It Takes A Team

Choosing custom cabinetry means never having to go it alone. As with any complex and unfamiliar journey, it’s good to have expert guides.

Neff of Chicago calls it the “Design-to-Delight” process. At the first meeting to discuss design possibilities for a new kitchen or bath, customers are assigned a three-person team that includes Neff president Pat Borg, a member of the company’s kitchen and bath design team and a Neff architect (or the client’s own designer and architect).

Design Concepts

The designer helps guide the homeowner through the wide array of choices and makes recommendations that will fit lifestyle preferences and budget considerations. The architect gets to know the client and the project to ensure that the chosen design is translated into the most cost-effective production methods.

A week after an initial discussion is held and measurements are obtained, the Neff team presents a conceptual design and a price range. The conceptual layout sketch includes color and texture samples. The client reviews the layout and makes suggestions; design adjustments are made, as needed.

Technical Drawings 

At this point, the technical designer on the team takes the approved drawing and begins the detailed process of creating a computerized drawing (CAD) of the project. Every component piece of cabinetry is identified, along with dimensions and relationship to other component modules.

The architect works with the Neff manufacturing facility to “spec out” the custom elements in the design, ensuring that tolerances are built in to avoid conflicts and binding, especially in curved designs, or to allow certain species of solid wood to “breathe.” In addition, the architect and manufacturing staff will identify the most cost-effective manufacturing strategies.

Pre-Production Approval 

Before going into production of any custom cabinetry, color samples are provided for sign-off. The Team and client together review the manufacturer’s Engineering Drawings for final sign-off on all elements of the project – design, grain-matches, hardware, accessories, backsplashes and appliance specifications.

The goal of the Design-to-Delight Team is simple: to make sure “you receive the kitchen you want, when you want it.”