It is our policy to take personal ownership of each and every project we do as it is a reflection of our work ethic and professionalism. Our success depends upon return business and referrals. Whether your project is thousands of miles away or right next door, we will have a personal connection to the project and a stake in its success.
We strive to get as much detailed information to create accurate drawings and specifications as is available –So much so that you may find that we are more demanding about the things we need from you than someone local who can walk the job site or meet with you in person. As much as you have the right to expect due diligence from us in assurance that the design is accurate in every detail, we expect that you will provide us with the necessary details so that the project can be successful. Open lines of communication are what will lead to our successful partnership in this endeavor.
Just copy the sections of your plans that you need us to create cabinetry specifications for and fax them to us (or scan and e-mail to pam@pamdesigns.net). Be sure the dimensions are legible. You may mail a set of scale drawings if you prefer. After discussing your needs and objectives, we will draft designs and specifications reflecting your functional and aesthetic requirements for the project.
With a design using generic symbols, you will have the freedom to shop with multiple cabinet vendors that would be able to let you know how closely they can match the design or may even be willing to do a take off from the plans so you can compare prices and features. Please note that the design at this point would not be suitable to place an order for cabinets or sufficient to install them. Be aware that it is typical for cabinet showrooms, lumber yards or big box stores that sell cabinets to have designers on staff who will require you to have them create drawings and quotes specific to their products. It is common practice for them to charge you for this service and may even apply this charge to the purchase of their products. Plans with generic symbols are charged at the Level 3 rates.
In most cases, we can create a layout with Chief Architect software that enables us to create custom-designed and sized cabinetry. Your cabinet shop will still need to redraw the design in order to be able to give you a quote and create a cut list for their manufacturing process. Custom plans are charged at Level 3 rates.
Yes. We can design other spaces that have cabinetry in them such as offices, libraries, laundry rooms, hobby rooms, entertainment centers, window seats, dining banquets and china hutches, outdoor kitchens, and garage storage... pretty much any living space where there is a need for built-in furniture that can be created using cabinetry.
No. Only the Level 4 plan set contains installation notes that are written based on the instructions given by the cabinet dealer and are intended to accommodate the installation staff provided by or installation company specified by the dealer and are intrinsic to the cabinet line as well. The ability of the cabinet installer to read and use the drawings to install the cabinets correctly is crucial. Not all contractors have experience installing cabinetry, and if they do, they may not have experience with the cabinet line or type you are going to use.
No. Any structural, plumbing or electrical plans that would require a building permit need to be stamped by a licensed architect or an engineer. These drawings are meant for cabinet installation and minor plumbing, electrical and nonstructural changes that do not normally require building permits. Check with your local building or planning department if you have concerns.
You will need to provide us with the manufacturer's 20-20digital catalog. This can be achieved by either e-mailing the catalog (if you have 20-20 software), arranging our access to the manufacturer's catalog either from their website or 20-20's download site, or my mailing the disk. We will not create a retail price quote from a paper copy of a catalog.
If possible, please mail a current printed manufacturer's specifications guide so that we are able to create details to the drawings. Over the years, we have had experience with more than a dozen different cabinet manufacturers and have learned how important it is to know the idiosyncrasies of different cabinet lines and their manufacturer's capabilities because no two are exactly the same.
You will need to send us your title block and/or logo and a sample of how you would like this to look. We are happy to help you come up with a title block incorporating your logo if you have one-- though we do not design logos. Also send any other items you would like such as standard disclaimers, signature lines, or notes and schedules that your company uses or you may opt to use those that are shown on the sample sets.
Drawings can be made either to scale or dimensioned which will likely be determined by the format size and the size of the project. Most people choose 8 1/2” x 11” sheets in landscape because they can be faxed and most kitchen plans will fit on them. Generally this size is too small for scale drawings. Specify a format size that is at least tabloid size (17” x 11”) or larger if you want scale drawings.
