This designer with American Woodmark Corp. is one of just a few elite NKBA members to have earned all nine Specialty Badges.
By Dianne M. Pogoda
“I believe I am called to a life of service,” says Kendrick Williams, CKBD. “I do my best to be my best.”
That service, he says, encompasses teaching and helping others, and making the spaces and lives of his clients beautiful and functional. Whether teaching a young men’s class at his church, teaching Business Management for adult learners at Devry University, or helping elementary school kids with their “Brain Bowl” preparation, he loves to share his time and talent. “I like the person I am when I help others,” he says. “There is no better feeling than helpful service.” So, the Tulsa-OK-based designer with American Woodmark Corp. has amped up his professional development by earning all nine NKBA Specialty Badges — in addition to earning his Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer credential.
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“I really wanted to continue to grow and learn. I want to be considered a resource where others could come and learn about all the different options and facets of kitchen and bath design,” said Williams, asked what inspired him to earn all the badges. “Since there was nothing technically stopping me, I figured I’d challenge myself to see if I could accomplish earning all nine badges — and it feels good to say that I accomplished that goal.”
Williams, who is one of just six NKBA members to earn all nine badges, has been in the design field for more than three decades. He started as a project architect in Orlando, FL, including stints at Jacobs Engineering, Walt Disney Imagineering, and Wyndham Vacation Ownership, working on projects ranging from supermarket, theme park and hotel renovations to managing construction of a parking garage and city government projects. He now works in Design Services for American Woodmark. He is a member of the Baltimore/Washington Chapter, since the company is headquartered in Winchester, VA, even though he works in Tulsa.
He chatted with NKBA about the significance of his accomplishment.
What do you find to be the most important benefit of the badges?
KW: The badges represent recognition of effort and study to continue to grow and learn about what kitchen and bath designers do. I often refer to the study material to help explain a choice or design strategy, or to just refresh my own knowledge. I really love how the NKBA sets its members up for success.
Which was easiest for you, which was most difficult, and why?
KW: Some badges were less challenging — in another life I was a Project Architect and Construction Project Manager — such as Cabinetry, Floor Plans & Specifications, and Remodeling. I enjoyed reviewing what I had previously been taught and how it pertains to K&B design. The more challenging badges (and some of the most fun) were Universal Design, Sustainability, Lighting, Sales & Marketing and especially Color. I absolutely loved exploring how color shapes mood and perception and how to use color to anchor design elements. It was like architecture school all over again. I thoroughly enjoyed the exercise.
Is there one badge that has helped you more than the others?
KW: That depends on the project I am working on at the time. For instance, I was tasked with compiling a PowerPoint presentation on Sustainability and sharing it with my colleagues and supervisors. For multi-unit projects, I have leaned heavily on the teachings on Universal Design to make suggestions on more thoughtful K&B layouts. I have also been able to present new color combinations incorporating different hues and textures into interesting project types, such as apartments, senior living facilities, and large single-family residences for luxury builders.
What did you learn that surprised you about the process?
KW: I was really surprised about how much fun I had learning and studying for the badges. I thought I’d just enjoy the challenge but found myself more in love with all the wonderful and insightful information. It was like I was in overload — but in a good way. Seeing the business of kitchen and bath design embedded in the study material was interesting and inspiring.
Anything else you want us to know about your journey in earning the badges?
KW: With the right amount of planning and patience, anything is possible. I appreciate the NKBA offering discounted pricing to encourage people seeking more educational opportunities; I was able to pursue all nine badges using NKBA’s offers. It served as a good reminder to not allow anything to stop you from achieving something once you set your mind to it.
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While NKBA certification has long been recognized across the K&B world as a standard of design excellence, it is available exclusively to the designer community. Designers earn their Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer (CKBD) credential and may level up to Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer (CMKBD).
The badges were developed by NKBA and subject matter experts as a micro-credentialing program for all categories of membership — designers as well as remodelers, retailers, distributors, manufacturers, sales and marketing professionals, consultants and any other industry-related pro. The badges provide personalized learning and allow NKBA members to gain specific knowledge of a particular trade or skill.Currently, the nine NKBA Specialty Badges include Floor Plans & Specifications, Lighting, Cabinetry, Sales & Marketing, Sustainability, Remodeling, Universal Design, Color, and Appliances. The first Specialty Badge costs $199 with subsequent Badges available for $149 each. Badge packages include all study materials and testing, and NKBA periodically offers special promotions for additional member discounts. For more information about the badges, visit NKBA.org/badges.
