At KBIS 2026, the spotlight shines not only on cutting-edge design and product innovation — but on the skilled professionals who bring those visions to life.
A new-to-KBIS program debuting this year placed a focused lens on the critical role skilled trades play in successful residential and renovation projects. From electricians and plumbers to installers and general contractors, the program emphasized the collaboration required across disciplines to deliver seamless results from concept to completion.
NKBA NextUP Student Engagement Program
At the heart of the NKBA NextUP event held on Tuesday afternoon, February 17, industry leaders Craig Russell and Jen Fiorenza of The English Contractor presented “From Concept through Construction.” Drawing on their experience in the residential and renovation markets, Russell and Fiorenza walked attendees through the lifecycle of a project, illustrating how early planning, clear communication, and coordinated trade partnerships directly impact timelines, budgets, and overall project success.
Rather than treating trades as downstream contributors, the session reframed them as strategic partners from day one. Over 100 attendees from 60 Chapters, including students and professionals, registered to gain practical insight into how designers, builders, and trade professionals can better integrate workflows, anticipate on-site challenges, and avoid costly missteps.
Adding to the value of the program, NKBA created a hands-on electrical demonstration, offering a live, real-world look at execution in action. The demonstration reinforced the event’s central message: innovation in kitchens and baths doesn’t happen in theory — it happens in the field. The electrical boards were designed by Warren Hills High School (NJ) students for NKBA and the National Housing Endowment’s Skilled Labor Fund.
As KBIS continues to evolve alongside the industry, this new initiative reflects a broader shift — one that recognizes craftsmanship, technical skill, and cross-trade collaboration as foundational to great design. For design professionals attending KBIS 2026, this program offered more than an educational session. It’s an affirmation that skilled trades expertise is essential to the future of residential construction.
