By Nicholas Tamarin
One of the most active members of NKBA | KBIS, Paula Kennedy, CMKBD, CLIPP, CACC, is an inspirational speaker, designer, writer, creativity guru, educator, coach, and serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in kitchen and bath design. As the founder of Timeless Kitchen Design, she is a passionate leader with numerous awards, including the NKBA Lifetime Ambassador achievement in 2017.
Kennedy actively contributes to the industry through speaking engagements, teaching, curriculum development, mentoring, and writing, focusing on creativity, innovation, technology, wellness, and inclusive design. Available through December with on-demand access, Kennedy is the host of the Voices from the Industry session “Hydrotherapy to Hydration: Enhancing Home Wellness with Water Solutions,” which delves into the transformative power of water in residential design, exploring the benefits of including whole-home filtration systems, steam, and hot- and cold-water treatments to understand how to integrate these into home environments for optimal wellness. Kennedy is a graduate of the Art Institute of Seattle with a degree in interior design and has been featured in multiple national publications. She told us about her journey to NKBA Certification.
You didn’t begin your career as a designer, how did it come about?
Design is my second career—after spending years in corporate America at Microsoft, I left feeling burnt out and yearning for a more creative life. As a third-generation entrepreneur and someone surrounded by creatives on both sides of the family, it was almost inevitable that I’d eventually follow a similar path—though I was the first to make a professional career out of creativity.
Looking back, the signs were always there: I had more fun rearranging Barbie furniture than playing with the dolls, and when we went camping, I’d draw house plans in the dirt. I was the kid who eagerly helped my mom decorate every time we moved, and whose bedroom was always ready for a proud display, complete with a pink gingham canopy bed and tidy matching decor.
How did you get into design?
After leaving Microsoft, I enrolled at the Seattle Art Institute and graduated in 1998 with a focus on residential design. My career started at an established kitchen and bath design/build firm, but it was a product rep from Sub-Zero—who hosted my class at their local showroom—who first introduced me to the world of kitchen and bath design and to the NKBA.
That same rep invited me to a local NKBA Chapter lunch, and I was hooked! I initially thought kitchen and bath work would be a stepping stone to full-service design, but 27 years later, I’m still in love with it. It’s become my area of deep expertise, and only recently have I begun to expand into furnishings for my clients.
What was the NKBA Certification process like for you?
Certification came through community, perseverance, and a lot of studying. I was fortunate to be part of a vibrant NKBA chapter in Seattle and joined a group of designers who were also preparing for the exam. We gathered in a little study room, sharing knowledge and encouragement. This was back when everything was done via a hardcopy binder—you mailed in your assignments for grading! I still have that binder as a reminder of the journey. A Certified member even hosted a mock exam for us.
I was on the fast track, completing my education hours and hitting the minimum work experience right in time to sit for the exam. Back then, it was an all-day, in-person experience with both written and practical components. It was intense—but I passed on my first try. I’ll never forget the early mentors who shaped my NKBA journey—Jim Kringle, Mary Jo Peterson, Kathleen Donahue—who modeled what it means to give back to the profession. Since then, I’ve had the joy of facilitating local study groups myself.
Why did you feel the need to be NKBA Certified?
I’ve always been a lifelong learner—it’s part of who I am. My drive to grow personally and professionally stems from a desire to better serve my clients. With so many designers in the Seattle area, I knew I needed to differentiate myself by deepening my expertise and building my credibility. Certification through NKBA was a clear step toward that goal.
How has NKBA Certification helped you as a designer and business owner?
Becoming certified has empowered me to truly stand in my expertise. It’s a credential my clients recognize and respect, giving them confidence in my ability to lead their projects. Beyond client work, the certification has opened doors for me to teach at two local colleges and to speak nationally through NKBA’s Voices of the Industry at KBIS, as well as for NKBA Chapters across the country.
It’s been a foundational piece of my career as a speaker, educator, and designer. I’ve had the honor of serving on national NKBA committees and contributing to the latest edition of the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Guidelines. Today, I proudly hold the title of NKBA Subject Matter Expert, and I’m deeply committed to giving back to the next generation of designers. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today—professionally or personally—without the support and growth I’ve found through NKBA.
If you’re interested in learning more about benefits and options, check out our NKBA Certification page.
