Countertops and the Threat of Silicosis – The Role of NKBA Members
When:
March 19, 2025 | 12:00 PM ET
CEUs: .1
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What You Will Learn
Silicosis is in the news, but the dangers of silica dust and its health impact for countertop/bath fabricators is avoidable. Learn about key silica awareness initiatives and the role kitchen & bath professionals can take to help the stone industry. Several key resources and helpful tips will be provided.
Learning Objectives:
Gain insight into the dangers of silicosis impacting employees in the countertop and bath industry
Learn about employee safety resources available from the Natural Stone Institute
Learn how kitchen & bath professionals can impact this initiative and utilize fabricators focused on safety
Featured Presenter
Jim Hieb, CAE – CEO, Natural Stone Institute (NSI)
Jim serves as the NSI CEO and has led development of several key programs enjoyed by the kitchen & design community including access to technical standards, continuing education (CE) credits, and networking with stone professionals. He is active in several charitable organizations and enjoys collecting baseball cards.
Featured Presenter
Mark Meriaux – Accreditation & Technical Manager, Natural Stone Institute (NSI)
Mark manages both the NSI fabricator credentialling program and industry safety initiatives. A former countertop fabricator, he has also championed all NSI silica awareness and training activities. Mark enjoys outdoor activities and music concerts with his wife and their two children.
Featured Presenter
Dacia Belisle Woodworth – Architect & Design Community Liaison, Natural Stone Institute (NSI)
Dacia manages NSI outreach to design communities leading a robust continuing education program and designer focused webinars about natural stone and the natural stone industry. Before joining the NSI, she worked in the design build industry. She is an avid trail rider and equestrian camper.
Registration for KBIS 2025, which will take place Feb. 25-27, 2025 in Las Vegas, is open as of Sept. 3, 2024 and is FREE for NKBA members throughout the month of September — so register now! By attending, you’ll enjoy access to North America’s largest kitchen & bath trade show featuring more than 670 exhibitors. KBIS — part of DCW (Design & Construction Week), the co-location of KBIS and IBS (the International Builders’ Show), owned by NAHB — offers a chance to discover new brands and products, learn about the latest trends, forge industry connections and enhance your education.
KBIS 2025 will once again be the ultimate resource for members of the kitchen & bath industry. It follows the success of KBIS 2024, which welcomed a record 55,500+ registered visitors, with DCW drawing 117,000 building and design professionals overall. At the 2024 show, KBIS expanded into the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center with the Discovery District (home to new brands and products) as well as additional stages and activations, all returning in 2025.
Here’s a look at the key events, awards, seminars and activations scheduled for KBIS 2025:
Monday, Feb. 24, 2025
KBIS 2025 will kick off this evening at the Lafite Ballroom in Wynn Las Vegas with the annual NKBA Kitchen & Bath Design + Industry Awards honoring top design professionals for exceptional project design in six kitchen and bath categories — Small Kitchen, Large Kitchen, Specialty Kitchen, Powder Room, Secondary Bath and Primary Bath — and culminating with awards for Best Overall Kitchen and Best Overall Bath. A total of $100,000 in prize money will be up for grabs.
Following the awards, the Opening Party will offer a chance for attendees to celebrate the industry, network with colleagues and clients, and have fun while enjoying cocktails and a buffet dinner. Check back for information about tickets to this don’t-miss semi-formal event.
Tuesday, Feb. 25 to Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025
When the South Hall, North Hall and West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, as well as the popular interactive outdoor exhibit area, The Plaza, open to attendees on Feb. 25, 2025, not only will design industry professionals be able to walk the floors and visit booths from hundreds of established and emerging kitchen & bath brands and suppliers, but they will also have access to a line-up of engaging activations, educational seminars and learning tools.
• NEXTStage: Located in the South Hall, NEXTStage will offer non-stop daily programming focused on business and trends, wellness, sustainability and technology presented by some of the most innovative and influential members of the kitchen & bath industry.
NEXTStage will also host multiple awards presentations: The Best of KBIS, honoring the show’s most innovative design and technology; DesignBites, offering a chance for companies to pitch new products and technologies in the ultimate product showdown; the Best Booth Awards, highlighting the top exhibitor booths in multiple size categories; the Kickstarter Competition, giving small or emerging companies a chance to showcase their offerings; the Thirty Under 30 Awards, recognizing 30 high-achieving young members of the industry, who are also tasked with scouting KBIS for the most innovative products in six categories for the 30s Choice Awards.
• Luxury Lounge: Located in the North Hall, Luxury Lounge will be the setting for a series of talks by kitchen & bath experts in the luxury field — including representatives of high-end brands, leading designers and design media and influencers.
