Adam Gibson, CMKBD (Carmel, IN – Indiana State Chapter)
Email: adam@adamgibson.com
Since 1995, Adam Gibson, CMKBD divides his time creating luxury home additions, kitchens, and bathrooms, and professional photography. Tiring of spending thousands to photograph his work, he began an education on best architectural photography practices. His design is known for its clean lines, warmth, and infusion of natural light, which he captures in his photography, often simply using available light. He shoots his own projects and those of designers and builders. View his images at adamgibson.com and adamgibsonphoto.com. He is a member of the American Society of Media Photographers, and has been featured in regional and national publications. Adam is an active member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association.
Andrew Forlines “Chef Andrew”, (Englewood, Co – Rocky Mountain Chapter)
Phone: (719) 761-7211
Email: andrew@chefaf.com
“I’m Chef Andrew Forlines. I provide education on built-in home kitchen appliances to kitchen designers and homeowners, among others. There is more variety and complexity available than ever before when it comes to built-in home kitchen appliances. Steam ovens, induction burners, sous vide cooking, WiFi connectivity, and automated cooking are just some of the many cooking technologies to select from. Much of this technology has migrated from the fine dining restaurant industry that I worked many years in. My experience as a chef and passion for cooking technology combines in my role as your guide to understanding, selecting, and using modern home kitchen cooking appliances with confidence! I offer consultations and webinars on my website, www.chefaf.com”.
Betsy Brandenburg, (Portland, OR – Columbia River)
Phone: (917) 998-3058
Email: betsy@designersanity.com
Betsy Brandenburg brings nearly 30 years experience practicing interior design, first in commercial and hospitality design in San Francisco, and then in her own residential design firm, Brandenburg Studios Design, in Portland Oregon. Betsy believes that all interior designers deserve to feel calm, confident and in control of their businesses, and with the right systems, it’s easy to do that. That’s why she created Designer Sanity, her online education platform where she coaches and teaches her Design Roadmap System, the missing piece that helps interior designers streamline their process and take control of their projects and their time. When she’s not designing, coaching, or teaching Professional Practices at Portland Community College, she can be found paddleboarding or hiking with her husband, daughter and two rescue pups.
Christopher Grubb (Beverly Hills, CA – Southern California Chapter)
Phone: 310-652-7600
Email:cgrubb@archinteriors.com
Clients, editors, and producers have called Christopher Grubb an influential designer and a trendsetter. His design firm, Beverly Hills-based Arch-Interiors Design Group, Inc., is internationally recognized for its creative and unique work on residential, commercial, retail and hospitality projects, as well as high-end medical design.
Throughout his career, Christopher has been a sought-after lecturer nationwide, speaking on the subject of what makes for compelling design. Arch-Interiors has been featured in books and hundreds of magazines and newspapers. Christopher has also shared his multifaceted design skills on numerous talk radio programs and TV shows. The company was named one of the Top 10 design firms in L.A. by Los Angeles Home and Décor magazine, and was selected and featured in Hong Kong’s World Architecture magazine, the publication that dedicates an entire issue annually to the profile of an international design firm.
In 2010 Christopher launched The C.G. Collection, bringing affordable luxury to the consumer market in his signature line of furniture for the modern bath.
For over twenty years, Christopher has remained enthusiastically driven and passionate about applying his diverse design styles to his clients’ individual needs and unique set of challenges. While some designers apply their signature look to every project, Christopher employs his intuitive design method, which involves first learning about his clients’ individuality to create a one-of-a-kind environment that captures the essence of the distinctive style surrounding their business or personal life.
Christopher received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The University of San Francisco and the Academy of Art College, and studied in Milan, Italy at the Universitá Cattolica del Sacro Cuore.
*Christopher Grubb is a Subject Matter Expert for the NKBA Badge Program in the Remodeling Category.
Dawn Deluca, AKBD, CLIPP, CAPS (New York, NY – Manhattan Chapter)
Phone: 646-334-4053
Email: dd@dawndeluca.com
Dawn is an award winning designer with over 25 years of industry experience as Principal of Interior Transitions, a design studio based in NYC and north-western CT. Also, as a Founding Partner of Camille Rossy, Inc, in NYC. Her projects span the eastern seaboard of the US and Europe. As a certified designer and professional speaker, Dawn has spoken to various organizations about many industry topics all across the US.
An award winning member, of the NKBA, Dawn has served as a volunteer leader on the local, regional and national levels, since 2005. She served as American North East Regional Director, as a Member of the National Board of Directors and the National Generative Council. She is currently the Programs Chair for the NKBA Manhattan Chapter. Dawn also serves as an Ambassador for the Living In Place Institute and as a Design Advisor for The Universal Design Project.
Denise Butchko (Chicago, IL – Chicago Midwest Chapter)
Phone: 312-399-7109
Email: denise@butchkoandcompany.com
Denise Butchko is a festive, design focused practitioner and teacher.
As a design and marketing consultant, she works with businesses in the design/build niche’. Using social media and marketing tools, she’ll guide you through the process of how to use these tools for increased business in an authentic, comfortable manner.
She’ll also teach you closet design through her course and her books that include “The Consumer Guide To Closet Design” and “How To Design A Walk In Closet”.
As a collaborator with designers and architects, she merges design skills (designing closets and home offices) and marketing skills, for messaging and methodologies that are laser focused.
In today’s current marketing environment, filled with “social everything”, she feels right at home. And she invites you to connect with her creative design circle through any of her social media profiles (Denise Butchko and Butchko and Company).
