The President of the NKBA Southern Ohio/Kentucky Chapter is currently pursuing a master’s degree in design and construction at Northwestern University.
Jennifer Fiorenza is the Director of Preconstruction at The English Contractor, a custom residential builder in Cincinnati, Ohio, and currently serves as President of the NKBA Southern Ohio/Kentucky Chapter. She works closely with homeowners, designers, and architects to guide each project through the earliest phases—from scope and feasibility to budgeting and alignment.
Fiorenza’s role is centered on collaboration: helping teams stay connected, informed, and coordinated as a shared vision takes shape. “What I enjoy most is supporting the design process by making sure the project has a strong foundation before we ever ‘break ground,’” Fiorenza says. “It is incredibly rewarding to be part of a team where design and construction come together to create something truly special.” We asked her to give us more insights into her burgeoning career.
What’s your background?
Design has always been a part of how I see the world. I was raised by an artist mother and an engineer father, which gave me a balanced perspective—equal parts creative and analytical. I didn’t start my career in design or construction; I worked in technology and disaster recovery for a global law firm, then paused to raise my sons.
How about educationally?
I earned my undergraduate degree in journalism and economics from The Ohio State University in 1995. Lifelong learning is incredibly important to me. Whether earning a master’s degree or attending CEU sessions through NKBA, I believe in constantly building new skills to better support projects.
How did you get into kitchen and bath design?
When I moved to Cincinnati in 2012, I hired Craig Russell, founder and owner of The English Contractor, to renovate my kitchen. I sketched the layout and cabinet elevations by hand before the design process even began, and that collaborative spirit throughout the project led to an unexpected job offer. I always say that renovation was a very long job interview. Today, I may not be designing kitchens and baths daily, but my NKBA training gives me a deeper understanding of design intent—allowing me to build with clarity, coordination, and deep respect for the vision shared by both the designer and the client.
How and why did you get into the NKBA, and how has it benefited your career?
I joined the NKBA in early 2019 after being encouraged by industry friends, and it quickly became one of the most valuable decisions I’ve made. What began as a way to connect with peers became a platform for professional growth. Through the NKBA, I have gained technical knowledge, expanded my network locally and nationally. I earned my AKBD certification in 2021 and hold a specialty badge in Remodeling, which brought both confidence and credibility to my role as a builder in kitchen and bath spaces. I’m especially passionate about how the NKBA brings together every part of our industry—designers, builders, and the trades. The NKBA does an outstanding job honoring the creativity of design while also elevating the craftsmanship and collaboration that make it all possible.
What’s next for you, and what do you see as next for the industry?
I’m currently pursuing a Master of Science in Executive Management for Design and Construction at Northwestern University and will graduate in December 2025. It’s been an incredible opportunity to deepen my leadership in this space.
I’m most excited about how the kitchen and bath industry is moving toward more integrated, team-based project delivery. Clients increasingly expect seamless collaboration between designers and builders, and that is where the best results come from. I am also watching how technology is evolving our field. AI-driven design and construction tools are beginning to transform how we plan, coordinate, and make decisions, allowing us to work more efficiently without sacrificing creativity. Whether it is through embracing innovation, supporting sustainability, or engaging the trades as true project partners, the future of kitchen and bath is about working smarter—and working together.