• Voices From The Industry (VFTI): Attendees can earn CEU credits, which are necessary to maintain NKBA certification, by attending any of the more than 75 Voices of the Industry (VFTI) workshops and sessions, led by industry members. In 2024, daily courses were given by industry and subject matter experts, including three two-hour workshops, 51 one-hour sessions, and 14 one-and-a-half-hour workshops. The 2025 VFTI schedule will be posted soon.
• State of the Association (SOA) and State of the Industry (SOI): On Feb. 26, 2025 from 8:30am to 10:15am, the annual State of the Association (SOA) update will be presented by NKBA Global President & CEO Bill Darcy, followed by the State of the Industry (SOI) panel discussion moderated by Darcy.
• The BASH: On Feb. 26, 2025, The BASH, an annual celebration and dance party, will take place from 8:30pm to 12:30am at XS Night Club at the Encore Hotel. Tickets are $40 per person and you must be 21 or older to attend.
• NKBA Booth: Throughout KBIS, NKBA will host design-focused panel discussions at its booth (N939) in the North Hall, where a photographer will also be on hand to take free headshots.
KBIS 2025, taking place Feb-25-27, 2025 in Las Vegas, is the event of the year for kitchen & bath professionals to network, exchange ideas and see the industry’s newest offerings. Members can register here throughout September for FREE!
The online retailer’s exclusive program offers numerous perks to design pros.
Image courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond.
By Dianne M. Pogoda
Online retailer Bed Bath & Beyond’s exclusive Trade Program is a one-stop shop for designers and other specifiers looking to raise the style quotient while sticking to clients’ budgets.
Trade Program Members save 25 percent every day on a bigger-than-ever assortment of furniture, décor, rugs, appliances, fixtures and more. What’s more, trade pros get a free Welcome Rewards membership, which earns them 5 percent back on every purchase. Welcome Rewards also includes three free returns each month for in-store credit, and a 60-day extended return period allows clients to live with a piece and ensure it works well in their space.
The Rewards package also offers double rewards for reviews, bonus rewards for recommendations resulting in purchases, and three free price matches per month. And shipping is free on every order placed on a Trade account.
Bed Bath & Beyond Trade provides beneficial tools for busy pros and small business owners. The program aims to help make the design and selection process smooth and seamless. Designers may create a personalized design page to organize projects, share work, shop and update in real time. The design profile is hosted on the Bed Bath & Beyond platform and is shareable to a member’s social media, website, and/or directly to clients. Personalized support from dedicated expert Trade Specialists provides members with peace of mind — there’s always a friendly, familiar voice ready to help!
The Bed Bath & Beyond Trade program is free to join, and applying is easy. Provide a business name, contact information and additional business or professional verification, such as an employer identification number (EIN), to apply.
To learn more about this exclusive program for trade professionals and to join for free, click here.
NKBA | KBIS is thrilled to announce a new initiative set to launch in 2025. To enhance educational opportunities, NKBA | KBIS will offer free on-demand access to the Voices from the Industry (VFTI) Conference for student members.
The VFTI Conference, a cornerstone of KBIS, features a range of industry leaders and experts sharing valuable insights, trends, and innovations. Providing free on-demand access to VFTI supports educational growth and helps students build a strong foundation for their future careers. This forward-thinking approach ensures that emerging professionals are well-equipped with the latest insights and trends, positioning them for success in the ever-evolving kitchen and bath industry.
Students will benefit from accessing VFTI content at their convenience, staying abreast of industry developments, and enriching their academic experience. On-demand access for VFTI will be available to all NKBA | KBIS student members on February 27, 2025.
Get the latest NKBA member news, products and events.
Corporate Advertising and Sponsorship Opportunities
Thanks to our Partners/Sponsors!
NKBA would like to thank our partners and sponsors who have supported our industry and programs. Come back regularly to see who we are working with.
Corporate Advertising and Sponsorship Opportunities
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a not-for-profit trade association that owns the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS®). With thousands of companies representing tens of thousands of members in segments of the kitchen and bath industry, the NKBA has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry since its founding in 1963. The mission of the NKBA is to enhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethical business practices, and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry worldwide.
In February 2014, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the NKBA launched Design & Construction Week®, as the International Builders’ Show (IBS) and KBIS® co-located for the very first time. Building upon that success, the two trade shows will continue to co-locate together through 2020, providing plenty of opportunities for you to boost your brand at one of the world’s largest gatherings focused on new ideas, products and technologies to design, build and remodel homes.
