Honored at KBIS 2025, Fisher is recipient of the inaugural NKBA | KBIS Educator of the Year Award.
By Nicholas Tamarin
The first year for the NKBA | KBIS Educator of the Year Award generated significant enthusiasm. Nominations poured in from current students, former students, colleagues, and college administrators, showcasing the widespread recognition of those who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to advancing the knowledge and skills of students within the kitchen and bath industry.
Robin Rigby Fisher, CMKBD, a full-time faculty member at Portland Community College and Principal Designer at Robin Rigby Fisher Design, was selected as the winner of the award that includes complimentary roundtrip airfare, KBIS registration, and hotel accommodations for the event. Fisher is known for inspiring students to embrace creativity and authenticity. She prepares students for real-world challenges, advocates for their success, and connects them to meaningful careers. Her dedication empowers the next generation of kitchen and bath professionals and benefits the broader professional community.
Honorable Mentions
Two individuals received honorable mentions:
- Rochelle Horne, CKBD, Program Head/Faculty Interior Design Technology & NKBA Education
- Jim Baynton, CKD, Master Designer at Ideal Cabinets and Virginia Tech Board of Design, Student Internship Supervisor
Robin Rigby Fisher
Robin Rigby Fisher is an award-winning designer, educator, and industry innovator. Since 1989, she has founded a residential design-build remodeling company and an independent residential design firm. She was named a Top 50 Innovator by KBDN in 2017.
Fisher has been shaping designers at Portland Community College since 2003 and became the Department Chair of the Interior Design Department in 2021. She is a subject matter expert contributor to the 2023 NKBA Guidelines for Kitchen and Bath Design and co-authored Sustainable Design for the Kitchen and Bath Designer. Fisher also mentors design professionals across the U.S. and Canada.
Known as the “Fairy Job Mother,” Fisher is dedicated to supporting students and graduates, connecting them with industry contacts and career opportunities. She is a champion of sustainable and accessible design.
Award Information
The NKBA Educator of the Year Award honors educators who significantly contribute to the kitchen and bath industry through innovative teaching, curriculum development, and dedication to fostering the next generation of industry leaders.
The selection process involves evaluating nominees based on the outlined criteria, with a focus on their overall impact and contributions to the field. The award celebrates those who advance education within the kitchen and bath industry.
Criteria and Selection
Nominations are reviewed by a panel of NKBA representatives based on criteria including:
- Innovative teaching methods
- Impact on students and professionals
- Industry contribution
- Professionalism and dedication
- Leadership and collaboration
- Community and industry engagement
