The program, sponsored by Signature Kitchen Suite, supports emerging designers in their quest toward certification.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

In its drive to support rising designers and help them enhance their professional skills, NKBA | KBIS instituted an annual grant program to allow eligible designers to earn certification or level up to a higher designation at no cost. The program is generously sponsored by luxury appliance brand Signature Kitchen Suite (SKS).

Forty rising design stars were selected to receive the grants, which cover the costs associated with certification. In addition, NKBA and SKS will support the recipients throughout the certification process with special events and awards.

“Like our partners at NKBA, Signature Kitchen Suite believes in the power of design to inspire and innovate,” said Donille Perrone, Senior Brand Manager for SKS. “We are thrilled to sponsor the inaugural NKBA Certified Designer Grant Program to help further drive opportunities for innovation and design excellence within the talented KB community.”

To qualify for the grant, designers must be NKBA members in good standing, currently working in K&B design, and earning $75,000 or less annually. They must complete a two-part exam process, submit a portfolio, and verify a minimum of two years of industry-related work experience.

The 2024 recipients are:

Arnaz Khambatta, Good Deeds Design, San Diego

Amber Howard, CKD-CBD, Six Walls Interior Design, Aurora, CO

Yvonne Landivar, AKBD, Creative Construction & Design, Reseda, CA

Elizabeth Leahy, AKBD, Leahy Interior Design, Escondido, CA

Gloribell Lebron, G. Lebron Interiors, Miami

Denean Jackson, D. Nicole Design Studio, Charlotte, NC

Christine Germaine Lucas, The Artsy Designer by LR Designs / Cochrane Floors and More, Calgary, Alberta

Samantha McClintic, McClintic Interiors, Bend, OR

Isaac Musket, C&K Custom Remodeling, Portland, OR

Gia Rushton, OC&D Design Studio, Riverton, UT

Dawn Simpson, Essence Designs, Ottawa, Ontario

Sarah Wilson, Chansaerae Designs, Woodbridge, VA

Julie Schuster, Julie Schuster Design Studio, New York

Jessica Rogers, Simmer and Soak, Saint Simons Island, GA

Melanie Prechel, Jemma Living, Hermantown, MN

Patty Smith, Patty Smith Interior Design, Littleton, CO

Victoria Tramonto, Victoria Isabella Home Designs, Staten Island, NY

Andria Uhrig, Project Kitchens, Windsor, CO

Roxana Villaseñor, Roxy Interiors, San Jose, CA

Beth Rush, AKBD, Uniway of Columbia, Columbia, SC

Joshua Ouimet, Hinge Works, Washington, UT

Melissa Longley, Longley Kitchens, Fort Meyers, FL

Yanis Anis Mezouar, Prestigious Kitchen & Home Design, Chicago

Kimberly Melchior, KMB Design, La Mesa, CA

Ella Long, Kitchens Unlimited, Memphis, TN

Melissa Mailly, Allied Kitchen and Bath, Wilton Manors, FL

Stephanie Lagos, MCG Homes, Fernandina Beach, FL

Kacie Gelsinger, Floor Trader Outlet, Chambersburg, PA

Laura Zmuda, Laura ZB Design, Browns Point WA

Samia Verbist, Samia Verbist Interior Design, Huntington Beach, CA

Leonia Azevedo, AKBD, Bouchard Design, Georgetown, Ontario

Delayna Adams-Pascoe, Tile and Bath Service, St. Louis

Yan “Butterfly” Yao, CKBD, Homey Kitchen Cabinet Design, Toronto

Jennifer Feliciano, CKBD, Masterful Designs by Jen, Delray Beach, FL

Ashley Christensen, Lindy Design Build, Littleton, CO

Shaqueria Dial, Daltile, Birmingham, AL

Cristina DePina, Cristina DePina Interior Design, Worcester, MA

Ken Ellner, Laurel Home Improvements, Mount Laurel, NJ

Christina Birkentall, CKD, NCIDQ, Studio 626 Interiors, Lafayette, LA

Melissa Dreyer, Lindross Remodeling, Tampa, FL

Interested designers who were unable to apply in time will have the opportunity to apply in 2025.

Certification distinguishes designers for their proficiency in design and execution, and gives them a competitive edge in business. Click here for more information on certification, and here for details on the Grant Program.

Letter from the desk of Global President & CEO, Bill Darcy.

NKBA | KBIS recently celebrated 60 years of engaging, connecting and educating the North American kitchen and bath industry. As the leading association for manufacturers, designers, retailers, builders, remodelers and architects across all segments of home design with a focus on kitchen and bath, we are extremely excited about the future of our industry in North America and internationally.

After taking a more holistic view of our organization and its potential for global growth and influence, we’ve decided to make a number of internal changes to our organizational structure. We believe these align with our strategic growth initiatives and anticipated operational efficiencies, setting the tone for our future ensuring positive impact, relevance and strength.

To this end, we are pleased to announce the promotion of Heather Shannon to the position of Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth. This new position will further define the importance of our NKBA business development plans.  Assuming responsibilities for Global Connect, Sponsorship and Revenue Growth, Member Relations and Learning, Heather will put in place new and innovative approaches to each of these areas, evolving and growing our Association. Heather was formerly Director of Brand Marketing at long-time NKBA member Perlick and has held numerous brand, public relations and marketing positions with agencies and media outlets.