KBIS® presents the ideal platform to help you establish your organization’s presence among the most influential professionals in the industry network! This is your opportunity to support our most comprehensive learning initiatives such as the Voices from the Industry conference program and enhance your visibility amidst a wide audience profile at key networking events such as THE BASH, The NKBA Design and Industry Awards, the Thirty Under 30 Program, and more. Look through our opportunities brochure to read in detail about how you can benefit by aligning your brand with our exclusive industry offerings.
For more information or to sponsor an event, contact:
“Kohler® focuses on building genuine relationships with our customers. Kohler’s NKBA membership has allowed us to connect with all segments of the industry.”
David Kohler
President & Chief Operating Officer, Kohler Co.
CEU Provider Partners
The NKBA partners with other organizations that develop programs in continuing career education. An extensive CEU Provider Program database of everything that’s available can be found on our website.
In addition, the following are official CEU Company Providers:
2020 provides end-to-end solutions for the design and planning of residential and commercial spaces and the manufacturing of furniture. Whether you are a professional designer, home improvement retailer, manufacturer or in the professional dealer network, we provide the software and content to help you be more efficient, integrated and productive.
AdvanceWare, Inc. transforms complex design challenges into streamlined manufacturing solutions. Founded in 2002, we bridge the crucial gap between sophisticated product design, precise pricing, and efficient production. Our expertise in Design, Manufacturing, and Systems Management enables us to develop powerful software solutions that optimize intricate manufacturing processes. Drawing on decades of experience with highly configured specialty products, our founding partners built AdvanceWare to tackle the most demanding manufacturing challenges while delivering unparalleled precision and efficiency.
AEC Daily is a leader in distance learning and has built an educational resource that provides a great variety of quality education in all areas of the architectural, engineering, and construction industry. AEC Daily has approximately 540 online courses approved by a multitude of associations and regulatory bodies from all areas of the AEC industry; from specifiers, interior and building designers, landscape architects, and engineers to building managers and constructors. Webinars are now also available. The majority of the courses are free of charge and all courses are available 24/7.
With more than 140 brands, AjMadison is the number-one online destination for every appliance need. For over two decades, millions of customers across the nation have relied on AjMadison for everything from top-rated smart appliances to compact or small space solutions, from blueprint to installation. Their commitment extends beyond the point of sale, offering comprehensive services including warranties, surveys, delivery, and installation. For more information, please visit ajmadison.com.
In 2016, Thermador celebrates 100 years of introducing innovation that drives performance that leads to timeless design. The iconic line of cooking, cleaning, refrigeration and ventilation products remains committed to empowering culinary enthusiasts to be their best through continuous innovation breakthroughs – from the world’s first wall ovens and gas cooktops with the patented Star® Burner to the Freedom® Induction Cooktop, the first full-surface induction appliance, and the Freedom® Collection, the first modular built-in fresh food, freezer and wine preservation columns. Thermador is part of BSH Home Appliances Corporation, a fully owned subsidiary of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH, the largest manufacturer of home appliances in Europe and one of the leading companies in the sector worldwide. For more information, visit www.thermador.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn at: www.facebook.com/thermador, @Thermador, @ThermadorHome and www.linkedin.com/company/thermador, respectively.
BLANCO is all about residential kitchen water hub systems that are meticulously designed down to the finest detail. Founded over 95 years ago, the company is now a leading kitchen solutions provider worldwide and has won over consumers with its modern design, ergonomic handling and reliable product quality. All components, from the kitchen faucet to the sink and accessories, are perfectly integrated with one another. BLANCO systems make a significant contribution towards sustainably upgrading kitchens around the globe with everyday convenience when it comes to preparing food, drinking and cleaning. For more information, visit BLANCO.com
Blum is well known and valued as an innovative family-owned company that operates on an international scale. It is our motivation to perfect motion. Our solutions make opening and closing furniture a mesmerizing experience, and deliver quality of motion and convenience to the entire home – in particular to kitchens. Our product range is complemented by extensive support services, and it is our goal to be a trusted and future-oriented partner.
Caesarstone Ltd. manufactures premium quartz surfaces, which are used in both residential and commercial projects as countertops, vanities, wall cladding, floors and other interior surfaces. Caesarstone combines beauty with outstanding performance, enabling you to bring your design imagination to life.
Chief Architect Software is a leading developer and publisher of 3D Architectural home design software for both full residential design and kitchen & bath design. Chief Architect uses smart cabinet technology to create various styles, shapes and sizes with a much faster design approach than traditional software. Chief Architect partners with specific manufacturers (cabinets, appliances, doors, windows, countertops, flooring) so styles, finishes and other product-specific design details can be accurately drawn and rendered.
