The 2023-2024 bath category winner discusses his experience as a multi-award-honoree in the NKBA | KBIS Student Design Competition.
By Dianne M. Pogoda
Alexander Drozdovitch, in his final semester at Montgomery College, will be honored at KBIS 2025 next February for winning the bath category in the NKBA | KBIS 2023-2024 Student Design Competition. It is his second consecutive award, as he placed 2nd for his kitchen design in the 2022-2023 competition as well.
Drozdovitch credits his instructors at Montgomery, an NKBA Affiliated School with several campuses in
Maryland, for his success. “Their guidance, expertise, invaluable knowledge, and support have been instrumental in shaping my design skills and professional growth,” he said.
He began studying graphic design a few years ago and discovered a broader passion for design. “This interest eventually led me to the interior design program, where I’ve been able to apply graphic design principles to physical spaces,” he recounted. “I’m now in my final semester pursuing an AAS in Interior Design with a concentration in Kitchen and Bath Design.”
Drozdovitch spoke to NKBA about his journey, the competition, and his impressive double win.
Did preparing for the contest help you refine your design/drawing/mechanical/rendering skills?
Absolutely. Participating in the NKBA | KBIS Student Design Competitions significantly enhanced my interior design skills, particularly in refining my renderings. Winning last year’s competition and receiving the generous NKBA and Fisher & Paykel scholarship allowed me to invest in a powerful computer, which greatly improved the quality of visualization.
Over the past year, I dedicated a substantial amount of time outside of class to exploring various modeling software and rendering engines, which enabled me to create more realistic interior visuals.
You’re one of a very elite group to have won multiple student design competition awards. What’s your secret?
I attribute my success to a combination of broad interests, a solid academic foundation, and a passion for craftsmanship. One of my self-taught hobbies is leathercraft, which requires meticulous planning and a detail-oriented approach. This craft, paired with the diverse educational background, has fueled my curiosity about how things are made — ranging from furniture to entire buildings — and the emotional impact they have on people. By imagining the hypothetical clients in the competition as real individuals, I was able to design spaces that both met competition guidelines and created meaningful experiences that resonate with the intended users.
What advice do you have for students who are considering entering the contest?
My advice is to enter the competition without any hesitation. The entry is free, so your only investment is time — time that will be well spent practicing your design skills in a project that closely mirrors real-world workflow. Additionally, students may gain the invaluable opportunity to receive constructive feedback from industry experts, which will help them improve their future projects. And, of course, being selected as a winner is an unforgettable experience, complete with a trip to the awards ceremony and the KBIS expo.
What’s your favorite design aesthetic?
My favorite design aesthetic is mid-century modern, especially how it has influenced contemporary design. I’m drawn to its philosophy of creating functional interiors that, while seemingly simple, reveal a depth of complexity as you explore them further. The use of natural materials, geometric and organic shapes, and ambient lighting adds to its timeless appeal. I often incorporate these elements into my projects, aiming to strike a balance between sophistication and simplicity.
What professional goals do you think you might pursue in the near future?
I aspire to obtain a position as a CG Archviz [architectural visualization] artist or interior designer. My long-term goal is to pass the NKBA’s Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer exam and establish a career in the kitchen and bathroom interior design industry.
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The NKBA | KBIS Student Design Competition for the current 2024-2025 school year is accepting entries through June 6, 2025. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Fisher & Paykel, entry is free, and top winners in each category will receive a scholarship and a travel package (including expo pass, airfare, and hotel) to KBIS 2026. Click for more details and to enter.