If it’s more immediate satisfaction you’re looking for, grab her “Five Must Have Closet Design Tips” here for free: Five Must Have Closet Design Tips
Doug Walter, CMKBD, AIA, CAPS (Denver, CO – Rocky Mountain Chapter)
Phone: 303-880-9080
Email: dougwalterarchitects@gmail.com
Doug Walter, AIA, CMKBD, has been a residential architect in Denver for the past 44 years, and NKBA member since 2002. He has special expertise in kitchens & baths, lighting, accessibility, and historic preservation. In his career, he has won over 145 local and national awards, including a 2023 NKBA Design & Industry Award for Specialty Kitchen and a 2022 Award for Contemporary Small Kitchen. In his career he has also judged several dozen local and national design contests, including KBB’s 2022 Product of the Year Awards ,KBDN’s 2021 Design Awards. He has chaired award committees for AIA, NAHB, and NKBA Rocky Mountain Chapter, where he is Chair of Professional Development.
Doug is also a Contributing Editor for Pro Remodeler magazine. In addition to writing for industry publications, he has presented at Lightfair 2020, and 7 of the past Kitchen & Bath Industry Shows including a two hour lighting workshops in 2021 that was scored as the 3rd best out of 70 seminars.
Doug was one of the nine subject matter experts who rewrote the new Kitchen & Bath Design Guidelines , a two year project. Previously he helped write the Lighting Badge curriculum. Currently he is serving on a third working group charged with rewriting the NKBA Certification requirements.
Erik Listou, CLIPP, CAPS, CAASH, CGP, CR, LDST (Evergreen, CO – Rocky Mountain Chapter)
Phone: 888-467-3220
Email: erik@eriklistou.com
Erik is proud to be a senior and is passionate about providing safe and comfortable housing for everyone. Recognized by the housing industry with seven national certifications and project and leadership awards, Erik blends almost five decades as a building professional with a focus on bringing awareness of home safety issues to the industry and consumers. He has published countless articles and produced/hosted his own talk radio and TV shows. From design, to body language, to strategic planning, he is an energetic public speaker and knowledgeable housing and business consultant.
Now, with his colleague and former Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) student, Louie Delaware, they have pioneered education and standardized assessments for home accessibility and safety.
Active in several trade associations. Erik holds the following certifications and accomplishments: Certified Living in Place Professional™ (CLIPP), Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), Certified Active Adult Specialist in Housing (CAASH), Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), Certified Green Professional (CGP), Certified Remodeler (CR), Lead Dust Sampling Technician (LDST), Subject-Matter Expert for Carpentry Standards, Subject-Matter Expert for Project Management and NAHB Educational Licensee.
Erik & the Living In Place Institute’s Co-Founder Louie Delaware have conducted many Certified Living In Place Professional™ training sessions all across the US.
Erik lives in the mountain community of Evergreen, Colorado. With aging parents and family members with disabilities (and a few aging issues of his own) he understands the unique needs of individuals in their homes. A proud father and devoted husband Erik is a professional musician and, as you may have already guessed judging by his unique appearance, Santa Claus who, along with his wife, brings delight to many each holiday season.
Fred Reikowsky (Canton, OH – Ohio State Chapter)
Phone: (330) 470-1300
Email: fred@legacybizleaders.com
Fred Reikowsky is a Professional Business Coach, Leadership Trainer and speaker, licensed with the Professional Business Coaches Alliance. He founded Legacy Business Leaders LLC, a business coaching and leadership training firm, in January 2012 after a 33 year career as a building contractor and 5 years of non-profit leadership in the Middle East. His work overseas focused on developing a micro-business initiative in the Nile River Valley region of Egypt.
Legacy Business Leaders now works nationwide to help business owners in the construction industry re-chart their goals, learn key business disciplines and capitalize on the Legacy Process for success and long-term profitability. Fred presents regularly at leadership and business development conferences and speaking events throughout the year.
Fred and his wife Barbara have lived in the Bolivar, Ohio area over 30 years and are the proud parents of 5 grown children, four of whom are married, and 7 grandchildren.
Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, MCCWC (Bonita, CA – San Diego Chapter)
Phone: (619) 796-2217
Email: jamie@jamiegold.net
Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, MCCWC is a San Diego-based Wellness Design Consultant, Certified Kitchen Designer, Certified Aging in Place Specialist, Mayo Clinic Certified Wellness Coach, journalist, speaker, consultant and author. Since becoming a designer in 2004 after a three-decade career in media and marketing, Jamie has completed hundreds of kitchens and baths for new construction and remodeling projects. She has worked on projects across the country, both in person and remotely. Her professional focus is enhancing health through improved living spaces, for which she was named to Kitchen & Bath Design News’ inaugural 50 Innovators list.
Jamie’s first book, New Kitchen Ideas That Work, was published in December 2012 by Taunton Press. Her second Taunton book, New Bathroom Idea Book, published in May 2017. She is currently working on her third book, to be called Wellness by Design(Simon & Schuster) and publish Summer 2020. She also writes the monthly Trend Spotting section for Kitchen & Bath Design News and contributes regularly to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Forbes.com and New Home Source. Her design blog, Gold Notes: Nuggets from the World of Residential Design, has been posting online at her website since 2008.
In addition to writing and designing, Jamie creates seminars and webinars for media, trade and consumer audiences, and consults on product development and trends for building industry corporations and Wall Street investment groups.
Her speaking credits include the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, Dwell on Design, San Diego NKBA chapter, Central Coast & Valley NKBA Chapter, Tampa Bay Builders Association Remodelers Council and library groups.
Jan Neiges, CKD (Highlands Ranch, CO – Rocky Mountain Chapter)
Phone: (719) 371-4498
Email: jan@JanNeiges.com
Jan Neiges, is a Certified Kitchen Designer with NKBA and has been serving the industry for 17 years through her own design firm. She is an award winning designer, Chapter Officer for the Rocky Mountain NKBA Chapter and is a frequent guest speaker bringing her 37 years of sales experience to the design industry.
