A series of talks ranging from the serious to the celebrity captivated the crowd.

By Nicholas Tamarin

From Clodagh to Thom Filicia, the stars of design turned out at NKBA | KBIS’s The Tent for a series of engaging discussions on the state of the industry during day two of North Carolina’s High Point Market, the world’s largest home industry furnishings trade show. Billed as an interactive experience of “Design, Innovation, Artistry, Happenings, Culinary, Creativity, Nexus,” the Tent is located in historic High Point’s Hamilton Wrenn North neighborhood on Fred Alexander Place.

Interspersed with pop hits courtesy of New York–based DJ SK, passed prosecco, and live portraiture of participants by artist Manuel Santelices, were design discussions that began with “Beyond Style: Designing for the Senses, Psychology, Color Perception, and Biophilia” with Amber Dunford, the Bed Bath & Beyond and Overstock.com’s style director who has appeared in The New York Times, Architectural Digest, and Real Simple as an expert in design psychology. 

Dunford is one of only a handful of design psychologists with expertise in the connection between space design and mental health. She coupled a degree in interior design with a master’s in clinical psychology and developed a course to teach architects and designers how to infuse psychology principles into their work. “I’m of the belief that the spaces that surround us have a massive and underrated impact on our mental health and well being,” Dunford said. “I approach my work with this philosophy in mind: design doesn’t just contribute to our built environments, it contributes to our emotional states–often subconsciously.”

Following Dunford’s chat, longtime sponsor Fabuwood’s fabulous marketing manager Moses Brach introduced Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO, NKBA | KBIS, to toast The Tent’s other generous sponsors: Signature Kitchen Suite, Bed Bath & Beyond Professional, Unform Studio, Hettich, Shaw Floors, and Anderson Tuftex, along with Cosentino, FreePower, and FLOWER Magazine. “Cheers to the future of residential design,” Darcy said. “And I hope to see you all at KBIS in February!”

Next up came legendary Irish fashion designer turned single-name interiors star Clodagh. After Sponsor Anderson Tuftex’s vice president John Stephens introduced her interviewer, Interior Design editor in chief Cindy Allen, the duo sat down to discuss the trajectory of Clodagh’s many decades in the industry, from designing for Robert Redford to her whopping 20 product licenses. “Licenses are like sending your kids off to school–but you get the check,” Clodagh concluded to laughter.

After the High Point Market Influencer Tour led by NKBA | KBIS’s very own director of marketing, Crystal Watts, where brand partners each spent three minutes sharing their story, the first two of the activation’s four chats began between Allen and the starry members of the inaugural NKBA Design Council: Thom Filicia, Caleb Anderson, Celerie Kemble, and Michael Boyd Smith. 

First up was Filicia, who regaled the audience with hilarious tales of his time at Queer Eye for the Straight Guy before delving into a career arc that began with a degree in interior design from Syracuse University. Next was work with storied designers Albert Hadley, David Kleinberg, and Robert Metzger before Filicia founded his own firm in 1998 to express “aesthetics rooted in traditional concepts but in a fresh, lifestyle driven way,” he said. Now, Filicia says, “I feel the business aspect of design is almost as important as the creative side. And kitchens and baths have become so much a part of it. Dining now takes place in the kitchen and bathrooms are the places we go to relax and recharge.”

Allen’s conversations continued with Caleb Anderson, who design heavyweight Jamie Drake handpicked to become his partner when Anderson was barely out of college due to the latter’s tasteful embrace of sustainability. “It was a brilliant move,” Allen said. “I was not feeling well so I started focusing on wellness,” Anderson added. “Now my own wellness journey is a point of departure for sustainability, which is not typical in a high-end luxury residential firm like ours.”

Following happy hour cocktails, a bus shuttled attendees from The Tent to the KBIS 60th Anniversary Dinner hosted by Darcy and SKS at the beautifully restored HQ & The Gallery High Point. Amongst a pebbled courtyard illuminated by countless fire pits and tiki torches, the cocktail reception featured a jazz trio playing the standard while appetizers were passed. Guests then headed inside to the historic industrial interiors to enjoy a warmly lit family-style dinner while Darcy gave a final toast. “We are excited to deepen our connection with the broader residential design world,” Darcy says. “We’ve experienced an incredibly warm welcome here at our first Market event. Tonight, we raise our glasses to the power of design, how it brings us together, and shapes our world. While we just celebrated 60 years of NKBA | KBIS, what excites me most isn’t just history—it’s where we’re headed. We’ve seen residential design evolve in exciting ways, with technology, sustainability, and innovation leading that. NKBA | KBIS is committed and well positioned to support growth across the entire home.”

