The theme of the virtual career development event is Uncharted: Students. Designers. Trailblazers.
By Nicholas Tamarin
Are you ready to explore new horizons in the kitchen and bath industry? As part of NKBA | KBIS’s second annual Education Appreciation Week, the Fall 2025 NKBA Student Design Symposium on September 26, themed Uncharted: Students. Designers. Trailblazers, is a free virtual career development event designed to inspire and equip for a successful future. Hosted by Sharon J. Washington, CKBD, the webinar offers a unique opportunity to gain insights, connect with industry leaders, and chart a course in the world of design.
Event Highlights:
- Compelling Keynote: Hear from Alena Capra, CMKBD, as she presents “Design Without a Blueprint: Creating a Career That’s Uniquely Yours.” Discover how to build a creative path fueled by intuition, resilience, and vision, and learn to design your own definition of success.
- Targeted Breakout Sessions: Dive into specific areas of interest with expert-led sessions:
- “Perfect Partners: Building the Best Team to Deliver Remarkable Results” with Andrew Risinger, CMKBD, Co-Owner, Sales & Design at Kitchen, Bath & Home. Learn to build a strong team of co-workers, designers, and partners for outstanding results.
- “Best Practices for Communicating Design Ideas to Clients” with Anneke Huisman, Senior Designer at KSI Kitchen & Bath. Enhance your communication skills to clearly convey design details to clients and contractor teams.
- “Roadmap to a Career Designed Around You” with Stacy McCarthy, CMKBD, President at Stacy McCarthy Design. Explore the many directions a design career can take, from luxury showrooms to national brand consulting.
- “Underrated Rest: The Trailblazer’s Secret to Creativity and Clarity” with Cerissa LaToi McKinnis, Interior Designer at Industrious Interiors. Understand the vital role of rest in fueling creativity, sharpening decision-making, and sustaining energy in your career.
- “From Interns to Impact: Growing Your Design Business Through Mentorship” with Staci Munic, Lead Designer and Principal at Staci Munic Interiors, and Reece Speer, Intern, Staci Munic Interiors and Interior Architecture Student at San Diego State University. Learn how internships, scholarships, and hands-on experience can foster growth for both students and design firms.
- “Designing Success: How Industry Associations Shaped My Career Journey” with Dean Camastro, Northeast Regional Sales Manager at Duravit USA. Discover the pivotal role of industry associations like NKBA and IDS in career acceleration and building meaningful connections.
Why Participate?
- Informative Sessions: Gain valuable insights from experienced designers, suppliers, and contractors.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow students and professionals from across the NKBA network.
- Interactive and Engaging: Participate in a dynamic virtual conference experience.
- Prizes: Don’t miss out on exciting door prizes!
Don’t miss this opportunity to fuel your career growth and gain practical strategies for success in the kitchen and bath industry. Register here now!