Jason Lockhart (Grapevine, TX- Texas North Plains Chapter)
Phone: (682) 200-1916
Email: jason@kitchenandbathmarketingsolutions.com
Jason Lockhart is an architect/urban planner with over 20 years of experience in the industry. He has worked on renovation and remodeling projects in both the residential and commercial space, several of which had project cost of over $20 million dollars.
Today, Jason is a partner in an architecture/planning firm (Sinektiks LLC) that specializes in K-12 school design, mixed-use developments, and university master planning. In addition to his practical experience, Jason taught in the School of Architecture and School of Interior Design at Southern University A&M College and Louisiana State University (LSU), where he moved up the ranks and earned the title of Associate Professor before going back to private practice.
While teaching Jason realized his passion for educating people on the process of design and business development in the built environment. After taking on the marketing responsibilities at his architecture firm and realizing the potential for this discipline, Jason decided to create a digital marketing agency, Kitchen & Bath Marketing Solutions (KABMS).
Now Jason uses his combined knowledge to develop specialized digital marketing solutions for the interior design and kitchen and bath industry. Jason is also a published author and has written a book titled “The Complete Guide to Internet Marketing for the Kitchen & Bath Remodel Industry:” Jason is also a NKBA Sales and Marketing Specialist Badge holder.
Jennifer Gilmer (Chevy Chase, MD – Baltimore/Washington Chapter)
Phone: 301-657-2500
Email: jgilmer@gilmerkitchens.com
Jennifer Gilmer, CKD, founded Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath in Chevy Chase, MD, in 1997 and has established itself as a leader in the greater mid-Atlantic region with its 4000 sq. ft. of showroom and a design team of 5 designers and 6 project management crew. Her showroom won first place in the KBB Magazine design contest in 2014 and was recently featured on the cover of KBDN Magazine.
She completed an Architectural and Engineering Drafting Degree from the University of Maryland Drafting Institute in 1984 and began working in the kitchen design and sales industry that same year. A CKD since 1992, she has owned her own business(s) since 1993. She has been a judge for Builder’s Magazine Kitchen Design Contests, KBIS Best New Product of the Year. She created and presented a seminar on “Holistic Design: Balance, Symmetry and Composition” at KBIS 2016.
Jennifer has designed more than a thousand kitchens during her 30 year career. She is the author of “The Kitchen Bible,” the essential guide for homeowners undertaking kitchen renovations. With more than 250 full color photographs and 224 pages. John A. Petrie, 2014 NKBA President, declared that the “Bible” is a “total immersive design experience.”
Jennifer’s designs have won numerous awards, including the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s top Pinnacle of Design Award. She is consistently recognized as one of the foremost authorities on kitchen design and her insights on design trends are frequently quoted in print and online.
Her work has been featured in numerous national publications including The Washington Post, Better Homes & Gardens, This Old House, Home & Design, Washingtonian, Southern Living, and on HGTV and her own home was featured on TLC. Trends, an international publishing company of home design books and magazines, has recognized JGKB’s projects in the Top 50 in America in both the Kitchen and Bathroom categories.
Online, Jennifer’s presence extends throughout all social media, where photos of JGKB’s projects have been added to tens of thousands of inspiration boards and idea books.
Jessica Petrino Ball (Montpelier, VT – Baltimore/Washington Chapter)
Phone: 978-290-2648
Email: jessicap@ajmadison.com
Jessica Petrino Ball, Editorial Director at AjMadison, is a proud home appliances matchmaker. It’s her goal to make it easier for everyone to shop for products they will enjoy for years to come. She co-hosts the Ask the Appliance Experts Podcast, has been featured on WCBS News Radio, Design TV by Sandow, Luxe Talks, Foodie and the Beast Industry Nights, and contributes to several print and digital publications. She serves as Program Chair for the NKBA Baltimore/Washington Chapter, leads six continuing education (CEU) courses and was recognized as an NKBA industry 30 Under 30.
John Valente (Byron Center, MI – West Michigan Chapter)
Phone: 616 540-0758
Email: Jvalente42@hotmail.com
John is a 30+ year veteran of the cabinet industry, and throughout his tenure, he has worked hard to build a reputation for helping independent kitchen dealers increase sales by providing marketing expertise to help gain market share, increase profit margins, and improve efficiency. He has been a featured speaker at many venues throughout the country, has been a guest columnist for Kitchen and Bath Business and Kitchen & Bath Design News. He has also led operational excellence seminars that explore ways to improve profits and sales automation.
John has a unique view of the industry from the sales side, manufacturing, and distribution segments, bringing him a perspective and understanding of how each side complements and benefits the others.
John also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Wayne State University, has been married to Donna for over 39 years, and currently resides in Michigan.
Jonas Carnemark, CKD (Bethesda, MD – Baltimore/Washington Chapter)
Phone: (301) 657-5000
Email: jonas@carnemark.com
In 1987, Jonas Carnemark founded a company to realize his creative goal: to bring home remodeling dreams to life—with both beauty and purpose.
He grew a 17-person design + build firm where devotion to the clean lines of modern design flows easily alongside attention to comfort. Where form and function—and service and integrity—co-exist naturally.
Homeowners throughout the Washington area and nationally have celebrated the company’s results. Regularly honored as a top designer and builder, Carnemark’s appearances range from Good Morning America to the Food Network’s Ultimate Kitchens.
Carnemark was born in Sweden and grew up in Alexandria, Virginia, in a family where art mattered-his grandfather owned a modernist gallery in Sweden. He attended the University of California at Santa Cruz, majoring in physics and engineering. In work ranging from environmental design and plumbing and electrical installation for alternative-energy homes in California to carpentry on historic preservation projects in Washington, he sharpened his practical training.
A Certified Remodeler (CR) and Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD), Carnemark also serves as a voice for the profession, leading discussions and seminars and writing articles and columns.