America’s Best Value in Cabinetry CNC Cabinetry was founded on the idea of making kitchen cabinets more accessible to all, by offering the ultimate value in design, quality and price. For over 30 years, we’ve been providing kitchen and bath dealers and the customers they serve with the ultimate value in kitchen cabinets, countertops, and bathroom vanities. Rather than tossing about meaningless boardroom phrases, we defined just what exactly “value” means. Providing value means being able to offer a vast, ever-expanding selection of progressively-designed door styles. Providing value means offering industry-leading turnaround times. Providing value means giving you the ability to talk to a real person who understands your style and your needs. Providing value means offering the most comprehensive range of products, including framed domestic-style and frameless European-style cabinets, standard post-form and self-edge custom countertops – without ever sacrificing on quality. Providing value means delivering a product that our customers can be proud of, at a price that they want. Because the bottom line is, an inviting kitchen is what makes a house a home. Let CNC inspire your next design with the design, durability, and, most of all, value to suit your taste.
The Cosentino Group is a global, family-owned company that produces and distributes high value innovative surfaces for architecture and design. We produce technologically and sustainably advanced surfaces, which create unique designs for the home and public spaces: Silestone®, Dekton® and Sensa by Cosentino®. The group bases its development on international expansion, an innovative research and development program, respect for the environment and sustainability, equality and health & safety. Currently Cosentino is present in 40 countries, with its own assets in 29 of them. More than 50 Cosentino Centers are part of the wide distribution network in USA and Canada.
Decor Cabinet Company creates exceptionally custom cabinetry made from quality wood, veneer, and thermally fused laminate materials. We offer designers valuable business partnerships, dedicated customer support, and hours of both in-person and online professional development.
Delta Faucet Company is the largest U.S. manufacturer of residential and commercial faucets. With brands like Delta, Brizo, and Peerless, the company holds the number one position in U.S. market share and sells in more than 50 countries. Their stylish, innovative products enhance performance and improve consumers’ everyday experiences with water. Delta Faucet is committed to helping concerned consumers identify simple ways to incorporate conservation into their lives.
The Electrolux Collection elevates kitchen experiences with flawless consistency, uncompromising quality, intuitive features, and precise performance. Homeowners experience a kitchen suite designed to enhance nature’s flavors and inspire culinary creativity. Electrolux washer and dryers make clothes last longer while reducing environmental impact.
Fisher & Paykel Since 1934, the Fisher & Paykel design heritage has been founded on a pioneering spirit and culture of curiosity that challenges conventional appliance design to consistently deliver products tailored for human needs. Incorporating outstanding performance, and user-focused innovation, Fisher & Paykel and DCS by Fisher & Paykel appliance brands inspire people through indoor/outdoor kitchen and laundry products, designed with real life in mind. The brands incorporate innovative technologies driven from a passion to produce the most technically advanced, efficient, and contemporary styled appliances. As pioneers of the world’s first drawer dishwasher, DishDrawer®; Fisher & Paykel continues to pave the way for appliance innovation. Since the 1980’s, DCS has defined cooking appliance innovation for the commercial food industry, and designs commercial quality appliances for the home. Fisher & Paykel Appliances is a global company operating in 50 countries, manufacturing in the United States, Mexico, Italy, Thailand and New Zealand. For more information, please visit www.fisherpaykel.com.
Inspired by a desire to find solutions to problems that had existed for years in the way kitchen worked, (or didn’t work), the Galley was invented by an award-winning kitchen designer whose vision was to create a central workstation hub where every task in his kitchen could be accomplished. He put the very first Galley in his own home. Today, the Galley has grown to be an entire line of super-functional, smart and stylish workstations where one can prep, cook, serve, entertain, and clean-up, all in one convenient place.
Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, and with locations throughout Europe, GRAFF is recognized globally for its trend-setting products and unique vision. Supported since 1922 by extensive plumbing and hardware manufacturing experience, GRAFF offers a wide range of contemporary, transitional and traditional styling.
Here at Hafele America Co., hardware is our passion and our expertise. We manufacture and sell many of the “little invisibles” that you use every day—from LED lighting to kitchen drawer slides and cabinet hinges to commercial and residential sliding door hardware. We’re a company focused on solving problems—in many instances problems you didn’t even know you had—and bringing our creativity and ingenuity to a very specialized group of businesses and customers. Our products and services typically serve the Furniture, Cabinet, Architectural/Builders and Access Control industries as well as Hospitality and a variety of Design disciplines.
