from day one.
Seamless communication. The designer who selected your cabinetry is available to answer questions when the installer encounters a site condition requiring an adjustment. Design intent stays intact because there is no gap between planner and builder.
Single point of accountability. If a countertop does not fit correctly, there is no debate about whether it was a design error or an installation error. One company owns the outcome.
At Turan Designs, our five-step process is designed around this integrated approach. From the initial consultation to final installation, one team guides every decision.
How to Choose the Right Kitchen Designer
If you decide to hire a kitchen designer separately, evaluate candidates on these criteria:
- Portfolio quality. Review completed projects that match your style and scope. A designer who specializes in contemporary kitchens may not be the best fit for a traditional Southern kitchen. Browse our project portfolio to see what experienced kitchen design looks like.
- Communication style. Your designer needs to understand your vision and translate it into a functional plan. If you feel unheard or rushed during the initial consultation, find someone who listens.
- Local market knowledge. A designer who works in the Atlanta and Fayette County area understands local material availability, pricing, regional style preferences, and which products perform well in Georgia's climate.
- Certifications. Look for NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association) certification or membership. NKBA members have demonstrated professional knowledge and a commitment to continuing education. Turan Designs is a proud NKBA member.
- Process transparency. Ask how the design process works, how many revisions are included, and what deliverables you will receive. A professional designer has a clear, repeatable process.
How to Choose the Right Kitchen Contractor
Whether you hire a contractor separately or as part of a design-build team, these qualifications are non-negotiable:
- Valid Georgia licensing. Contractors working on projects over $2,500 must hold a valid license. Verify through the Georgia Secretary of State's office.
- Insurance coverage. Require current certificates for general liability insurance ($1 million minimum) and workers' compensation. Verify directly with the insurance provider.
- Kitchen-specific experience. Ask how many kitchen remodels they complete annually. A contractor who handles fewer than ten kitchens per year may lack the specialized expertise this work demands.
- Verified references. Contact at least three recent kitchen clients and ask about timeline accuracy, budget adherence, communication quality, and whether they would hire the contractor again.
- Detailed written estimates. A professional contractor provides line-item estimates broken down by category, not vague lump-sum numbers.
- Permit handling. Your contractor should manage all permit applications and inspections. Any contractor who suggests skipping permits is putting your investment at risk.
For a deeper look at vetting kitchen contractors, including red flags to avoid, see our complete contractor guide.
Cost Comparison: Designer Only vs Contractor Only vs Design-Build
Understanding how costs break down across the three approaches helps you make an informed decision for your budget.
| Approach | Design Fees | Construction Fees | Coordination Cost | Typical Total (Mid-Range Remodel) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Designer only | $3,000-$10,000 | N/A (you manage) | Your time | $3,000-$10,000 (design only) |
| Contractor only | N/A (no formal design) | $35,000-$75,000 | Minimal | $35,000-$75,000 |
| Separate designer + contractor | $3,000-$10,000 | $35,000-$75,000 | $0-$5,000+ (your time, potential errors) | $40,000-$85,000+ |
| Design-build firm | Included | Included | Included | $35,000-$70,000 |
The design-build approach typically delivers 10-15% savings on total project cost compared to hiring a designer and contractor separately. The savings come from eliminated redundancy in site visits, measurements, communication overhead, and markup layering.
For detailed pricing specific to the Peachtree City and south Atlanta area, use our free renovation cost calculator or read our 2026 kitchen remodel cost guide.
Making Your Decision
Here is a simple framework for deciding which approach fits your project:
Choose a designer only if your project is cosmetic, you have a trusted contractor, and you need help with material selections and layout.
Choose a contractor only if you already have completed design plans, your project is straightforward, and no layout changes are needed.
Choose a design-build firm if your remodel involves layout changes, custom cabinetry, structural work, or a budget above $35,000. This approach gives you the best combination of design quality, construction expertise, cost efficiency, and accountability.
The kitchen is the most complex room in any home to remodel. Every decision — from cabinet placement to electrical outlet positioning to countertop seam locations — affects both the aesthetics and the functionality of the finished space. Having design and construction expertise working together from the start produces better outcomes than managing those functions separately.
Ready to Start Your Kitchen Remodel?
Whether you need design help, construction expertise, or a team that delivers both, the most important step is choosing a partner you trust with your home and your investment.
At Turan Designs, we have helped homeowners across Peachtree City, Tyrone, Fayetteville, Newnan, and greater Atlanta create kitchens they love for more than 24 years. As a design-build firm, we handle every phase of your remodel with one dedicated team so nothing falls through the cracks.
Use our free renovation cost calculator to estimate your project, or contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Call us at (404) 394-2038 or visit our showroom at 125 Howell Road, Tyrone, GA 30290.