Additionally, Suzie Williford, our Chief Global Relations Officer has departed the Association. Please join me in acknowledging Suzie’s contributions and commitment to the NKBA over the past 12 years. 

It has been my personal pleasure to collaborate with Suzie as a key member of the leadership team. After more than a decade of volunteer service to the NKBA, Suzie served as Board President in 2009. She began her NKBA career in 2012 as Director of Business Development and Member Relations and was inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame in 2019. In her capacity as EVP and Chief Strategy Officer, Suzie was core to our Association growth by implementing the co-location of our industry trade show, KBIS, with NAHB and the International Builders Show, making it the largest industry trade event in North America; restructuring our Association governance, championing the NKBA Global Connect business development initiative and concepting and creating the Women2Women mentoring program. We thank her for her dedication and service and wish her health and happiness.

As the NKBA continues to grow and strengthen our presence in the kitchen and bath industry, we are confident this shift in organizational structure will put us in a powerful position to drive the industry forward.

A baroque palace played host to an exclusive evening event for industry leaders.

By Elisa Fernández-Arias

Last month, as part of its visit to EuroCucina 2024 and partner event FTK, NKBA | KBIS held a networking and cocktail event in Kohler’s Milan show space, Palazzo del Senato, a historic Baroque palace located in the heart of the city. It was an impressive atmosphere, with attendees entering through a Kohler installation, Terminal 02, a modern architectural installation the brand created in collaboration with designer and artist Samuel Ross, made of bright orange pipes carrying water juxtaposed with the old-style building, symbolizing the classic journey of water The area also featured a reimagining of the Kohler’s Eir™ smart toilet, a brutalist bold form designed by Ross and the team at his studio SR_A that is only available in a limited 99 edition.

After passing through the installation, the wide range of attendees were given the opportunity to network with other industry leaders. From the association’s team, NKBA | KBIS Global President & CEO Bill Darcy and NKBA | KBIS Chief Global Relations Officer Suzie Williford were present. Kerrie Kelly, FASID, CEO + Creative Director at Kerrie Kelly Design Lab and NKBA | KBIS 2024 Board of Directors Secretary/Treasurer, along with Nicola Bertazzoni, COO Bertazzoni Group, Italy & CEO Bertazzoni North America Inc. and NKBA | KBIS 2024 Board Member were also in attendance.

The NKBA | KBIS EuroCucina tour was made possible because of the support of Bertazzoni and Kohler, and Kohler is a proud sponsor of the NKBA | KBIS Networking and Cocktail Event.

The designer shared her top picks from the innovative kitchen products event.

By Elisa Fernández-Arias

As part of NKBA | KBIS’ trip to Eurocucina 2024 and partner event FTK (Technology for the Kitchen) held in Milan, Italy, April 16 – 21, the association asked select designers in attendance about their preferred brands and products. Toni Sabatino, AKBD, of Toni Sabatino Style, shared highlights from the show and her favorite picks.

“I loved the entire show!” Sabatino said. “Salone Del Mobile presented life as art! Integrated lighting and texture and artist collaborations made for some exciting products in kitchen and bath. Wellness and sustainability were a big part of the product focus and recycled materials are being used more than ever in the manufacturing process. I am feeling very inspired!”

The designer’s top finds ranged from cabinetry solutions to plumbing fixtures to an impressive kitchen island.

1. Efficient Storage Solutions from Various Brands

Sabatino chose Cucine LUBE as one of her top choices from the event for its whole home integrated modular cabinetry solutions with integrated lighting and hidden storage. She also pointed to Febal Casa’s modular cabinetry with sculptural fronts as one of her favorites from the event.

According to the designer, these brands, along with bulthaup, Poggenpohl and schüller., featured cabinetry offerings, “all proposing beautiful storage solutions for the whole home that were both streamlined and detailed. The mix of closed storage and open shelving created a clean but personal backdrop for easy living. The luxury of simplicity was evident with innovative use of sliding doors and pockets to create a place for everything, even compost! Additionally, the thoughtful placement and integration of appliances created ease of use for people of all ages and abilities.”

She added, “Miele showed new finishes and both vertical and horizontal ‘stacking’ capabilities for more creative placement and design options. Interestingly, while the shapes may be minimalistic, the warm nature inspired finishes, textures and sculptural door offerings create a sense of intimacy and luxury that we are ready to embrace in our market.”

2. Plumbing fixtures from GRAFF

Another brand Sabatino highlighted was GRAFF, for its “mix and match shower heads and lighting, for an amazing showering experience.”

3. Appliance Details from Bertazzoni

The designer was also impressed by Bertazzoni’s “new warm metallic finishes and textures used to create a more intimate feel, resulting in artful appliances.”

4. Chandelier Shower Head from Kohler

Additionally, Sabatino spotlighted this product from Kohler, which includes not only the design itself but also music that plays while one is showering. “The shower head was presented by Kohler to give the user a thoughtful experience that evokes beauty,” said the designer.