With CARNEMARK, he chooses projects that challenge: whole-house renovations and additions as well as kitchens, baths, home offices, and media rooms. The unifying element is making space useful. And the ultimate effect is making a space joyful.
*Jonas Carnemark is a Subject Matter Expert for the NKBA Badge Program in the Floor Plans & Specifications category.
Joseph DeCasperis (Canyon Lake – Southern California Chapter)
Phone: (951) 821-0097
Email: joe@byjoseph.com
Joseph DeCasperis has designed kitchens since the 3rd grade… seriously! Throughout the school day, Joseph would dream up kitchen floor plans and elevations. Despite not quite understanding there is a silent ‘s’ in the word “island,” Joseph always made sure he had an ample walkway. While Joseph innately knew he would end up in the design realm, he took a broader approach in his college education, studying public relations and advertising. Halfway into his freshman year, DeCasperis bought a house, renovating it from top to bottom and reinforcing his passion for the industry. After remodeling the kitchen, Joseph asked for an internship at the company he worked with. He quickly established himself in the industry and owns both Joseph DeCasperis Design and The High End. Kitchen & Home. Joseph is enamored with the design industry, and was honored as a Thirty Under 30 by the NKBA in 2020. Joseph loves branding, building the business, and above all, connecting with each and every person that walks through the door. Joseph currently serves as president of the NKBA Southern California chapter. He also serves on the Middleby Advisory Council and is active in his local chamber of commerce.
Kate Bailey (Newport News, VA – Virginia State Chapter)
Phone: (757) 989-2720
Email: Kate.Bailey@Ferguson.com
Kate Bailey is the Director of Showrooms for Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, overseeing the strategic direction for Ferguson’s 270 showrooms nationwide. She has more than 11 years of experience in the kitchen and bath industry and has a passion for everything showrooms – the people, the products, and providing a World Class experience. She began her career in Ferguson’s Management Trainee Program as a graduate of Clemson University and has enjoyed positions in showroom sales and management roles throughout her career. Active in NAHB, NARI, NKBA, ASA, ASID, IDS, Ferguson is committed to supporting the industry within the local community and Kate enjoys the ability to speak at and support various events. With an “our showroom is your showroom” mentality, Kate insists that Ferguson showrooms serve as an extension of the trade customers’ business, focuses on providing continuing education and support to all industry partners, and provide inspiration gallery for all!
Kathryn J. Grube (Overland Park, KS – Nebraska/Kansas Chapter)
Phone: (803)-528-6165
Email: kgrube2010@yahoo.com
Kathryn is a published and accredited IACC international color designer, nationally certified interior designer and professional educator specializing in strategic color design that promotes functional color solutions for increased occupant benefit. She has a seasoned background in residential and commercial design industries with a specialization of custom architectural millwork and casework/cabinetry areas of design throughout the US and parts of Canada.
Kathryn is currently a tenured Associate Profession of Interior Design in the NKBA Affiliated, two-year career program at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas. Her research focus is in utilizing the natural power of color to enhance and improve learning, healing, productivity, and morale for end user advantage and well-being. She is passionate about striving for excellence and executing details, inspiring innovative and collaborative learning, and overall bettering interior environments that enrich quality of life.
Kelly Inglis (Calgary, Alberta, Canada – Prairie Provinces Chapter)
Phone: (403) 560-1538
Email: kelly.m.inglis@gmail.com
Known for her engaging demeanor and focused ability to improve the lighting atmosphere of any space, Kelly shines bright in the lighting industry. Kelly Inglis has been building her portfolio in the lighting industry for over 14 years. Her broad lighting design experience dates back to 2004 when she broke onto the lighting scene and since then she has accumulated countless hours of experience in various fields including retail lighting showrooms, architectural lighting firms, and high-end lighting boutiques.
Kelly offers residential lighting courses to educate industry professionals interested in not only advancing their light design knowledge and performance techniques but also better understand the applications. Kelly customizes all her lighting courses to suit your company’s needs while bringing new ideas to your design concepts with the latest lighting technologies. Learn how to create impactful lighting environments that are essential for an eco-friendly and increasingly healthy, lighting lifestyle.
Lauren Levant (Pittsburgh, PA – Pittsburgh Tri State Chapter)
Phone: (412) 226-5566
Email: design@laurenlevant.com
Lauren Levant is an emerging figure in the interior design industry, with a special concentration in luxury kitchen design. Her distinctive portfolio of work has claimed more than twenty international, national and regional awards in the past five years. In the early part of this year, this included the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s first place award for Best Builder/Remodeler. Lauren has been named by Viking Appliance as the Designer of the Year and was named among HVTV’s top 10 American Designers under 35.
With a diverse portfolio of work, Lauren is particularly known for creative collaborations with local crafts persons, fabricators and artisans. Her projects often feature one of a kind, signature pieces that are created especially for the client’s project, with their unique set of qualities and priorities in mind. The results of these efforts have impressed the design industry and public alike, and have been featured widely in Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, Home & Design Magazine and The Washington Post. Many examples from her portfolio can also be found in hardcover publications such as The Kitchen Bible: Designing the Perfect Culinary Space.
Lauren has completed projects in some of the nation’s most exclusive markets, including New York and Washington DC. In recent years she has established the headquarters of her namesake design firm, Lauren Levant Interior, in Pittsburgh, PA. There, she has been a notable figure in the city’s explosive re-development and transformation that has intrigued both the national press and the design industry. With strong support from her clientele, the firm is positioned to continue their rapid expansion this year, with a growing portfolio of showpiece projects and prospective clients. Lauren credits the success of her firm to an insistence on originality and a client-centric approach to each project. “Our goal is to create an exciting space for the client that not only reflects who they are today, but also supports their vision for their future.”
