Hi Gillian, it's very difficult and time consuming to learn how to use a rendering software. Even after knowing the basics it would take a lot of practice and extra learning to get professional and life-like results. Have a look around for night courses in your area, they may have an AutoCAD/Sketch Up one available if this is the route you're wanting to take. When I first started, I attempted to learn but found it was far too intricate and I just didn't have the time, I instead hired someone to do it for me. I would offer clients either a computer rendered photo of what the project will look like completed or a few drawings done by myself of what the completed project will look like. The mock ups done on AutoCAD I hired someone for would cost more for the client and would take 1-3 months to complete, as appose to the drawings that would take me a few days and were less expensive. It's whatever you think best for you and your client! Thanks, Meredith

Hi Colin, Thanks for posting. I'm a London based interior designer and typically cover Central London and the South East so whilst I'm a little far afield for your project I'd like to share my advice and experience. If you'd like a unique, made to measure kitchen with individuality it could be well worth speaking to a specialist joiner/ kitchen cabinet maker. If you hunt around you should be able to find a good joiner (probably independent) within budget. An interior design could then work alongside them to draw up technical plans and specify the rest of the scheme. To come in within budget, and if possible, it may be best to go for a design only option and project manage yourself. Best of luck with the project! Anouska www.anouskatamony.com

Hi Paula, Wow loads of great advice already ! I'd suggest you ask your builder if he can recommend a structural engineer, that he's worked with previously, to come and view the stack - it may be that by extending the thick nub on bottom left of that area marked, that you can then put one beam across to support above? ( but I'm not a SE - so you will need on site advice for this !!) I'm the concept planner that Minnie added the link for ( thank you Minnie !!) We sell purely design, no product. So charge for our services, rather than making a mark up on what you buy, like a showroom would. (We have a few types of service - the most expensive, for a project this size, is about the same cost as a good dishwasher) But that does mean you get a PDF with all the plans/elevations/colour perspectives, panoramics and item listing to shop around with, which means you can compare like for like and negotiate great deals with showrooms/studios/even online suppliers of kitchen furniture and appliances etc. We can even supply colour A3 prints, if you want, too ! So we are a bit different to a free studio service - but can work well for busy people who want an input into the design stage ( we have a service that involves you throughout the design process over a five day period) and those who want to approach a few different studios or online suppliers to quote, but that don't have the time to deal with several site visits from several designers and to sit through several presentations that are all different - so it becomes a bit confusing to see who's offering the best deal ! You simply email them your design PDF - or drop them in a printed copy, ask for their best price as you are shopping around. All they need to do initially is price it - so much easier for the studios too ! Anyway enough of the 'sales pitch' from me ! Best wishes for your project, which ever route you choose ! :-)

Hi JA, We have two dogs and have just moved to a house that requires renovation including structural from top to bottom (and it's 5 bedrooms and 3 floors) We hired Gina from Create Perfect (on here) and she's been absolutely amazing. She prevented us from spending a fortune in unnecessary extensions and showed us how to reconfigure our space through working with a structural engineer to get the space we needed without extending. We were given 3D images of different layouts and floor plans with advantages and disadvantages of each to help us visualise and prioritise what was important to us. She created 3D images of all of our rooms and even shopping lists of the suggested items we should buy. (I've attached a few pics to try and show you what sort of thing you get) She was available 24/7 literally and was more help than I could ever have imagined beforehand. The cost was remarkably reasonable and a fraction of what we're spending on the house. We also benefitted hugely from here trade discounts, which she was happy to pass on. A good designer with me a huge help not only with decorating schemes but the plans and layout for your house, they will also put a high emphasis on what you need and design around it (including pets) so you get a house that fits your lifestyle and doesn't just look like a show room. Best decision I could possibly have made to hire Gina (Create Perfect in here) and can't recommend highly enough the advantages of getting a good designer on board; it made the whole process fun too! Pick the right person and they will be a pleasure to work with and super respectful of your budget and lifestyle. Good luck with your project