The inaugural edition of the activation combined design discussions with DJ’ing and dining.

By Nicholas Tamarin

Debuting amidst delightfully warm autumn temperatures and in the presence of the new host of ABC’s wildly popular Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, the inaugural edition of NKBA | KBIS’s the Tent activation dominated talk on day one of North Carolina’s High Point Market, the world’s largest home industry furnishings trade show. Billed as interactive experience of “Design, Innovation, Artistry, Happenings, Culinary, Creativity, Nexus” the Tent, open through Monday, is located in historic High Point’s Hamilton Wrenn North Neighborhood on Fred Alexander Place and is generously sponsored by Signature Kitchen Suite, Fabuwood, Bed Bath & Beyond Professional, Unform Studio, Hettich, Shaw Floors, and Anderson Tuftex. 

Surrounded by packed showrooms and past an entrance where artist Manuel Santelices was busy painting a live acrylic triptych of a scene from Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Aida, New York-based DJ Slams played vintage hip-hop beats and classics from the likes of Stevie Wonder while attendees with cocktails in hand danced in between a series of celebrity designer laden discussions and culinary demonstrations. 

Opening at 10 a.m. with a pop-up of Union Coffee from nearby Greensboro slinging iced latte’s and baked goods, the Tent showcased the NKBA | KBIS’s sleek new signature blue by Benjamin Moore & Co. as the space designed by New York-based Rodolfo Algrella quickly filled up. At 11:30, the first panel, “How the Kitchen is Shaping Design” got under way with NKBA Thirty Under 30 winner Jennifer Hutton of Grau Building, Sharon Sherman, CKD, owner of Thyme & Place Design, and Donille Perrone, senior brand marketing manager of sponsor Signature Kitchen Suite. Moderated by Angela Rath, NKBA | KBIS’s director of domestic accounts, the quartet took a deep dive into how the kitchen is defining design with a discussion that delved into luxury, technology, sustainability, and the proliferation of multifunctional open concept spaces post-pandemic.

Next up at 1:30 was, “Residential Meets Commercial” with Anderson Tuftex vice president John Stephens, Shaw Floors director of product design Kenny Michael of Shaw Floors, and Marriott International’s vice president of global design strategies Aliya Kahn. Moderated by Anderson Tuftex’s marketing director Bailey Walton, the assemblage of influential tastemakers talked how “hospitality and residential design have a lot to learn from each other,” according to Khan, as lines between living and working continue to blur amidst an increase in demand for durable, sustainable, ethically sourced products, particularly from the younger generation of consumers.

The dynamic day was rounded out by a final 3 p.m. conversation between Baton Rouge, LA–based interior designer Arianne Bellizaire, the new host of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and legendary Virginian designer Barry Dixon. Moderated by Karen Carroll, editorial director of FLOWER Magazine, the wide-ranging design discussion touched upon everything from favorite childhood kitchens (everyone was in agreement that it was their maternal grandmother’s) and most inspiring design destinations (Marrakech and Istanbul for Dixon; Bellizaire went with Vienna, Prague, and Budapest), to how to bill based on square footage, placing value on one’s creative vision, and knowing when to walk away from a project and when to, as Dixon memorably put it “Slay that dragon, grow, and take your sword to the next project.”

In between the panels, Austin-based professional personal chef Justin Cullimore, owner of Lone Star Chefs and winner of the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, grilled up sous vide steak with goat cheese and pork chop with beef char siu on sponsor SKS’s 36-inch induction cooktop when not taking photos with fans.

Days two and three promise to be just as compelling with highlights including chats between Interior Design editor in chief Cindy Allen and NKBA Design Council members and industry stars Caleb Anderson, Thom Filicia, Celerie Kemble, and Michael Boyd Smith. And of course more happy hour cocktails. A full list of the remaining events can be found here.

