How to write a kitchen designer CV (with an example)

Updated 14 April 2023

Kitchen designers are specialist interior designers who design kitchens for clients, either in residential or commercial settings. The role shares many of the same core principles as interior design, but with specialist knowledge in kitchen fittings, building materials and appliances. If you're considering becoming a kitchen designer, you might want to spend some time ensuring your CV is professional, engaging and tailored to the role and company you're applying to. In this article, we discuss what to include in a kitchen designer CV and provide a step-by-step guide to writing one, with a template and example.

What is a kitchen designer?

A kitchen designer specialises in designing kitchens for various clients. They're usually qualified and experienced interior designers who have chosen to concentrate on kitchen design. Kitchen designers discuss the many aspects of kitchen design with clients to establish their requirements and then remodel and update kitchens, or design new kitchens from start to finish. They're usually experts in kitchen fittings and layouts, kitchen appliances and kitchen construction materials.

Designers tend to have qualifications in interior design and may study towards an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject. These include art and design, interior design, spatial design or interior architecture. Candidates may also obtain qualifications and certificates in computer-aided design (CAD) software, which kitchen designers use to create 3D images and drawings of kitchen designs.

Steps to writing a kitchen designer CV

Listed below are the five steps to writing a kitchen designer CV. You could use the steps below for any job application, but there are some elements and details specific to design roles and kitchen designer positions. Review the steps below to see how to get started with your CV:

1. Add your contact details

A CV header typically includes your name and contact details. Add your full name along with any relevant professional qualifications or titles. It's not necessary to include your full address at the top of your CV, but you might choose to include a reference to your town, city or area so the hiring manager can understand your proximity to the job opportunity. You may also include your preferred contact details, including email address and telephone number and if you have an online portfolio or website, you can include the URL here.

2. Write an engaging summary statement

The summary statement provides a concise and engaging summary of your design experience, skills and career ambitions. It provides the reader with a brief introduction to you and helps them understand your suitability for the position. The statement is usually no longer than three sentences and requires careful consideration when writing to make it as concise and engaging as possible. Your statement could include references to your career ambitions, and you could mention the hiring company by name and specify why you're interested in working for them. This would indicate that you've tailored your CV specifically for this job application.

3. Include your relevant work experience

The work experience section of your CV is an opportunity to list any relevant current and previous positions, and demonstrate the responsibilities and duties you carried out in each role. List some of your key duties in bullet points underneath the details of each job. Refer to the job description for an indication of the skills and knowledge the hiring manager is looking for. This can help you use appropriate language and highlight desirable qualities for the role.

For a kitchen designer position, mention any work experience that includes design, and particularly interior design or kitchen design work. Highlight how you utilised your design skills and developed your experience in each role, and if you have any experience of using CAD software, mention that here.

4. List your key skills

The skills section of your CV provides an opportunity to highlight any desirable skills and qualities you possess. These could be hard skills that specifically help you perform kitchen design work, such as experience using CAD software, building regulations or kitchen health and safety regulations. Alternatively, they might be soft skills that make you an effective employee, such as presentation skills, conceptual thinking and attention to detail. Similar to the work experience section above, consult the job description for any indication of key skills and qualities listed as essential or desirable for applicants to display.

5. Highlight your educational achievements

Hiring managers may review your educational achievements to gain a further understanding of your background and suitability for the position. If you have any arts or design qualifications, you can list them here. Degrees in interior design or similar subjects can be useful, as can certificates and qualifications in design software, such as a Level 2 or Level 3 Certificate in Computer-Aided Design. You may also increase your chances of gaining a kitchen designer position by studying towards a vocational qualification. Relevant vocational qualifications include Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Kitchen Design.

Kitchen designer CV template

The CV template below outlines the key sections to include in your CV for kitchen designer job applications:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City]

Professional Summary
[Two to three sentences that highlight years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as a professional].

Experience
[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results.
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results.
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

Education
[Degree and major], [Name of school or university]
[City]

Example CV for kitchen designer roles

Below is an example CV for a kitchen designer applicant, written using the CV template above:

Jonathan Bromley, MA 07510 836757 | jonathan.bromley@mail.com | Salford, Greater Manchester

Professional Summary
Creative kitchen designer with seven years of experience and a passion for designing innovative and practical kitchens for residential and commercial clients. Skilled communicator with a natural understanding of client needs and an ability to build strong working relationships. Searching for a new role to develop my design skills and work on ambitious projects that set new standards in creativity.

Experience
Kitchen Designer | June 2017–Current
Breitman Kitchen Innovations Ltd | Salford, Greater Manchester

consulted clients to design modern, stylish residential kitchens using high-quality, handmade materials and components
developed working relationships with several corporate clients to design kitchens for large new residential housing and apartment developments
improved the design process, considering changes to residential health and safety and fire risk regulations
created floor plans and 3D models of kitchen designs, and consulted clients on amendments to incorporate specific design requests
researched new and innovative kitchen construction materials, with a focus on sustainability and environmentally friendly products, helping the organisation to become a national leader in sustainable kitchen design

CAD Technician | January 2015–June 2017
Creative Kitchen Solutions | Warrington, Cheshire

developed detailed 3D models of kitchen designs for a range of commercial and residential clients
liaised with clients to understand their requirements and design kitchens that returned a consistently high customer satisfaction score
conducted site visits to take measurements, note mains connections and understand room specifications, considering health and safety regulations and best design practise

Skills
Extensive experience using CAD software | Knowledge of kitchen health and safety legislation | A creative, conceptual mindset | Strong interpersonal skills | Experience designing kitchens with sustainable, environmentally friendly materials

Education
MA Art and Design, The University of Preston
Preston, Lancashire
Level 3 Award in the Principles of Kitchen Design, The Design Institute - 2021

Disclaimer: The model shown is for illustration purposes only, and may require additional formatting to meet accepted standards.

How to write a kitchen designer CV (with an example)

What is a kitchen designer?

Steps to writing a kitchen designer CV

1. Add your contact details

2. Write an engaging summary statement

3. Include your relevant work experience

4. List your key skills

5. Highlight your educational achievements

Kitchen designer CV template

Example CV for kitchen designer roles

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