5. Kitchen Island from OFFICINE GULLO

Another standout product for Sabatino was OFFICINE GULLO’s metal island design, which she described as “glorious.”

An award winning kitchen designer, Toni Sabatino started out in the K&B industry working with a kitchen cabinet manufacturer, and has since added more than 1,000 kitchens to her portfolio, became CLIPP-certified and is a past Star Award winning President of the NKBA Manhattan Chapter.

Sponsored by Signature Kitchen Suite, this grant empowers designers so they can earn K&B certifications.

By Elisa Fernández-Arias

NKBA | KBIS’ 2024 Certified Designers Grant, sponsored by Signature Kitchen Suite (SKS), provides support and guidance to designers so they can get certified at no cost to them, giving them a competitive edge in today’s fierce market. Whether they are looking to become a CKBD or go for the highest level of our industry’s certification, CMKBD, this group of 40 designers will move forward through the process thanks to a generous grant from SKS.

Those who apply must be NKBA | KBIS members. In addition to supporting certification, the grant program will include special events the designers will be invited to attend.

Grant winners with substantial design experience are encouraged to complete the funded certification before KBIS 2025!

Get an NKBA | KBIS certification and launch your design career forward while building your skills to the highest standards.

Apply here today!

By Dianne M. Pogoda

Company News

Monogram Series Wins Daytime Emmy: Luxury appliance brand Monogram earned a Daytime Emmy award for its digital series “My Mark” featuring acclaimed chef Marcus Samuelson. The series celebrates individuals who use their passions to “elevate experiences.” Samuelson, recorded in his home kitchen in Sag Harbor, NY, was chosen for his dedication to culinary excellence and passion for mastering cooking techniques, which he spotlights using Monogram appliances. KBB has more.

Kohler Unveils SR_A Line: Kohler Co. introduced its groundbreaking Kohler x SR_A bath faucet at the recent Design Miami expo. Formation 01 is the inaugural product collaboration between the plumbing giant and the industrial design studio of Samuel Ross. The initial launch comprises a limited edition of 299 authenticated faucets, available for sale after the expo. Visit Kohler for more.

Bertazzoni Opens Design Center in Canada: Bertazzoni, the Guastalla, Italy-based family-owned premium appliance maker, has opened a 428-square-foot design center with its exclusive Canadian distribution partner, Distinctive, at Trail Appliances in Vancouver. “Casa Bertazzoni” is modeled after the original experience and design center in Italy and designed by Vancouver-based Sarah Gallop. It is the brand’s fifth Design Center and features working kitchen vignettes that showcase the appliances through cooking demonstrations and hands-on experiences. Learn more here.

Miele To Build in Alabama: Premium appliance maker Miele has finalized the location of its first American manufacturing plant, in Opelika, AL. The facility is expected to come online by the end of 2024 and employ 150 workers in its first phase of operations, which will initially focus on ovens and ranges.  Miele said delivery time will be slashed from up to 10 weeks to just a few days, with many of the parts and raw materials also being sourced locally to reduce CO₂ emissions. Including the new plant, Gütersloh, the Germany-basedcompany’s international production network will include a total of 16 locations: eight in Germany and one each in Austria, China, the Czech Republic, Romania, Poland and the U.S.  Read more here.

Chapter Update

Countertops in Chicago: The Chicago Mid West Chapter will host “Countertop Chronicles: Unveiling Surface Secrets,” a seminar designed to answer any question about counters and surfaces, on Jan. 23, 5 pm to 8 pm, at Starved Rock Wood Products, 1170 Milwaukee Avenue, Glenview, IL. Chapter president Denise Butchko will be joined by Mitch Gomes, sales director of MSI Surfaces, and Gina Saran, owner of Precision Stone Design, for the discussion, followed by a showroom tour, chef demo, food and drinks. Registration is $25 for members and $35 for non-members. Go here for more.

Industry News

Millennials Want Houses: Despite the stereotype that Millennials prefer “experiences” to “things,” a nationwide survey found that 89.5 percent of 25-to-44 year-olds say owning a home is a part of their American dream, and fewer than 1 percent say home ownership is not important to them. Cleveland-based marketing and research firm Falls & Co. found that 76 percent prefer a single family home compared to 3.6 percent who would choose a condo. Only 16 percent are interested in a fixer-upper, while 13 percent prefer to buy new and 32 percent want a move-in-ready home. Topping the list of potential home improvements were the living room/great room, cited by 52.5 percent, and the kitchen, at 48.4 percent. Learn more here.

Gold’s Next Chapter:

Wellness design consultant and award-winning author Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, MCCWC, has published a bonus chapter to her 2020 book Wellness by Design (Simon & Schuster) focused on healthy living in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and some of the worst natural disasters in history. The chapter, “Lessons for How We Live Now,” offers tips on making homes resilient against storms, wildfires and power outages, information on what new technologies and artificial intelligence can mean for our homes and much more. The chapter is available for sale online only and is free with the hardcover book, audio or e-book editions. Access the new chapter from the “Checklists & Resources” page in the original book or through national online retailers. Click for more info.