NKBA Manhattan Chapter’s Third Annual Education and Membership Day (“Edu Day”) was held at the A&D Building on Tuesday, October 8, with an all-day Membership Drive and full day of CEUs and programs from 10 AM to 8 PM. The day included a keynote panel and luncheon; great giveaways and raffle prizes; engaging panel discussions; and a celebratory closing cocktail reception.

Top moderators and panelists from inside the industry and beyond explored hot topics, including Harnessing the Power of Light as an Evolving Luxury; AI in Residential Design for Designers, Remodelers and Architects; Sustainability Through a Technological Lens; Great Design—The Great Equalizer; and Interactive Oktoberfest with Miele. While NKBA members earned CEUs, potential new members experienced firsthand NKBA’s membership benefits, with the strong focus on Education, one of the primary reasons to join NKBA.

As Manhattan Chapter President Charle-John Cafiero shared, “Every committee in the NKBA Manhattan Chapter, including Sponsorship, Communications, Membership, Finance and Programs, worked on this event. Our long-term planning over three months in advance and careful attention to detail made this event successful. Manhattan Chapter Officers and committee volunteers all stepped up to oversee five CEU programs plus run a full-day schedule. Our Manhattan Chapter has built strong relationships with sponsors, and when planning Edu Day, we got their buy-in on programming and raffle prizes.”

“The impact of our annual Edu Day raises the profile of the Manhattan Chapter in the highly competitive NYC design community and provides an all-day setting for the Membership Drive,” Cafiero said. 

NKBA Manhattan’s Membership Committee had the opportunity to interact all day with prospective members who were able to observe first-hand the benefits of joining NKBA while attending panels, keynote luncheon and the closing cocktail reception. Edu Day provides networking opportunities for designers and showroom teams, and it helps members earn their NKBA CEUs. Volunteers also enjoy the opportunity to work toward a common goal. These bonds and a sense of community lead to repeat renewals.

NKBA Manhattan Chapter took on the challenge of not one event, but a whole day of individual events, plus a robust CEU offering and full-day membership drive. It was standing room only, but most attendees stayed throughout the day for education and networking. Edu Day benefits both members and sponsors, attracts new membership to the chapter, and raises the profile of NKBA in New York City and beyond via editorial coverage and social media. Overall, as Cafiero noted, “Edu Day 2024 served as a powerful and persuasive reason for joining NKBA.”

Photos courtesy of Jeff Siegel | The Mad Photographer.

NKBA Northern California and California Capital Chapters recently co-hosted their annual “Design Crawl” event at the San Francisco Design Center.

Chapter members from Northern California and California Capital met at the Cosentino showroom, where Kerrie Kelly, CEO/Founder of Kerrie Kelly Studio and Creative Director of Fabuwood, shared the keynote message. Nureed Saeed, Northern California Chapter President and Creative Director of Nu Interiors, interviewed Kerrie Kelly, who is a design award-winner, influencer, and brand leader. Kerrie Kelly offered insights for designers seeking to build industry partnerships and expand their own design brands.

Following the keynote and breakfast, chapter members formed five groups for their Design Crawl, where they visited six outstanding showrooms, including Cosentino, Country Floors, Hewn, Kohler, Milestone Distributors and Visual Comfort. At the end of the showroom tours, both chapters met back together for a group lunch at Visual Comfort. 

NKBA Northern California Chapter President Nureed Saeed said, “The Northern California Chapter created this annual event four years ago as a way to bring together designers and showrooms, offering both of our membership groups a unique opportunity to see the latest of what is being offered in the market, while also making valuable connections. We are happy to have invited our friends in the Capital Chapter to collaborate with us again and share in this unique experience.”

By Dianne M. Pogoda

Company News

Miele Taps Grayson-Roper as VP of Marketing: German luxury appliance giant Miele has named Catherine Grayson-Roper VP of marketing for the U.S. and Mexico, reporting to Søren Rye, president and CEO of Miele USA and Mexico. Grayson-Roper directs the company’s consumer marketing including advertising, market research, category management, and internal and external communications. She joins Miele from MillerKnoll luxury home furnishings, where she implemented global retail marketing capabilities for Herman Miller, Knoll, and Design Within Reach. Before that, she led marketing for brands including Delta Faucet, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Johnson & Johnson. More on Miele here.

