A selection of our most discerning judges dish on what makes a successful submission.
By Nicholas Tamarin
The NKBA | KBIS Design Competition is considered the Oscars of the kitchen and bath industry, renowned for its prestige and the significant rewards it offers. It provides a critical platform for professionals to showcase their talents and advance their careers. But what truly goes on behind the scenes of this esteemed event? What are the judges looking for, and how can entrants maximize their chances of success? Let’s delve into the judging process and reveal the secrets to creating winning designs.
Inside the Judging Process
Judges dedicate considerable time and effort to thoroughly evaluate each entry, acknowledging the significant investment entrants make in professional photography and comprehensive submissions. On average, judges spend around 15 minutes per entry, providing valuable feedback and numerical scores. This feedback is essential for entrants, helping them understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
Entries are evaluated based on several core areas: creativity; presentation; design planning; elements and principles of design; safety and ergonomics; and adherence to the NKBA Planning Guidelines (4th Edition). Judges also consider the overall wow factor, the longevity of the design, and the functionality of the layout. Each entry receives careful consideration, with judges striving for fairness and thoroughness. We asked a trio of our most experienced judges to share valuable insights into their evaluation process:
Insights from the Judges
Doug Walter, AIA, CMKBD, highlights critical areas such as lighting and adherence to the Design Guidelines, pointing out issues like incorrect lighting placement and the need for clear graphics. He also stresses the importance of accurate graphics and dimensions. “It takes a lot of time and money to professionally photograph a project, then to pull everything together to enter it,” Walter says. “We therefore owe it to each entrant to give their entry our full attention, and not to rush through them. What ultimately separates the contenders from the finalists isn’t just the photography—it’s the clarity and completeness of the design statements and plans. Judges understand that your photographer may Photoshop their photos, but do NOT let them photoshop out the recessed lights, as I’ve seen in many projects, as that’s one of the judging criteria – lighting! My advice would be to do a combination of shots with lights on and lights off. Particularly effective is daytime natural light shots, and then coming back after sunset and doing several shots with lights blazing, and include at least one of them in your final submittal. But perhaps the number one tip I would give designers, besides making sure the project meets the Design Guidelines, is to triple check that the graphics are to full NKBA standards. Not dimensioning aisleways, not putting ceiling height on the plan, or not including a centerline string can lose you a point or two.”
Stacy McCarthy, CMKBD, CID, stresses the importance of supporting documents, stating they are just as critical as visuals. “What ultimately separates the contenders from the finalists isn’t just the photography—it’s the clarity and completeness of the design statements and plans,” McCarthy says. “What many entrants may not realize is that these supporting documents are just as critical as the visuals for the judges to each segment of the score sheet. A well-crafted design statement that clearly aligns with the plans and the NKBA guidelines helps us, as judges, fully understand the intent, process, and function of the space. When the narrative is incomplete, disorganized, or missing key details, it’s difficult to give a high score on those segments specifically on the score sheet—even if the photos are stunning. These should be easy areas to score high in and you do not want to give away points. If I could give one piece of advice to future entrants, it’s this: Treat your design statement and plans like your backstage pass.”
Cailin Thelen, CMKBD, focuses on uncluttered plans, clear dimensions, safety, staged photos with close-ups, concise design statements with bullet points, and introductions that add personality. “Safety in design—think water closets with pocket or outswing doors, shower controls at shower entrances, and ranges flanked with open counter space as a starting place,” Thelen says. “I also like nicely staged photos, but especially with close-ups of specialties or materials. Design statements should be concise with bullet points and a short introduction that gives the project and designer/client relationship personality. NKBA’s recommended elements are also a foolproof system for showcasing your project—even if it’s not for an NKBA competition. They are: Objectives, Design Challenges along with the Solutions, and Special Features. Don’t hide the highlights in a block of words.”
Key Takeaways for Entrants
To increase their chances of success, entrants should keep the following in mind:
- Pay Attention to Detail: Every aspect, from photography to design statements and plans, matters. Ensure all graphics meet NKBA standards, including accurate dimensions and centerline strings.
- Follow NKBA Guidelines: Adherence to guidelines is crucial, especially regarding safety, lighting, aisle widths, and vent hood sizes. Thoroughly review and follow the NKBA Planning Guidelines.
- Provide Clear Documentation: Ensure plans are clear, dimensions are accurate, and design statements are concise and informative. Treat your design statement and plans like a “backstage pass.” Include detailed descriptions, appliance/product lists, and before plans/photos for remodels.
- Don’t Neglect Graphics: Triple-check that graphics meet full NKBA standards. Pay attention to accurate graphics and dimensions, as even a single point deduction can be detrimental.
- Highlight Special Features: Showcase unique elements and materials with close-up photos.
- Focus on Safety: Design for safety, including clearances, landing zones, and proper lighting.
- Seek Feedback: Understand that judge comments are invaluable for improvement.
- Craft a Compelling Narrative: Write a clear and well-organized design statement that aligns with the plans and showcases the project’s intent.
- Capture High-Quality Photos: Submit both natural light and lit photos, ensuring lighting is accurately represented. Avoid photoshopping out recessed lights.
- Showcase Creativity and Functionality: Design spaces that are innovative, practical, and built to last.
The NKBA Design Competition is a rigorous process that demands excellence in every facet of design. By understanding the judging criteria, insights from the judges, and incorporating these tips, future entrants can better prepare and present their work, significantly enhancing their chances of success.
To learn more about the NKBA | KBIS’s Kitchen and Bath Design Competition please visit click here.