A family-run business founded in Germany’s Black Forest, Hansgrohe has developed and produced premium products for bathrooms and kitchens since 1901, and is a trendsetter for the entire industry. Our products feature award-winning design and industry-leading technology. Many of our products feature EcoRight technology, delivering water savings which do not come at the expense of performance.
Since 2007, Infinity Drain has established a reputation for design-centric, premium quality decorative shower drains. With award winning designs and innovations, including the “Site Sizeable” linear drain, Infinity Drain is helping to shape barrier free bathroom design. From hand polishing decorative grates to custom fabricating to your exacting specifications, Infinity Drain offers the broadest selection of decorative choices and installation options.
Headquartered in Racine, Wis., InSinkErator, a business unit of Emerson (NYSE: EMR), is the world’s leading provider of food waste disposers for home and commercial use. With legendary performance and reliability, InSinkErator is the preferred choice of plumbing professionals. As the best-selling food waste disposer brand in the world, millions of InSinkErator disposers are manufactured annually. InSinkErator is also a leading brand of instant hot water dispensers. InSinkErator has operations in over 80 countries worldwide.
Interline Creative Group, Inc. is a full-service marketing organization that offers comprehensive capability and execution excellence through a complete, turnkey collection of marketing tactics. Interline moves quickly to take advantage of shifting market opportunities. We do this by offering a portfolio of new ideas tied to the needs and concerns of today’s business.
Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet is the leading manufacturer of premium appliances and cabinetry for outdoor cooking and entertaining. A real passion for the joy of outdoor cooking and a deep commitment to exceptional design, quality and performance are the keys to the company’s success. Kalamazoo’s meticulously crafted products are built by hand in Michigan and available through select retailers, certified design professionals and the company’s website.
At Kichler Lighting, we’ve been shedding light on what’s important since 1938 by creating dependable, high-quality fixtures. Even as a global brand, we focus on building and strengthening relationships with not only customers and professionals, but with homeowners who choose our products for their homes. We offer more than 3,000 trend-right decorative lighting, landscape lighting and ceiling fan products in innumerable styles to enhance everything you do and show everyone you love in the best possible light.
Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies, and a global design and technology leader in kitchen and bath plumbing products.
Driven by innovation and characterized by sophisticated, elegant design, the family-owned and German-based Liebherr Appliances brings the best of European cooling to the Americas. With more than 60 years of expertise in premium refrigeration, Liebherr Appliances combines quality, design, and innovation to offer high-end refrigeration solutions for the modern home or business.
Lutron is the leader in the lighting control industry and offers a wide selection of energy saving dimmers and lighting control solutions. Lutron Electronics designs and manufactures energy-saving lighting controls and lighting control systems for both residential and commercial applications. The company offers a wide variety of light dimmers, whole-home and whole-building dimming systems, controllable window treatments and color-matched accessories, including wallplates, receptacles, fan controls and more. In almost 50 years of innovation, Lutron has invented hundreds of lighting control devices and systems, and expanded their product offering from 2 products to 15,000.
As the #1 faucet brand in North America, Moen offers a diverse selection of thoughtfully designed kitchen and bath faucets, showerheads, accessories, bath safety products, garbage disposals and kitchen sinks for residential and commercial applications each delivering the best possible combination of meaningful innovation, useful features, and lasting value.
M S International, Inc. is a leading nationwide distributor of flooring, countertop, wall tile and hardscaping products. Headquartered in Orange, California, MSI maintains more than 20 distribution centers across the United States and Canada. MSI also has purchasing offices in India, China, Brazil, and Turkey. Founded in 1975, MSI imports over 38,000 containers per year and manages an inventory of over 125 million square feet, including hundreds of thousands of slabs of natural stone and quartz. MSI’s strategy is to work with our customers to enhance the homes and projects of consumers in North America by providing a wide selection of products that are innovative, affordable, and accessible from a single supplier. MSI offers the most competitively priced products with the widest selection and most rapid delivery times available. MSI’s selections include over 5,000 SKUs including natural stone (granite, marble, travertine, slate, limestone, quartzite and sandstone), porcelain, ceramic, glass and quartz. MSI accurately forecasts customer demand and manages inventory levels to ensure that all required products and services needs are provided efficiently and on time.
Artisan tradition, sustainability, and fair-trade practices. At Native Trails, this set of ethos drives the production of our handcrafted sinks, bathtubs, and vanities, which are created in partnership with global artisans using centuries old techniques and luxurious materials such as copper, glass, and fireclay. Each piece is one-of-a-kind – and truly, a functional work of art for the home.
