What You Will Learn
Outdoor kitchens are rapidly becoming a must-have in modern home design, transforming backyards into luxurious, functional gathering spaces. This course explores the evolving trends, benefits, and practical considerations of outdoor kitchens, helping designers, builders, and remodelers elevate their client offerings. From grilling and refrigeration to storage and ventilation, participants will learn how to specify complete outdoor kitchen packages that meet safety standards, design goals, and lifestyle preferences.
We’ll delve into the four essential zones of outdoor kitchens—cooking, cooling, clean-up, and storage—and how to integrate appliances that align with your client’s entertaining style, space constraints, and budget. The session highlights outdoor-rated appliances, innovations in sidekick appliances like pizza ovens and warming drawers, and strategies to personalize selections based on how your clients cook and entertain.
Beyond function, this CEU explores trends like multigenerational living, extended outdoor seasons, and the fusion of indoor luxury with outdoor design. Attendees will leave with actionable insights on appliance selection, layout optimization, and how to turn any outdoor area—whether compact or sprawling—into a destination for leisure, hospitality, and wellness.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the essential components of a well-designed outdoor kitchen and explain their purpose.
- Evaluate appliance options based on client needs, environmental factors, and available space.
- Apply current design trends to create personalized and profitable outdoor living spaces.
Featured Presenter
Jeff Dauby, Business Development Manager at AJ Madison
With a career rooted in the showroom and design industry, Jeff Dauby has held a series of transformative roles that reflect both depth and versatility. His journey began at Best Buy, where he spent 17 impactful years progressing from Sales Associate to sales management. During this time, he led new store launches and product rollouts, shaping company strategies and driving innovation at the ground level.
He later transitioned to Ferguson Enterprises, where his focus shifted to B2B sales within a luxury showroom environment. This role sharpened his ability to manage complex client relationships and oversee large-scale design projects, while deepening his expertise in strategic problem-solving and delivering high-end, consultative experiences to discerning clients.
Currently serving as a Business Development Manager at AJ Madison, Jeff Dauby is a dedicated advocate for the kitchen design community. He draws upon his extensive showroom management background and passion for design to promote tailored, innovative solutions that meet the aesthetic and functional demands of modern kitchen spaces.
As he nears the completion of his Bachelor of Business Administration, Jeff remains committed to excellence. He brings a comprehensive skill set—including strategic planning, customer relationship management, and leadership—to every endeavor, to foster meaningful connections and drive collaborative success within the luxury design sector.