Louie Delaware, CLIPP, BSME, MBA, ACPC, CAPS (Denver, CO – Rocky Mountain Chapter)
Phone: 720-581-0277
Email: ldelaware@comcast.net
Louie is passionate about helping people make their homes as safe as possible. His knack for being able to describe home safety issues in easy-to-understand terms comes after 22 years in the field of advanced research and development for medical and analytical devices. He has been awarded many different patents and received the prestigious international R&D 100 award for Advanced Technologies. In 2004, he founded US Safety Pros, LLC, which specializes in childproofing, radon testing and mitigation, home accessibility and many other home safety services.
A licensed general contractor, Louie has childproofed more than 3,800 homes and helped countless others mitigate radon, improve family safety, and makes homes easier to negotiate and use for older adults and physically challenged individuals. A father of two children, Louie has first-hand experience when it comes to what works (and what doesn’t) in home safety. He also has older parents who lived in the same home for nearly 50 years.
Louie & the Living In Place Institute’s Co-Founder Erik Listou have conducted many Certified Living In Place Professional™ training sessions all across the US and have had many international participants.
Louie is a sought-after safety expert for TV news and radio programs, along with many newspapers (including USA Today®), where he is known as The Home Safety Guru®.
Louie holds the following certifications: Certified Living in Place Professional™ (CLIPP), Certified Aging in Place Specialist® (CAPS), Advanced Certified Professional Childproofer® (ACPC), Radon Mitigation and National Program for Playground Safety. Louie lives outside of picturesque Boulder, Colorado with his wife, two kids and their three lightning-fast whippet racing dogs.
Maria Stapperfenne, CMKBD (Whitehouse Station, NJ – Northern New Jersey Chapter)
Phone: (908) 439-6177
Email: maria@tkbnj.com
Maria started her career in kitchens and baths in 1992, finally becoming a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer in August of 2015. In 2016 she also became a Certified Living in Place Professional.
She is the Manager of Tewksbury Kitchens & Baths, a division of Huston Lumber & Supply Co. and has a BA from Trenton State College.
Maria has been an active NKBA volunteer in her Northern NJ Chapter as well as on the national level, most recently serving as the 2015 NKBA National President. She loves volunteerism, learning, great design, still holds a K-12 teaching certificate in the state of NJ and is a musician as well as a wife and mother of 3 in her spare time.
*Maria Stapperfenne is a Subject Matter Expert for the NKBA Badge Program in the Living in Place category.
Mark Rosenhaus, (New York, NY – Manhattan Chapter)
Phone: (212) 579-4598
Email: Rosenhausdesign@gmail.com
Mark Rosenhaus has a degree in Interior Architecture, traveled to 62 countries, lives and breathes the 62% Golden Ratio based on the Fibonacci Sequence. Mark attained his CKD in 1988. A contest finalist numerous times. Judged the NKBA Student Design Competition for 3 years. Founding member and former president of the Manhattan Chapter. Started his own company in 1999. Designing kitchens over 40 years. He is a 2022 KBDN ‘50 Innovators’ recipient. His program, “Geometry in Nature: The DNA of Kitchens” has been praised by many NKBA chapters, garnered over 55,00 views, and awarded the NKBA ‘2009 Program of the Year’.
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Paula Kennedy, CMKBD (Kirkland, WA – Puget Sound Chapter)
Phone: (425) 466-4483
Email: paulakennedyckd@hotmail.com
An Interior Designer of 22 years, Paula Kennedy’s firm Timeless Kitchen Design is a second career post-Corporate America. A love of kitchen and bath design offered her the opportunity to combine left-brain technical skills with the ability to play with right-brain space and color.
Paula is an NKBA Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer (CMKBD), a Certified Architectural Color Consultant (CACC), and has received her CLIPP Certified Living in Place designation through the Living in Place Institute. This award-winning designer, who was honored with the NKBA Lifetime Ambassador achievement in 2017, was KBDN’s 2018 Top 50 Innovators and has been published locally, nationally, and gives back to the design community by speaking, teaching, curriculum creation, mentoring and writing. Most recently embracing the topics of creativity, innovation, technology, inclusive design, wellness, and color. Inspiring others feeds her passion for design, mentorship and teaching.
Patricia Davis Brown, CMKBD (Vero Beach, FL – Florida Treasure Coast Chapter)
Phone: (772) 633-8074
Email: pdbfinecab@aol.com
Patricia is not just a designer, she is a business woman who has taken her design business nationally by sharing what she knows about her passions in the design field through, blogging, speaking, writing, and being an influencer for brands. Throughout her career she has never stopped learning like when she realized no one was really paying attention to lighting projects correctly. She didn’t accept leaving it to the electrician in the field to select placement and lamps and began the process of learning how to measure lighting. She is sought after for her expertise on aesthetically lighting a room correctly and contracts her services nationally. Patty loves ALL things design which is what her national blog is about. DigThisDesign.net topics include, Architecture, Design, Fashion, Art, and Technology. I guess what you can say about her is that she never stays in the box.
Peter J. Albanese, CKBD (Wayne, NJ – Northern New Jersey Chapter)
Phone: (973) 696-1930
Email: Creativekandb@aol.com
Peter is a Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer and is the owner of Creative Kitchen and Bath in Wayne, New Jersey for the past 36 years.
As a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, Peter has been a board member for the Northern New Jersey Chapter since 2008, and held the office of President in 2011 and 2012. He is currently the Vice President of Academic Relations. Having a passion for the kitchen and bathroom industry, Peter is involved in judging the NKBA Student and Professional Design Competition as well as numerous local high school competitions. Peter also visits area high schools and introduces students to the field of Kitchen and Bath design. Peter volunteers his time and helps teach and train designers. Peter has served as a member of the verification team that finalizes the NKBA certification exam as well as a VFTI presenter at KBIS 2016.
