Entries now open for next year’s contest
NKBA is excited to announce the 2025-2026 Student Design Competition winners. The annual competition, open exclusively to NKBA student members, features top prizes of $5000 and travel packages to KBIS 2027 in Las Vegas.
The NKBA 2025–2026 Student Design Competition, themed “The Great Indoors: Texas Edition,” tasked entrants with redesigning the kitchen and primary bath for a busy family of five living in the Preston Hollow neighborhood of Dallas.
The challenge required a future-proof layout that balances frequent entertainment with everyday function. Specific project requirements included a high-function kitchen featuring dual-cook induction cooking, expanded fresh food storage, a hidden “back of house” scullery, and a beverage station, all while blending maximalist aesthetic with biophilic preferences. The primary bath needed a complete transformation into a serene, spa-like suite complete with dual vanities, a dual-temperature shower, commode privacy, and elevated amenities like built-in skincare refrigeration and warm towel access to serve as a restful sanctuary.
First Place: $5000
Second Place: $2500
Third Place: $1000
Kitchen Design Winners
First Place
Adrie Nash, Lakeland College
Project Name: Host’s Habitat
Judges appreciated Adrie’s layout, details, and executability. Most outstanding of all was Adrie’s use of animal print tiles, making a case for these as a biophelic element.
“A Host’s Habitat” by 1st Place Kitchen Category Winner, Adrie Nash, Lakeland College, Vermilion, AB, Canada.
Second Place
Jamelle Weston, Portland Community College-Rock Creek
Project Name: Big Bend Kitchen
Judges took notice of Jamelle’s overall creativity and especially appreciated the selected lighting fixtures, including a flower-shaped fixture over the island, and placement of the breakfast area.
“Big Bend Kitchen” by 2nd Place Kitchen Category Winner, Jamelle Weston of Portland Community College- Rock Creek, Portland, OR.
Third Place
Tianna Harms, Lakeland College
Project Name: Designed for Everyday, Anticipating Every Moment
Tianna’s color palette and overall aesthetics stood out to the judges, who also noted that the entry’s floor plans were very well drawn.
“Designed for Everyday, Anticipating Every Moment” by Tianna Harms of Lakeland College, Vermilion, AB, Canada.
Bath Design Winners
First Place
Shelly Norsworthy, Spokane Falls Community College
Project Name: The Great Indoors
Judges admired the beautiful aesthetics and appreciated the integration of a wet room. Shelly maintained great closet space and selected beautiful finishes throughout the design.
“The Great Indoors” by Shelly Norsworthy of Spokane Falls Community College, Spokane, WA.
Second Place
Lisa Le, Saddleback College
Project Name: Hollow’s Haven
Lisa’s design featured stunning, contrasting colors with gorgeous green and brass tones. Judges also appreciated Lisa’s treatment of the closet area, maintaining good space and incorporating transom windows.
“Hollow’s Haven” by Lisa Le of Saddleback College, Mission Viejo, CA.
Third Place
Sarah Crawford, Portland Community College-Sylvania Campus
Project Name: Grounded Retreat
Applying contemporary, biophilic design elements, the judges noted that Sarah’s bath design offered a relaxing space for her clients.
“Grounded Retreat” by Sarah Crawford of Portland Community College-Sylvania Campus, Portland, OR
2027 Student Design Competition Now Open!
NKBA Student Members may enter the kitchen competition, the bath competition, or both, by creating designs based on client requests and provided plans. Winning this prestigious competition offers invaluable publicity, networking opportunities, and enhanced industry visibility.
Entry is FREE, and the deadline to enter is June 4, 2027.