In the event that we would be approached by competing cabinet dealerships to do the same project, we would accept it on a first-come-first-served basis and decline the second offer --no exceptions. We will not reveal who the original party is to competing parties nor will we share any client information, on-line information or written documentation about you, your project, your client or product manufacturers used in connection with the project with anyone without your permission. We will handle your project with confidentiality and professionalism.
You assume full reproduction rights upon payment for a completed project. We retain intellectual property rights to all designs, drawings and renderings created by PamDesigns. While we may use designs and drawings for the purpose of participating in design competitions, inclusion in future publications on design, educational purposes and for marketing of our business --you or your client's personal information or reference to your products will not be displayed in connection with the designs and drawings without your permission. However, credit will be happily noted on the display of project elements at your request.
Yes, we will be happy to work with you as well because we consider you and the architect collaborators –not competitors. However, we will not work with other cabinet dealerships on this project.
Yes, but we will not do so for other subsequent dealerships who are competing for the project. You will need to provide your digital catalog for 2020 (for the drawings) and/or digital pricing guide (if separate and you need a retail price list).
Should you decide to use our services on a regular basis, we will keep your paper and digital catalogs on hand which will speed up the process for future projects. We will keep them for six months before discarding them if you have not used our services during that time or have requested that we return them to you.
We can design the space using generic symbols that are available in the 20/20 Design program that has commonly used cabinet nomenclature. We can create conceptual drawings and renderings that will help you and your client visualize the space and gain a sense of the design intent and aesthetic.
At times the workload can be overwhelming and you just need a helping hand to meet your deadlines and help close the sale. We will not only do just the work that you need help with, but will strive to create drawings that look as though you produced them yourself with all of the drawing conventions you use including page layout, format size – even your title block and logo. From your sketches and measurements, we are able to provide you with the drawings and specification documents based on the level of service you choose. Provide printed or digital plans (in PDF) for spaces that have not been built yet. You may send AutoCad (.dwg) files, Chief Architect (V10 or lower) and 20-20 .kit files also.
Once we have all of the necessary information needed to begin a project and depending on the level of service you choose, you can expect your design and drawings for a typical kitchen within three business days. We will give you an estimate for larger projects with multiple rooms, units or that require color renderings. If you are on a tight deadline and need them sooner, please contact us to see if that is possible. We will send you the drawings or specifications once completed by the preferred method which is in a zipped PDF file via the internet. If your e-mail service provider is unable to receive large files, we will break them down into smaller files and send them in separate e-mails. Contact us if you wish to receive data by any other method. We will not mail hard copy prints or send faxes of the drawings.
What and how much information you'll need to send us in order to start a project depends on the level of service you require and the current stage of the project. Please see the Process tab that describes the required information and in what format you will need to provide it.
If there is anything unclear, we will contact you immediately for clarification. Communication is key to creating accurate drawings and our ability to meet your deadlines.
We will send you the drawing and specification package once it is completed in the preferred method which is in a zipped PDF file via the internet. If your e-mail service provider is unable to receive large files, we will break them down into smaller files and send them in separate e-mails. Please contact us if you wish to receive digital data by any other means. We will not mail hard copy prints or send faxes of the drawings.
The amount you will be charged is based on the level of service you choose and the size of the project. To initiate a project, you will need to make a 50 percent deposit of half of the base rate for the level of service that you choose and fax back the signed Agreement that outlines the scope of the project and initial estimated charges. Additional charges will be assessed when changes or additions are made to a project that were not addressed in the initial Agreement. Changes may occur (but are not limited to) the submission of a Change Order. See the revision charges described on the Pricing by Level of Service schedule listed under the Services and Pricing Tab.
Once your order has been completed and e-mailed to you, an invoice will be generated and e-mailed to you within a week. Contact us if you would also like a hard copy of your bill faxed or mailed.
We prefer that payments are made through PayPal using the link on this site. Setting up a PayPal account is easy, secure and free. It allows you to pay either by credit card, bank transfer or debit card. Bills are considered overdue after 30 days of the date of the invoice. In order for work to continue if your account has become delinquent, a payment based on the estimated charges for the remaining work to be done will need to be made.