Kelly Teams with Fabuwood: Award-winning designer Kerrie Kelly, FASID, CEO and Creative Director for Kerrie Kelly Studio, and Secretary/Treasurer of the NKBA Board of Directors, has teamed with Newark, NJ-based cabinetry company Fabuwood as creative director. Kelly, based in Sacramento, CA, will bring a West Coast perspective to Fabuwood as it aims to strengthen its foothold in western markets, and help “create fresh, functional design solutions that transform how people experience everyday life at home,” she said. More details here.

Ramsay Partners With Thor: Multi-Michelin-Starred celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and Thor appliances have collaborated on a chef-inspired collection of ranges, refrigerators and dishwashers. The Thor Kitchen x Gordon Ramsay features professional-grade appliances for the residential kitchen, including a tilt-panel gas range in multiple sizes, electric ranges, French-door refrigerators, and dishwashers. They are available in stainless steel with handle options in bronze, rose gold and navy, plus a limited-edition black series. Learn more here.

Cosentino Promotions: Cosentino North America has promoted four key leaders across different company segments. Massimo Ballucchi has been named VP of Institutional Relations, leading Cosentino’s Business Development & Institutional Relations team. He has been with the company more than seven years in marketing and executive positions, and also is a longtime member of NKBA’s KBIS Exhibitor Committee. Gary Andler, a 19-year Cosentino veteran, has been promoted to Vice President of Retail Channels. He previously was a senior advisor and VP of National Accounts. Ignacio Paniagua, who joined in 2016, was named Executive Director of Kitchen & Bath in North America, after serving in the Strategy department. Returning to the North American operation after stints in the British Isles and Spain, Alvaro Chomon was named Executive Director of Commercial Accounts, and has been with the company over nine years. KBB has the story.

SKS Named Partner of Food & Wine Classic: Luxury appliance brand Signature Kitchen Suite was named the exclusive appliance partner at the inaugural Food & Wine Classic, which took place Sept. 27-29 in Charleston, SC. As a premier sponsor, SKS supplied appliances for renowned chefs, who demonstrated induction and sous vide cooking methods. Appliances included a 48-inch dual-fuel pro range, a 36-inch Flex Induction cooktop, undercounter convertible refrigerator and freezer drawers, and undercounter wine refrigerators. Learn more here.

Chapter Updates

Expo in OK: The Oklahoma Chapter is hosting its 2024 Chapter Expo on Oct. 24, 5 to 8 PM at Reece Bath + Kitchen, 501 NE 122nd Street, Suite C, in Oklahoma City. The event is free, supports vendor partners and provides an informative experience for membership. This tabletop expo offers a hands-on opportunity for members to see and learn about the latest products, network and build relationships while enjoying food, drinks, and door prizes. More here.

Lobstah and Learning in Maine: Join the Maine Chapter on Oct. 29 for an all-day Lobster Toss Cornhole Tournament and Educational Event and The Dome at Portland Sports Complex, 512 Warren Avenue in Portland. The day starts with light breakfast at 8:30 AM and includes educational seminars worth 0.2 CEUs: “The Art of Storage” presented by Richelieu, a presentation by master sponsor LX Hausys, and “Selling with Empathy” by SaPre. Lunch, networking, cornhole, fun and prizes round out the day. Registration starts at $75 for members. More info here.

Dress Up in Minnesota: The Minnesota State Chapter is hosting a Showroom Social and Costume Party on Oct. 30, 4:30 to 7:30 PM, at MSI’s new location, 10955 73rd Place North in Maple Grove. An optional 0.1 CEU Presentation, “Countertop Chronicles: Unveiling Surface Secrets” runs from 5 to 6 PM. Food, fun, drink, and door prizes are included for $20 for NKBA Members, $40 for non-members. More detail here.

Industry News

Existing Home Sales Dip in August: Sales of existing homes fell 2.5 percent in August from July, and were off 4.2 percent from August 2023, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. While “disappointing,” the recent prospect of lower mortgage rates and increasing inventory is “a powerful combination that will provide the environment for sales to move higher in future months,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. Total inventory in August was up 0.7 percent from July and a substantial 22.7 percent from August 2023, creating a supply of 4.2 months at the current sales pace. Sales of new homes also fell in August, by 4.7 percent from July. Learn more here.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

Company News

Kingswood Capital Buys Kichler Lighting: Kingswood Capital Management has acquired Kichler Lighting from Masco Corp. and will merge Kichler with its portfolio company, Progress Lighting. The acquisition aims to create one of North America’s leading residential lighting platforms. The combined company will benefit from expanded distribution and service capabilities and a robust product catalog serving customers across homebuilder, trade, showroom, retail, and ecommerce sales channels. More info here.