Randy Krebs (Vancouver, WA – Columbia River Chapter)
Phone: (360) 213-4359
Email: randy@cascadiapacificmarketing.com
Randy began his “career” in the kitchen cabinet industry as his grandfather’s dust collection system on Saturday mornings when he was 10. Now 5 decades later he provides the business and sales acumen to assist any dealer to start or increase its cabinet business in any market segment including remodel, builder, and multifamily. Focusing on the Pacific Northwest, has visited virtually every location within the region working with designers and dealers. In the non-business hour of the day, Randy enjoys athletics, reading, and walking with his wife of over 35 years.
A 35-year industry veteran, Randy Krebs has been a leader and manager in the dealer, distributor, and manufacturer segments. The 1990 NKBA Manufacturer Member of the Year, today he owns Cascadia Pacific Marketing, a manufacturer’s rep agency with concentration on the cabinet sector covering the great Pacific Northwest. Mr. Krebs has been involved with many associations and organizations inside and outside the industry including NKBA, NARI, Crystal Vision Awards, and Build Retreat Oregon along with other charitable organizations. He firmly believes in building other up to continue to grow this great building industry including engaging with the next generations.
*Randy Krebs is a Subject Matter Expert for the NKBA Badge Program in the Sales & Marketing category.
Rebecca Sutton, CMKBD (Dallas, TX – Texas North Plains Chapter)
Phone: (214) 390-8300
Rebecca Sutton is the only Dallas based Kitchen and Bath Designer to have earned her accreditation and received the 30 under 30 award through the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). As an award-winning designer, Rebecca is committed to each client to bring both creative solutions in an efficient manner while masterfully combining her educational background and valuable real-world experience.
A dual degree recipient from Virginia Tech, Rebecca graduated with an NKBA-accredited B.S. in Apparel, Housing and Resource Management focusing on residential housing and design in May 2013 while completing her B.A. in Philosophy in December 2012.
In addition to being the lead designer at Kitchen Design Concepts’ Lakewood showroom, she was paramount in the establishment of an accomplished social media team for the company, and now acts as their Social Media Coordinator. Knowledgeable in both the design world of home interiors as well as the design world of social media, she has become a more well rounded professional in the design-build industry.
Rebecca West, (Seattle, WA – Puget Sound Chapter)
Phone: (206) 455-1871
Rebecca West: Your Seriously Happy Business Coach
Coach Rebecca West helps residential interior designers build thriving, profitable businesses so they can create happy homes for their clients. Her specialties include establishing clear client expectations, setting beautiful business boundaries, and helping folks embrace a marketable design niche. Everything she teaches comes from 15 years running her residential design firm Seriously Happy Homes where she and her team helped over 2000 clients that means she gives you get field-tested techniques, not frivolous fluff.
Want to publish a book? She’s done that! Start a podcast? Been there! Get on TV… be featured in magazines… get hundreds of 5-star Yelp reviews? Yes, yes, and yes! Rebecca’s been around the design block and she’s eager to help you find the same success in your design career.
But she’s not just a business coach, she’s also an advocate for our industry. She’s on the board of Heritage Design School, served as a judge at KBIS and for IDS, and volunteers with SCORE.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting on your journey, Rebecca’s wisdom and encouragement will light your path. Find her at seriouslyhappy.com, on IG at @beseriouslyhappy, or check out her series “Stuff Interior Designers Need To Know” for no- nonsense, practical information that’ll set you and your clients up for success!
Rene Clawson, AIA, LEED AP, CID (Maplewood, NJ – Northern New Jersey Chapter)
Phone: (973) 313-2724
Email: rene@clawsonarchitects.com
Rene Clawson is the principal and co-founder Clawson Architects and Clawson Cabinets in Maplewood, NJ.
René has big ideas….like starting Clawson Architects in 2000. She harnessed her intuitive sense of style and love of art and design into a career and this thriving architectural practice. Since launching the firm, René has completed hundreds of extraordinary, elegant residential restoration, addition, and new construction projects. When her favorite cabinet dealer decided to retire, she was presented with the opportunity to learn the cabinet business and so of course, now owns a cabinet dealership.
René loves a challenge….she sees each new project as a unique design and problem-solving opportunity. She’s been known to say, “If it were easy, someone would have fixed it by now.” And yet, time and time again, her final design solution is so clever and deceptively simple, it looks like it could have – or should have — always been there.
As an active volunteer and leader in professional, business and community organizations, Rene is frequently invited to speak about small business. The four-time president of the local Chamber of Commerce, Rene cannot say enough about the importance of networking and she is happy to share with engaging stories of how Clawson Architects landed one of the firms biggest projects to Money Man Mike in her presentation on How to Network both in person and digitally.
René is a Licensed Architect in the states of New Jersey and New York and is also a Certified Interior Designer in New Jersey.
Richard Landon, CMKBD (Bellevue, WA – Puget Sound Chapter)
Phone: (425) 957-0451
Email: RLDSupport@aol.com
Richard Landon, CMKBD, NKBA Instructor, created the Designed by L.I.F.E.™ process and developed its primary tool: The Room Compass.™ Using his approach to design, over 70 of his clients have had published and award-winning projects, including the NKBA’s Best Overall Kitchen Winner. His design approach evokes, and then harmonizes, the preferences of his clients—creating a home that “looks great, works well, and, most important, feels right.”
*Richard Landon is a Subject Matter Expert for the NKBA Badge Program in the Floor Plans & Specifications category.
