The program, sponsored by Signature Kitchen Suite, supports emerging designers in their quest toward certification.
By Dianne M. Pogoda
In its drive to support rising designers and help them enhance their professional skills, NKBA | KBIS instituted an annual grant program to allow eligible designers to earn certification or level up to a higher designation at no cost. The program is generously sponsored by luxury appliance brand Signature Kitchen Suite (SKS).
Forty rising design stars were selected to receive the grants, which cover the costs associated with certification. In addition, NKBA and SKS will support the recipients throughout the certification process with special events and awards.
“Like our partners at NKBA, Signature Kitchen Suite believes in the power of design to inspire and innovate,” said Donille Perrone, Senior Brand Manager for SKS. “We are thrilled to sponsor the inaugural NKBA Certified Designer Grant Program to help further drive opportunities for innovation and design excellence within the talented KB community.”
To qualify for the grant, designers must be NKBA members in good standing, currently working in K&B design, and earning $75,000 or less annually. They must complete a two-part exam process, submit a portfolio, and verify a minimum of two years of industry-related work experience.
The 2024 recipients are:
Arnaz Khambatta, Good Deeds Design, San Diego
Amber Howard, CKD-CBD, Six Walls Interior Design, Aurora, CO
Yvonne Landivar, AKBD, Creative Construction & Design, Reseda, CA
Elizabeth Leahy, AKBD, Leahy Interior Design, Escondido, CA
Gloribell Lebron, G. Lebron Interiors, Miami
Denean Jackson, D. Nicole Design Studio, Charlotte, NC
Christine Germaine Lucas, The Artsy Designer by LR Designs / Cochrane Floors and More, Calgary, Alberta
Samantha McClintic, McClintic Interiors, Bend, OR
Isaac Musket, C&K Custom Remodeling, Portland, OR
Gia Rushton, OC&D Design Studio, Riverton, UT
Dawn Simpson, Essence Designs, Ottawa, Ontario
Sarah Wilson, Chansaerae Designs, Woodbridge, VA
Julie Schuster, Julie Schuster Design Studio, New York
Jessica Rogers, Simmer and Soak, Saint Simons Island, GA
Melanie Prechel, Jemma Living, Hermantown, MN
Patty Smith, Patty Smith Interior Design, Littleton, CO
Victoria Tramonto, Victoria Isabella Home Designs, Staten Island, NY
Andria Uhrig, Project Kitchens, Windsor, CO
Roxana Villaseñor, Roxy Interiors, San Jose, CA
Beth Rush, AKBD, Uniway of Columbia, Columbia, SC
Joshua Ouimet, Hinge Works, Washington, UT
Melissa Longley, Longley Kitchens, Fort Meyers, FL
Yanis Anis Mezouar, Prestigious Kitchen & Home Design, Chicago
Kimberly Melchior, KMB Design, La Mesa, CA
Ella Long, Kitchens Unlimited, Memphis, TN
Melissa Mailly, Allied Kitchen and Bath, Wilton Manors, FL
Stephanie Lagos, MCG Homes, Fernandina Beach, FL
Kacie Gelsinger, Floor Trader Outlet, Chambersburg, PA
Laura Zmuda, Laura ZB Design, Browns Point WA
Samia Verbist, Samia Verbist Interior Design, Huntington Beach, CA
Leonia Azevedo, AKBD, Bouchard Design, Georgetown, Ontario
Delayna Adams-Pascoe, Tile and Bath Service, St. Louis
Yan “Butterfly” Yao, CKBD, Homey Kitchen Cabinet Design, Toronto
Jennifer Feliciano, CKBD, Masterful Designs by Jen, Delray Beach, FL
Ashley Christensen, Lindy Design Build, Littleton, CO
Shaqueria Dial, Daltile, Birmingham, AL
Cristina DePina, Cristina DePina Interior Design, Worcester, MA
Ken Ellner, Laurel Home Improvements, Mount Laurel, NJ
Christina Birkentall, CKD, NCIDQ, Studio 626 Interiors, Lafayette, LA
Melissa Dreyer, Lindross Remodeling, Tampa, FL
Interested designers who were unable to apply in time will have the opportunity to apply in 2025.
Certification distinguishes designers for their proficiency in design and execution, and gives them a competitive edge in business. Click here for more information on certification, and here for details on the Grant Program.