Natural Stone Institute has served as the authoritative source of information on standards of natural stone workmanship and practice and the suitable application of natural stone products. Membership in the association is worldwide and includes nearly 2,000 natural stone producers, exporters/importers, distributors/wholesalers, fabricators, finishers, installers, and industry suppliers- all committed to the highest standards of workmanship and ethics. The Natural Stone Institute utilizes an extensive CEU speakers’ bureau to help educate kitchen & design professionals on the use of natural stone.
Family owned since 1917, Perlick Corporation manufactures commercial-quality appliances for a variety of markets. The company’s residential product line features award-winning, durable units, including industry-leading indoor and outdoor undercounter refrigerators, wine reserves, freezers, freezer and refrigerated drawers, ice makers, and beer dispensers. In 2018, the company will bring its history of innovation to the full-size appliance category with the introduction of column refrigerators, freezers, wine reserves, ranges and cooktops. A Milwaukee-based manufacturer, Perlick is dedicated to providing precision-engineered, quality, customizable food and beverage storage, cooking, and serving solutions.
At PPG, we are experts, innovators, leaders and partners. We do more than paint. We empower confident and successful outcomes for all of our customers. Our products, colors, & services are developed for all of our customers’ needs and built to perform for the job at hand, formulated with technology and innovation from a wide range of categories and industries. Our expertise is built over our 135+ years growing and evolving the paint business and informed by our global reach and understanding of customers’ needs in the global market. Our people are flexible and reliable – we think on our feet and are there when you need a partner. We’re fueled by our passion and curiosity to help you solve your next challenge.
Established in 1978 as a division of Jones Plastic & Engineering, Rev-A-Shelf’s product line began as metal, and polymer Lazy Susan components manufactured for the largest U.S. cabinet manufacturersand has since grown into the market-leadingg innovator of residential cabinet storage solutions and LED cabinet lighting. Rev-A-Shelf manufactures thousands of innovative accessories for your kitchen, bath or closet and with the acquisition of Tresco Lighting, Rev-A-Shelf offers a full line of LED lighting options for residential cabinetry and commercial display fixtures. Rev-A-Shelf’s primary markets include cabinet hardware distributors, large OEM cabinet manufacturers, Lowe’s and Menards home centers, and an array of online web resellers.
Icons of design and paragons of performance for more than 80 years, Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove are the refrigeration, cooking, and dishwashing specialists found in the world’s most luxurious homes. We are dedicated to helping you create the functional, flexible, and beautiful kitchen of your clients’ dreams.
Wilsonart, a world-leading engineered surfaces company, is driven by a mission to create surfaces people love, with service they can count on, delivered by people who care. The Company manufactures and distributes High Pressure Laminate, Coordinated TFL and Edgeband, Quartz, Solid Surface, Epoxy, and other decorative engineered surfaces for use in the office, education, healthcare, residential, hospitality, and retail markets. Operating under the Wilsonart®, Arborite®, Bushboard, Durcon®, KML, Laminart®, Mermaid™, New Leaf™, Polyrey®, Ralph Wilson®, Resopal®, Shore®, Technistone®, and Wetwall™ brands, the Company continuously redefines decorative surfaces through improved performance and award-winning designs.
Wood-Mode, founded in 1942, is the nation’s largest manufacturer of custom cabinetry for kitchens, baths and other rooms throughout the home. The company is proud to have 75 years of experience, is a family owned operation and is Made in the USA. The very best in American-made craftsmanship, Wood-Mode luxury products are the culmination of more than 75 years of precision workmanship and design leadership. Best known for our stunning, furniture-grade finishes and extensive custom capabilities, Wood-Mode delivers designer cabinetry with quality materials and personalized solutions to satisfy the most discerning homeowner.
Since 1997, San Francisco-based Zephyr has continued to bring design, innovation and technology to the forefront of the kitchen ventilation hood industry. The company has challenged the perception of what ventilation means in kitchen design and created a new awareness of the importance of a high performing ventilation system. With acclaimed talent such as artistic visionary, Fu-Tung Cheng, and industrial designer, Robert Brunner, Zephyr is able to create cutting-edge residential range hoods unlike any other company. In addition, Zephyr has pioneered ventilation hood technology with the industry’s first DCBL Suppression System, an exclusive innovation that delivers the most silent, energy efficient and performance-driven range hoods available today.
As one of six winners of the annual competition open exclusively to NKBA | KBIS student members, the burgeoning designer was awarded a scholarship.
NKBA | KBIS honors the industry’s most innovative emerging designers through its annual Design + Industry Awards, which include recognition of the six winners of the Student Design Competition, generously sponsored by Fisher & Paykel. Scholarship awards include $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second place, and $1,000 for third place. Winners will be celebrated on Monday, February 16, from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando during KBIS 2026.