Roseann Freitas (Kailua, HI – Aloha Chapter)
Phone: (808) 260-0643
Email: roseann.freitas@thebbb.org
Roseann Freitas is a Public Relations & Communications Manager for the Better Business Bureau Great West + Pacific. Roseann’s role includes promoting trust in the marketplace via media, strategic relations, business, and consumer education. In addition, she loves assisting trustworthy companies and highlighting unethical business practices. Roseann has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Mount Olive College in North Carolina and volunteers with Executive Women International Honolulu Chapter, The National Kitchen and Bath Association Aloha Chapter, and Building Industry Association (BIA) Hawaii.
Russ Greene (Indianapolis, IN – Indiana State Chapter)
Phone: (317) 997-0779
Email: rgreene@greenexteriordesign.com
Russ Greene graduated with a B.S. in Public Finance from Indiana University with a minor in Speech Communication and Economics in 1998. Not knowing exactly what he wanted to do he moved his way up through various promotions working for TEKsystems, ADP Major Accounts Software, and Marco Ophthalmic focusing on process driven sales cycles and large capital equipment and software sales industry knowledge. Russ took this sales training and successfully implemented it in a retail setting combining sales, industry, and product knowledge integrating it into outdoor kitchen design and implementation for clients locally in Indianapolis to clients all over the midwest. Having self-taught himself in a CAD/hybrid pool design software over 5 years, Russ now designs, sells, and implements between 100-120 outdoor kitchens a year using 10 different outdoor grill manufacturers grill and corresponding components with the average sale ranging from 20,000 to 50,000.
Russ has designed outdoor kitchens for the average Joe to the more high profile NBA athletes. With so much experience with outdoor kitchen design Russ has been able to get a full grasp on what it takes from the ground up for a successful design as well as a successful build. With the increased interest in the Outdoor Room concept, the outdoor kitchen market has grown tremendously and will only continue to grow as clients and customers are now viewing the “Outdoor Room” as a natural part of their homes. Family Leisure is one of the largest specialty retailers in the United States with locations from San Antonio to Birmingham with the corporate headquarters located in Indianapolis.
In the past year Russ has expanded from just designing outdoor kitchens to entire outdoor rooms for his clients and customers. This has allowed for more partnerships and increased and expanded service offerings for customers who are wanting not just the kitchen, but also the complete design.
Russ was a VFTI speaker for the first time in 2016.
Ryan Herd (Pequannock, NJ – Northern New Jersey Chapter)
Phone: (973) 945-5275
Email: ryan@onesoundchoice.com
Ryan Herd is a 30 year veteran of the “Smart” industry. He founded and ran 1 Sound Choice, a successful Smart Home technology company, where we work to bring the “magic” of technology to consumers. His passion for Smart Home led him to write the book, “Join the Smart Home Revolution” and travel the nation working with major companies speaking about incredible tech products.
While Smart Home technology has changed the way we enjoy our homes and modernized some rather routine tasks (unlocking a door, thermostat adjustments, etc.), He has spent years searching for how modern tech would truly impact our lives. Ryan’s personal experience caring for his parents, (his father has had cancer 2 times) allowed him to recognize how the increased popularity of “Aging in Place,” our loved ones wanting to live out their “golden” years at home, can be greatly enhanced through our use of modern “Smart” technology.
Ryan is now the founder of Caregiver Smart Solutions and inventor of the CORE kit. Our goal is to provide caregivers – people like me – comfort in knowing that everything is OK with our loved one. Through the use of non invasive sensors we can monitor our loved one’s activities (eating, movement, medicine consumption and even bathroom visits). This allows us to ask the right questions and determine if we have the proper care in place for the ones we love.
Ryan also consults to the industry and is a sought-after speaker. His clients include Google, Coldwell Banker, Home Advisor, NAHB, AIA, ASID, NAR, NARI and many more. Because of his expertise with “Smart” technology he was selected by the National Kitchen & Bath Association to be an NKBA Insider to assist in educating its membership about the importance of collaboration between technology integrators and the design community. He offers unique insight into smart home technology, the Internet of Things (IOT) and the significance of technology in the home today.
Sarah Robertson, AKBD (Mamaroneck, NY – Westchester Chapter)
Phone: (914) 815-2707
Email: sarah@studiodearborn.com
As founder, principal and “solo-preneur” of Studio Dearborn, Sarah Robertson has made the mastery of kitchen storage and function an integral part of her design success. With 3-Peat National Kitchen & Bath Design Award wins in 2019, 2020 and 2022 for Best Overall Kitchen Design, Sarah has emerged as a highly sought after source for kitchen design expertise, growing a global following for tailored, elegant spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful.
Sarah credits her years as a management consultant for her systematic and thorough approach to the design process. After an MBA from Kellogg and a stint with McKinsey, she left the corporate world to pursue her true passion in renovating and building homes. In 2009 she pivoted into a kitchen design project for a friend–and never looked back.
In 2020 Sarah launched her own on-line kitchen design consulting business, and has tripled her annual revenues through her virtual design offerings in just two years time. Her virtual clients appreciate her “speed dating” approach to solving their kitchen design challenges in just a short call or two. WIth nearly 300k followers globally on Instagram alone, she has built both a strong follower base and knowledge base on social platforms and her blog that is accessed by fellow designers and clients alike.
Beyond the virtual realm, Robertson stays active within the K&B industry through judging and speaking at industry events, contributing editorial for shelter magazines, brand collabs (Dacor, Hestan, Docking Drawer, California Faucets and Perigold to name a few) and her Board of Directors role for Renovation Angel.
Sandra Tierney, CMKBD (Escondido, CA – San Diego Chapter )
Phone: (760) 594-4460
Email: cbdsd1@yahoo.com
After graduating from the acclaimed Culinary Institute of America in NY, Sandra Tierney relocated to Los Angeles where she worked as a private chef to the rich and famous. Over time, Sandra became increasingly frustrated with the layouts of the kitchens in which she worked, before deciding to become a kitchen & bath designer. Little did she know that she would find her true life’s passion. In 2007, Sandra opened her showroom, Cabinets By Design, located in Escondido CA. Her practical approach to design has resulted in multiple national awards and has been featured in numerous magazines including Better Homes Gardens. Sandra has been an active member of the NKBA and enjoys mentoring new designers.