Armina Expands in South Florida: Pittsburgh-based Armina, a natural stone importer and fabricator, has opened two locations in South Florida, marking the brand’s expansion in that market. Armina Stone Miami, a gallery and fabrication facility, opened in Hialeah, and Armina Luxe opened a luxury showroom in the Miami Design District. KBB has more.

Almo Taps Kassenbaum: Almo Corp, the nation’s largest independent distributor of appliances, professional AV/electronics and housewares, has named Maggie Kassenbaum SVP of its Premium Appliances division, overseeing strategy, revenue, profitability. She leads all business-building activities, including new business development, product sales, sales support, product management, and marketing. Prior to Almo, Kassenbaum was SVP & GM of luxury retail for Synchrony (formerly GE Retail Finance), and held leadership roles at GE and Haier Smart Home, most recently as VP of U.S. Sales for Fisher & Paykel Appliances. Learn more here.

Obituary: Beata Galdi: Long-time NKBA Manhattan Chapter member Beata Galdi has died after a brief illness. Founder and president of Beata Galdi Design, an award-winning interior architecture firm in Manhattan, her projects ranged from residential to retail and hospitality, including restaurants, hospitals and hotels. Her approach was defined by manipulation of light, precise application of color and the careful selection of natural materials that elevate the beauty of the space. She studied interior architecture, art and the integration of architecture and painting and earned a degree in Interior Architecture at the Academy of Fine and Applied Arts in Krakow, in her native Poland. She was an active member of the Manhattan Chapter, volunteering for many events including the 2019 NKBA Manhattan Healthy Kitchen Symposium and helping the Membership Committee.

Chapter Updates

Oktoberfest in Maryland: Enjoy some beer, brats and an oompah band with the Baltimore/Washington Chapter on Oct. 17 for an Oktoberfest networking happy hour. The event is free and takes place from 5 to 7 PM at the Sub-Zero Wolf Cove Showroom, 9204 Berger Road in Columbia, MD. Info and registration here.

Battle in the Mountains: The Rocky Mountain Chapter is hosting a Battle of the Chefs culinary showdown on Oct. 17, 5:30 to 8:30 PM, at Roth Living, 742 South Broadway in Denver. Local chefs will go head-to-head, competing for the title of Top Chef. NKBA Members are $25, non-members are $35, and students are free. Info and registration here.

Industry News

AHAM Battles CA Warning Label: The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers is protesting California’s proposed legislation to require warning labels be placed on all gas cooking products. The Washington, DC-based trade group asserts that California bill AB 2513, represents “harmful legislation [that] is grounded in misinformation about the health risks, faulty data and an incomplete approach to protecting consumer health and safety when it comes to indoor air quality.” KBDN has the story.

New Home Sales Slip in August: Sales of new single-family houses in August were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 716,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This is 4.7 percent below July’s rate of 751,000, but is 9.8 percent higher than the August 2023 estimate of 652,000. With a median sales price of $420,600 and an average of $497,700, the inventory of new houses for sale at the end of August represents a supply of 7.8 months at the current sales rate. More detail here.

London Design Festival Reveals a Whimsical Side: The 22^nd London Design Festival wrapped up nine days showcasing installations, projects, and trends that could emerge in the near future. Among the key elements: a revival of mid-century modern style, the importance of sunlight, and furniture gets “playful.” More detail at Livingetc.

Meet the K&B industry’s rising stars who will be honored at KBIS 2025

By Donna Heiderstadt

NKBA has announced the exceptional young professionals in the kitchen-and-bath industry who will join its prestigious Thirty Under 30 program as the Class of 2025. Nominated by their peers, these honorees were evaluated by judges who are themselves members of the program’s preceding classes and were selected based on their professional and educational achievements, commitment to excellence in their chosen field, and leadership within their organizations.