This year, Cranberry Bloom by Montgomery College’s Kateryna Ponomarova earned Third Place in the Bath Category, standing out for its poetic blend of historic craftsmanship, accessibility, and thoughtful guest-centered design. The project reimagines the primary guest bath of a 1895 Craftsman bungalow in Colorado Springs, owned by retired anthropology professor Lydia Bachman, who values comfort, hospitality, and the honest beauty of traditional artistry.
A Bathroom Where Craftsmanship Meets Care
Inspired by the visionary spirit of American craft, Ponomarova envisioned a small, conventional bathroom transformed into a serene, contemporary sanctuary. Her design is guided by two core principles: prioritizing accessibility and enhancing user experience.
The layout was developed with Lydia’s guests in mind, including those who use mobility aids. Ponomarova incorporated a zero-threshold shower, proper lavatory knee clearance, strategically placed assist bars, and a clear turning radius space of 60 inches — all while maintaining a sense of visual openness.
Materiality and atmosphere play central roles. Natural, honest finishes honor Craftsman traditions: clean lines, layered horizontals, and textures inspired by nature. A bold soffit canopy creates a sense of “compression and release” at the shower entry before opening into a light-filled bay window nook. Beneath the user’s feet, slip-resistant matte porcelain tile provides safety, while its soft stone coloring reflects daylight to brighten the compact footprint. Radiant floor heating ensures comfort during Colorado’s colder months.
Design Challenges
Ponomarova’s submission successfully addressed several constraints presented in the project scenario:
Designing within an 82 sq ft footprint (expanded from 41 sq ft) while preserving required accessible clearances.
Planning two entrances to serve both the guest room and main living areas, necessitating widened 36” doorways to meet NKBA standards.
Providing a spa-like guest experience without compromising the integrity of the historic home or adjacent spaces.
Introducing a north-facing bay window to gain approximately eight sq ft, engineered to support fixtures, maintain privacy with smart glass, and deliver soft natural light throughout the day.
Enhancing guest privacy by integrating Fisher & Paykel appliances, including a CoolDrawer™ and a built-in coffee maker, so that guests can refresh without a trip upstairs.
Special Features
A series of custom and high-performance details elevate the guest experience:
48” Compact Laminate Cabinet featuring integrated Fisher & Paykel appliances, dual-height toe kicks, and accessible controls at 52” AFF.
Handcrafted 60” Soapstone Lavatory with integrated basin, 29” knee clearance, and an 11” forward extension meeting NKBA accessibility standards.
Brizo Frank Lloyd Wright® Collection rain showerhead and faucet, adding mid-century elegance and sculptural detail.
Electro-chromic Smart Glass Mirror that shifts from transparent to reflective on demand, maximizing natural light.
Kohler Eir® Smart Toilet, ADA-compliant with chair-height seating, dual flush, and integrated personal cleansing.
Custom Teak Shower Bench, wall-mounted with sculpted support and a waterproof cushioned surface for comfort and added height.
The result is a bathroom where form evokes memory—a thoughtful intersection of past and present that reflects Lydia’s values while offering her guests restorative comfort.
About the NKBA | KBIS Student Design Competition
The NKBA Student Design Competition allows emerging designers to showcase their talent on an industry-wide stage and gain invaluable visibility. Winning entries are recognized at KBIS, featured in NKBA editorial content, and awarded scholarships.
How to Enter
Open exclusively to NKBA Student Members enrolled in an educational institution at the time of submission.
Students may enter the kitchen competition, the bath competition, or both.
Entries must follow NKBA Graphics & Presentation Standards and include dimensioned drawings, renderings, a concept board, and a 500–1000-word design statement.
Projects must be submitted through Award Force, where students can upload, edit, and finalize materials.
Submission Deadline:
June 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET
Incomplete entries will be disqualified.
Awards:
First Place — $5,000
Second Place — $2,500
Third Place — $1,000
Winners also receive complimentary registration, airfare, hotel accommodations, and access to KBIS 2027 in Las Vegas.
Competition Scenario: 2025–2026 — “The Great Indoors: Texas Edition”
This year’s participants are tasked with reimagining the kitchen and primary bath of the Williams-Garcia family home in Dallas’s Preston Hollow neighborhood. The challenge invites students to design for a bustling household of five that values hospitality, family connection, and high-functioning spaces for cooking, gathering, and retreat.
Students must balance bold style, functionality, accessibility, and clever space-planning to create environments that support the family today — and adapt gracefully for years to come.
Thanks to our 2024-2025 Student Design Competition Sponsor:
Happy December! Celebrating each one of you during this special time of year. Thank you for the gifts of your time and talents!
