Annual competition offers NKBA student members an opportunity to showcase their talent for a chance to win valuable prizes.
NKBA | KBIS invites students to create beautiful, functional designs for the 2024-2025 Student Design Competition. This year’s theme, “Springing Into Retirement in Colorado Springs,” challenges participants to reimagine a kitchen and bathroom with guest comfort in mind.
The client, at the heart of the competition scenario, is a retired college professor who recently purchased a classic bungalow-style home in historic Colorado Springs, CO. In her retirement, she wishes to host extended gatherings that can accommodate her friends and former colleagues. While the bungalow features a recently remodeled primary suite in the home’s basement, the client seeks changes to the kitchen and first floor bathroom that will support her vision of elevated guest comfort.
Students are tasked with designing spaces that blend luxury with functionality. The kitchen should cater to both cooking and entertaining. Situated between a pantry and dining area, this space can be opened to create a floor plan ideal for gathering. When it comes to the bathroom, the client hopes to offer overnight guests all the comforts of home along with the luxurious touches.
Both designs should incorporate a craftsman style and be accommodating to guests with limited mobility. Students should refer to the competition packet for full competition scenario details.
Winners will receive complimentary tickets to KBIS 2026 in Orlando, FL and admission to the Kitchen & Bath Design + Industry Awards. Hotel and airfare will be included for the winners of the competition. The top three entries in each category will also be awarded the following scholarships.
- First place: $5,000
- Second place: $2,500
- Third place: $1,000
The deadline for submissions is June 6th, 2025, 5pm EST. The NKBA | KBIS Student Design Competition is generously sponsored by Fisher & Paykel. For more information, contact Kelly Ann Ryan, Learning Programs Manager, at Kryan@nkba.org.
