Daniel Ian Smith is a bi-coastal (NYC and San Francisco) architect and interior designer with 25+ years’ experience helping clients visualize and ultimately attain their dream spaces. Whether it’s a full home renovation or a thoughtfully planned kitchen remodel, he’s known for his collaborative style, both in the way he listens to his clients and creates their dream spaces, and in the way he seamlessly marries the architectural elements of a space with its final design.
Ivan: Hey Daniel. Let me say right off the bat that your blog is amazing. I refer people to articles you’ve written because they’re so helpful, especially to folks just beginning to think about a project. It’s clear you love design and that you’ve learned so much through experience and process. Much of what you write is applicable to all kinds of project.
Daniel: Thank you, Ivan. I’m glad to hear that! It’s true: I’m enthusiastic about design, and architecture, and especially kitchens, and remodeling, and I adore my clients. So, it’s good to hear that all that passion comes through! And you’re right, the process of design is itself an education. I learn something on every project. And since it’s a collaborative process, the homeowner learns a lot, too! But it all starts with the designer listening to the client to identify their needs and tastes. I’ve been explaining that our intake process is “function first” because that’s how we build a foundation. Then we can construct the aesthetic framework on top of that.
Ivan: It sounds like you have a well-honed system.
Daniel: We do, and it’s fun! Professionals see stuff that lay people don’t. Lots of folks don’t know what questions to ask or how to talk about design. It’s our job not just to be creative, but to guide the whole process and make sure you know what you’re doing and what you’re getting.
As a professional designer, I really appreciate being able to work with other professionals. When I work with you and your team, I am working with people who know and understand good design, who speak my language, and who have the same high standards.
Ivan: I bet you’re good at reassuring your clients. One thing I see is that people get paralyzed by all the choices and figuring out what trends to pay attention to. As an insider, can you tell us what to look out for either good or bad? You work all over, so are there regional trends or differences between the coasts?
Daniel: Sure, there are regional trends. Some of it is stylistic, but much has to do with climate and available materials, local history, and what different people see value in. These are influences for sure, but you know what I tell every client? Hey, we’re designing your house—and it has to inspire you, reflect who you are, and make you feel comfortable. Of course, we consider many of the same issues and apply the same general wisdom to all our projects, but at the end of the day, it’s your house, and you have to love living in it. So, it’s OK to like what you like. Get good quality stuff. Look to professionals for guidance. And don’t worry so much about trends.
Ivan: See, I feel reassured already!
Daniel: [Laughs] Great. My work here is done.
Ivan: Speaking of reassurance, I notice that now we all enjoy access to information on such a massive scale. Does that come with an increased level of stress or confusion for folks?
Daniel: Oh totally, yes. How can you not be flustered when you see significant overlap in adjacent articles listing the top ten trends in kitchens this year and then ten things to avoid? That’s why my first task in any kitchen remodel is to focus on asking the right questions and then listen. Once I get to know a client’s style and understand their needs, the solutions become clear. We also stick with a lot of “tried and true.” Otherwise, it would be easy to get stressed and/or confused with all the options out there.
Ivan: You knew this was coming, but tell me about your experience designing with Ikea kitchen cabinets. What are the pros and cons from a designer’s perspective?
Daniel: Clients sometimes come to Village West Design with preconceived ideas about Ikea cabinets—sometimes favorable and sometimes not. In both cases we talk about the project holistically: function, aesthetics, budget… Ikea is a great option to consider, and when it’s the right fit, we enthusiastically go with it. The pros at this point are well-known: it’s a very functional modular system, it’s well-made with solid hardware (those Blum hinges are truly excellent), and it’s generally accessible with zero lead time. None of these are assets to be taken lightly. I insist on professional installation because that’s where the reliability and durability are key. But candidly—and you of course already know this—the aftermarket door companies like Semihandmade and Modern Twig are what make this a designer choice. It’s not just that I love working with you, but Modern Twig’s aesthetic options rival most custom cabinet shops, and a simple price comparison puts Modern Twig light years ahead. I mean, it really brings the average kitchen remodel cost way, way down. The big con is the actual Ikea experience. It’s fun to walk through the store, but purchasing a kitchen there can be exhausting.
Ivan: You’re not the only one to say that. We love Ikea, of course, but concede it can be a struggle to get through the ordering process. That’s why we create the shopping list for our clients, going so far as to populate their shopping cart online and help them elevate their Ikea kitchen with a more custom, streamlined approach.
Daniel: That sounds divine. You’ve taken the “I” out of Ikea.
Ivan: [Laughs] Oh, I like that! Or maybe we give you the “key” to Ikea…
Daniel: Maybe we should stop.
Ivan: Probably. OK, so of course now I have to ask you: what’s your favorite thing about Modern Twig?
Daniel: You mean besides the witty banter?
Ivan: It goes without saying that that’s the best part
Daniel: Actually, as a professional designer, I have to say I really appreciate being able to work with other professionals, you know? I mean, when I work with you and your team, I am working with people who know and understand good design, who speak my language, and who have the same high standards. You know the ultimate compliment is when a designer specs your product for their own home, right?
Ivan: I know, thank you. I love that kitchen! Alright, so last, I’m eager to find out, what do you think the best advice is for someone considering a kitchen remodel?
Daniel: The better you plan, the better the finished product will be. It’s hard to appreciate how much work it takes if you haven’t done it before. That’s a good reason to work with folks you trust and whose skills and expertise you admire. Done right, you’ll be rewarded every day. Everything in our homes is so personal, and we have an intimate connection with each detail—every color, every material, every piece of hardware… So, invest in things that are meaningful to you.
Ivan: That’s all great advice. Thanks for talking to me about this.
Daniel: Anytime. There’s no one I’d rather chat home design and dad jokes with!
Key Takeaways from Our Conversation with Daniel
A successful kitchen remodel starts with understanding function—form should follow your real, everyday needs.
Don’t get overwhelmed by trends; instead, focus on what inspires you and works for your lifestyle.
Ikea cabinets can be a smart, budget-friendly option—especially when paired with high-quality custom fronts from companies like Modern Twig.
The right designer will not only bring creativity to the table but will also guide the process and ask the right questions.
Regional styles may vary, but your kitchen should always reflect you—your taste, your habits, and your story.
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