I.X.
As an interior designer I can tell you most people don't hire one. If you don't, your architect may give you direction so you can select your own finishes. Some architects like to do some interior design. If you have an eye and are willing to take the time to research products and feel confident in pulling things together, then you'll be fine. A designer will almost always make for a more coherent and put together design, but they come with a price tag. if you don't hire one, your architect will likely send you to do your owns selections where you will get decent assistance. FYI, appliances are the first hurdle in designing your kitchen, since nothing will get fine tuned until the actual ones you want to use are specified. And even to work up a rough idea your designer/ architect will want a program from you (a list of your must haves, like double ovens, built- in vs fee standing, 48" cook top vs. the standard 36"....). Shopping appliances takes a long time and much to your dismay, your architect or designer are not likely to specify them for you (except the finish) since kitchen appliances are such a personal thing.