NZ DIPLOMA IN KITCHEN DESIGN - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

I’m a brand-new kitchen designer – is this the right course for me?

The New Zealand Diploma in Kitchen Design is aimed at kitchen designers with at least 6-12 months’ experience. If you’re new to the industry, you might like to start with NKBA’s 2-day Kitchen Design Basics workshop and move on to the diploma course once you’ve gained more experience.

What is the time commitment for the assignments?

It usually takes around 40 – 80 hours to complete each assignment, spread out over five months. It comes down to your proficiency with CAD and drawing, and how much support you receive from your employer. We recommended starting early and spending 1-2 hours per week on your assignments.

What happens if I need to take a break from the course?

If you need to take a break during the course, for parental leave for example, your BCITO Training Advisor can put your enrolment on hold for up to 12 months. Note that your NKBA Student Membership will also be paused if your enrolment is on hold.

What does the Diploma offer to designers who already have a lot of experience?

It gives your clients the confidence you know what you are doing and that you are capable of creating the complete package. Experienced designers might not think they need to complete the diploma, but clients like to work with people that they feel confident with. Being a qualified designers gives reassurance to your clients and helps to eliminate concerns over inexperience.

Can I take the course if I’m self-employed?

Yes absolutely. In place of an employer, you will need to find an industry mentor or private contractor to support you with your studies and sign off on assessments. Your BCITO Training Advisor can assist you with finding a suitable person for this role.

Is the course a good option for cabinetmakers?

Definitely. It will give you a greater understanding of the full picture of kitchen design and improve your knowledge and skills. Cabinetmaker David Orchard agrees, saying “I had 10-15 years of joinery experience, and the diploma has made me more confident, particularly with customer satisfaction. It’s great to understand how to design something that is going to be fit for purpose, as well as look great. As a cabinet maker you don’t always think about design and so the course has been really helpful. It makes you quicker in designing a solution. If I could do it again, I would do it sooner.”

How can I sign up for the course?

It’s easy – just contact NKBA and we will connect you with a local BCITO who will visit you to talk to you about your options and sign you up for the course. Visit the BCITO website for more information about the course.