Shannon McKinney (Oregon City, OR- Columbia River Chapter)
Phone: (503) 650-6373
Email: shannon@dtglassinc.com
Shannon McKinney has been an influential force in bringing accurate, actionable, and reliable information about using glass as a building material to the construction industry at-large. Her company, DT Glass, is passionate about interior glass, including wine rooms, back-painted glass, and frameless glass showers. Her shower design training started as one-on-one meetings with contractor customers, but soon morphed into local group classes, industry group presentations at chapter meetings, speaking at trade shows, and national webinars. She was proud to serve in the year-long endeavor of the National Glass Association to publish the Frameless Shower Enclosure Design and Installation Manual. It was released in July 2023 and serves as the recognized industry guideline for glass professionals. Her own company’s shower installation is featured on the front cover, and she now has the official backing of the NGA to support her training.
Shannon’s mission is to break through the barriers that stand between homeowners and the showers of their dreams. At home near Portland, Oregon, that means working with local designers and contractors during the planning stages, fabricating and tempering the glass at their own plant in Oregon City, and installing with their own teams of experienced glaziers. Outside of home, she shares her experience with industry professionals, helping them to confidently create beautiful and safe showers and encouraging them to partner with their own local custom glass source.
Sharon Sherman (Wyckoff, NJ – Northern New Jersey Chapter)
Phone: (201) 847-1400
Email: sherman@thymeandplacedesign.com
Award winning designer, Sharon L. Sherman, CKD, ASID, NCIDQ, CID, has been practicing luxury kitchen, bath and interior design for the past two decades in Bergen County, New Jersey.
She creates interior environments for her clients that combine health, wellness, function, beauty and comfort. Her company, Thyme and Place Design, has received numerous client testimonials that attest to her ability to achieve these objectives, on time and on budget.
A former past President of the New Jersey chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers Ms. Sherman is also a member of Kitchen and Bath Business Magazine’s Editorial Advisory Board.
She has had her award winning kitchen and bath designs published in Woman’s Day magazine, Country Decorating, Family Circle, Design NJ magazine, The Best of Bergen magazine, 201 Magazine, and many other publications. Articles from her popular blog about all things kitchen, bath and interior design are frequently re-published by others with permission and are widely read by consumers who seek her knowledge.
Ms. Sherman is also a long time member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association [ the NKBA ] and has been featured on their podcast as well as on Designers Today’s popular podcast.
She is also the owner of the Clubhouse club, Design For Today Collaborative, where her guests discuss all aspects of the kitchen and bath business. Quotes from Ms. Sherman have been featured in Forbes, the New York Times, the Washington Post, and on Design Milk.
She is a veteran participant in many designer benefit Showhouses and in 2021 was the co-chair of the PLAY FOR PINK benefit at the Ramsey Golf and Country Club benefitting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Ms. Sherman is also a wife, the mother of 2 boys and in her spare time enjoys indulging her passions for golf, running, traveling and cooking.
Steven Strauss (Whitehall, PA – Susquehanna Valley Chapter)
Phone: (610) 262-7235
Email: dkd.steve@yahoo.com
Steve Strauss is the president of Direct Kitchen Distributors. Based in Whitehall, Pennsylvania, DKD has served eastern PA since 1982. Steve has been a part of the family business since the age of 12 and moved up through, delivery, installation, sales and design. All through high school and college, he continued working in the business. Over the years, he has been involved with every facet of the kitchen and bath business, becoming president of the company in 1992, and later added AKBD certification to his credentials. Steve served as a Board of Directors member of the BKBG, a national group of kitchen and bath dealers committed to excellence in their field, from 2007 through 2010. In 2009, with the knowledge gleaned from his expertise in the kitchen and bath industry, Steve formed a company (Spread Sheet Services, LLC), for the purpose of designing, creating and maintaining spreadsheets, primarily for use by kitchen and bath dealers.
Tamara Myers, CR, LEED AP (Philadelphia, PA – Mid Atlantic Chapter)
Phone: (215) 438-8082
Email: tmyers@myersconstructs.com
Tamara Myers, CR, LEED AP, is a design & construction expert with over 35 years experience in design driven renovation and building. She is President & Founder of Myers Constructs, Inc., an award winning Philadelphia based Design-To-Build ™ general contracting firm that provides customized solutions for residential, light commercial, and institutional clients, and Myers Made, a private label cabinetry line providing custom solutions for kitchens and more. Myers Constructs, Inc. works on buildings of every type and age, from newly-constructed properties to 18th and 19th century buildings. It is frequently engaged for its design and construction expertise in whole house remodeling and renovation, adaptive re-use, historic restoration, kitchen and bath renovation, and small space solutions. Tamara speaks on these topics and has appeared on television and radio. A graduate of the Tyler School of Art at Temple University, Tamara combines a fine arts background with hands on experience in construction as a carpenter and a deep knowledge of both old-world building practices and cutting-edge technologies.
*Tamara Myers is a Subject Matter Expert for the NKBA Badge Program in the Remodeling category.
Vanessa DeKoekkoek (Grand Rapids, MI – West Michigan Chapter)
Phone: (616) 732-5527
Email: vanessa.dekoekkoek@2020spaces.com
Vanessa DeKoekkoek is the Global Training Manager at 2020, based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Almost 20 years ago, her career started as a kitchen & bath designer and quickly evolved to designing and teaching at the collegiate level. Vanessa joined 2020 in 2006 where she was thrilled to share her love of design and technology.