“Our Thirty Under 30 program celebrates the next generation of industry leaders, innovators, and trailblazers. Each year, we are continually inspired by the passion, creativity, and dedication these young professionals bring to the kitchen and bath space,” said Bill Darcy, Global President and CEO of NKBA | KBIS. “The Class of 2025 is no exception — representing a diverse range of skills and perspectives that are pushing the boundaries of design and transforming the future of our industry. We look forward to watching their continued impact as they shape what’s next for the kitchen and bath world.”

Every member of the Thirty Under 30 Class of 2025 has been invited to attend KBIS 2025, which will take place February 25-27 in Las Vegas. They will be introduced and officially inducted at NEXTStage on February 25. As they network over three days with the industry’s leading designers and executives, they will also be tasked with scouring the convention-center floor for the annual 30s Choice Awards. Announced at NEXTStage on Thursday, February 27, these awards spotlight the best products and innovations in six kitchen-and-bath categories.

Here are the members of the Thirty Under 30 Class of 2025. Congratulations to them all!

• Bryce Agulto, Brand Manager, ZLINE Kitchen & Bath

• Nuran Aliakbar, In-House Designer, Abacus Cabinetry

• Kacie Atkinson, Lead Designer, Nar Design Group

• Courtney Auten, Lead Designer, Autograph Kitchens

• Caitlin Boland, Showroom Consultant, Ferguson

• Bethany Broussard, Lead Designer, Crystal Remodeling

• Eric Dillman, Territory Manager, Triax Marketing and Sales; Interior Designer, Eric Dillman Designs

• Heath Fesenmeyer, CKBD, Engineering Manager, Don’s Custom Countertops

• Conor Firkins, Regional Sales, Tile Wholesalers of Rochester, Inc.

• Carol Fung, Intermediate Interior Designer, Ashley de Boer Interiors

• Seth Hunt, Market Representative, Cambria

• Sara Krupa, Manager, Moen Incorporated

• Mansi Makadia, Design Director, Estheteak

• Scott Massey, Cofounder & CEO, ANU

• Ashley Mock, Design & Project Development, Highmark Builders

• Payton Patterson, Owner/Lead Designer, Payton’s Place Designs Inc.

• MacKenzie Rediger, Architectural and Designer Representative, Stone Showcase

• Zoe Roberson, Owner, Wallflower Remodeling LLC

• Lucas Rosa, Showroom Manager/Lead Designer, BauTeam Chicago

• Russell Sang, Project Manager, Hudson Valley Property Group

• Elijah Schochet, Major Appliance Specialist, AJMadison

• Megan Schoenwetter, Lead Interior Designer, Marling Lumber and Homeworks

• Michaela Sedlak, Interior Designer, Marks-Woods Construction

• Mickayla Smith, Designer, Inspire Design Center

• Victoria Thayer, Showroom Manager/Designer, Pedini NW

• Amanda Tong, Designer, Flatwater Finishes

• Kay Trulaske, Brand Manager, True Residential

• Taylor Walker, Senior Designer, Walker Woodworking DBA Greenbrook Design Center

• Nick Weaver, Founding Partner/COO/General Contractor, Homebase Solutions LLC

• Emma Winn, Design Assistant, C Change Design

The Thirty Under 30 program, now in its 13^th year, is designed to recognize outstanding young kitchen and bath professionals who are the future leaders of the industry. Three past Thirty Under 30 honorees and current chapter officers — Andrew Risinger, President of the Texas North Plains Chapter (Thirty Under 30 Class of 2021); Olivia McMurtrie, Programs Chair of the Virginia State Chapter (Class of 2024); and Sophia Amiano, Programs Chair of the Mid Atlantic Chapter (Class of 2024) — served as judges this year and did an excellent job with their selections.

Registration is now open for KBIS 2025, so sign up to enjoy the full roster of design and educational offerings and the latest must-try experiences in Las Vegas.

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.

Gutierrez wrote NKBA’s Economic Indicators column for many years.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

Manuel D. Gutierrez, a longtime NKBA contributor and economist for Kohler Co., died peacefully at his home in Kohler, WI, on Sept. 2, after a battle with cancer. He was 79.

An astute observer of the kitchen and bath industry as well as the overall economy, Gutierrez spent more than 25 years at Kohler Co. in market research, and wrote the Economic Indicators column for NKBA’s newsfeed for more than a decade.

“Manuel was instrumental in helping me envision and shape the future of NKBA’s research strategy,” said Bill Darcy, Global President and CEO of NKBA, “including confirming what would become our economic focus with the Kitchen & Bath Market Outlook and KBMI. I am so proud of the industry authority NKBA has become, and it all started with Manuel.”

“As NKBA’s Consulting Economist for many years, Manuel helped me brainstorm research topics that would be of interest to all NKBA member segments,” said Tricia Zach, Head of Research. “He also introduced me to individuals and organizations who have since become trusted research partners of the NKBA. For years, Manuel authored the Association’s Economic Indicators column, making crucial economic data relevant to our industry and educating our members. He was a pleasure to work with, a joyful, charming man who always had a warm greeting for the many people he knew at KBIS or at economics conferences. He always spoke lovingly about his family — but was quick to ask about your family, too. Manuel was a friend to NKBA, to the industry, and to me.”

Gutierrez was a true Renaissance man with many interests. He was a college instructor, teaching at universities in New Jersey (Stockton State College) and in Barquisimeto, Venezuela; a serious woodworker, crafting Barbie houses with penthouses for his daughters and miniature historic shipping vessels, and a student of world languages, of which Chinese stands out as receiving the most time for writing and speaking in the later decades of his life.

He was a passionate traveler, always with his suitcase at the ready. He blogged about his travels to Morocco, Taiwan, Japan, Russia, numerous trips to China and India, and other parts of the globe.

Manuel was a bicycle racer, a hobby he maintained until just this past April. It was during his long bike rides of upwards of 10 to 20 miles that he would memorize and repeat various works of poetry, such as Dante’s Inferno from “La Divina Commedia.” He would recite an entire canto each day on the trail.

Manuel de Jesus Gutierrez Martinez was born in San Cristobal de Totonicapan, Guatemala, on June 8, 1945. He was the fourth of six children of the late Manuel and Maria Consuelo (Martinez) Gutierrez.

An avid reader, by the time he finished high school, Manuel had read every single book in the library of his youth in Quetzaltenango city, with his handwritten name on each book’s frontispiece as proof. Following high school in Guatemala, Manuel came to the U.S. for undergraduate studies at Saint Louis University and prepared a PhD (ABD) in Economics and Mathematics at Saint Louis University, reaching candidacy in April 1975.

He married E. Michele Armon in St. Louis in 1971. They were married for nearly 53 years, until her death in March. Manuel settled with his wife and children in Sheboygan, WI, and then moved to Kohler WI, for long-term work with the Kohler Co. Early on, he was Senior Mathematician for Kohler, and later directed the company’s Market Research area of the Kitchen and Bath Group’s International Division, becoming part of Kohler’s Quarter Century Club.

While at Kohler, Manuel was integral to large global change in the business. He created and actively wrote for a newsletter his department prepared for Kohler Co. worldwide on kitchen and bath trends and housing starts. He was always busy making predictions and preparing graphs of data for better visualization and understanding.

Gutiérrez was very active with the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, a research center dedicated to advance policy and practice concerning housing, from which he was awarded a special recognition of achievement upon his retirement. Manuel was an active leading member of The Economic Club of Sheboygan, where he was given an emeritus award. He also had a stint in local politics, serving as village elder in the Village of Kohler for a number of years.

After retiring, he continued to consult for various firms and kept up a blog, EconLives, on economic and market trends.

Manuel is survived by his two daughters, Maya Consuelo (Claude Bauschinger) Gutierrez of Brooklyn, NY, and Andrea Lorene (Jayant Sirohi) Gutierrez of Austin, TX; grandchildren, Siri Ratna Gutierrez Sirohi and Asha Sundari Gutierrez Sirohi; siblings Maria Consuelo (Paco) de Perez de Anton, Remigio (Olga) Gutierrez, Roberto (Maggie) Gutierrez, and Carmen, la Chiqui, Gutierrez, all of Guatemala.

Along with his wife and his parents, Manuel was predeceased by his sister, Gloria (Jorge) de Prado and his sister-in-law Mary Armon. For more information, including details of a celebration of his life on Nov. 16 at Ballhorn Chapels in Sheboygan, WI, click here. Memorial donations may be made in Manuel’s name to a charitable fund for Arts Education Scholarships.