Tremendous thanks and deepest appreciation to our outgoing Chapter Presidents, Programs Chairs, and Communications Chairs. Please continue to keep in touch and stay involved with NKBA. We’re counting on you!
For our incoming 2026 Chapter Officers, please save the January dates for our mandatory virtual NKBA Chapter Officer Trainings: Presidents (Tuesday, January 6, 4:00 PM ET; Programs Chairs (Tuesday, January 13, 3:00 PM ET); Communications Chairs (Tuesday, January 13, 4:00 PM ET); Membership Chairs (Wednesday, January 14, 3:00 PM ET); and Secretary/Treasurers (Wednesday, January 14, 4:00 PM ET). Zoom links will be sent in January.
NKBA Professional Development team is offering a special Black Friday sale on several educational programs through Sunday, January 4, 2026. All NKBA Specialty Badges are $99 (regular price $199); our 4th Edition NKBA Kitchen & Bath Planning Guidelines are $50 with free shipping; and all CKBD bundles are $200 off. Please use promo codenkbabf25 at checkout. If you have any questions, please e-mail info@nkba.org. Enjoy Cyber Monday with these great offers!
Please spread the word – register now for NKBA | KBIS 2026 before rates go up in January. Kudos to our Chapter Officers for driving registration. Leading the overall registration attendee numbers is our Georgia Chapter in first place with most registrants, followed by our Mid Atlantic and Rocky Mountain Chapters. There’s no better place to be inspired and network with the K&B industry than KBIS!
It’s party week in New York! Both Manhattan and Metro New York will hold their annual holiday events this week, with Manhattan’s holiday cruise and Metro New York’s holiday gala on December 3. Other awesome events this month include South FloridaCasino Night; Northern New England annual holiday party to support Rosie’s Place shelter; Mountain StatesWholistic Wellness Healthy Home with special guest speaker; Southern Ohio/Kentuckyholiday brunch with charcuterie class; Chicago Mid Westholiday party; Mid Atlanticholiday party in collaboration with ASID, IFDA, and AAPI Design Alliance; and many more!
Here’s to a wonderful December – we can’t wait to see you on Zoom and in person in Orlando at KBIS 2026 in February!
NKBA presents the following December Webinars with a focus on Wellness, Biophilia, and Business. Registration links below. Webinars begin at 12:00 PM ET with 0.1 CEU per webinar.
NKBA recently emailed educators to verify their school’s affiliation, which NKBA does annually to ensure accurate records. Chapter Officers, please find your state or province on this list and identify if any unverified schools fall within your chapter. If so, please email schools@nkba.org if you have a new point of contact for that school. Schools that remain unverified will be removed from the NKBA Affiliated Schools list.
Reminder! In January, we will email an invitation to all students and educators to join us at the annual Student & Educator Coffee Break at KBIS on Wednesday, February 18, 2:30 – 4:00 PM at the Orange County Convention Center.
This year’s featured speaker is Stacy McCarthy, CMKBD, who will explore important, yet often overlooked, human dimensions of design in “Spaces That Care: The Real-Life Impact of Kitchen and Bath Design.”If you’re a Chapter Officer who regularly connects with students or local schools, please email Kelly Ann Ryan (kryan@nkba.org) to request an invitation. We’d love for you to join us and help foster meaningful connections among attendees.
Government Relations
As the leading trade and professional organization in the kitchen and bath industry, NKBA is committed to educating its membership on public policy issues that affect our professional community and protecting members’ rights to practice their profession. As part of this commitment, NKBA monitors relevant legislative and regulatory developments at the state and federal levels and, where appropriate, provides information to members concerning material issues and developments. Most of these updates are sent directly to members each month via the Government Relations Newsletter. A repository of newsletters, as well as additional resources to self-advocate on issues important to you, can be found on the Government Relations webpage.
Hot topics this month include:
U.S. Energy Star Program: Environmental Protection Agency walks back plans on eliminating the Energy Star Program, a popular program whose iconic blue labels help consumers to choose energy efficient home appliances.
New York: Governor Hochul heeds the concerns of elected officials and delays the All-Electric Buildings Act which bans new gas hookups in new buildings under seven stories starting January 2026 due to shortfalls in the state’s electric grid.
Pennsylvania: House introduced Bill 2012 which would establish the state Board of Plumbing Contractors and provide for plumber and plumbing contractors licensure. We hope you benefit from the value these resources bring to you, your profession, and the kitchen & bath industry. Please reach out directly to Steven Campeau, NKBA’s Senior Manager, Global & Government Relations at scampeau@nkba.org, for any specific questions.
Professional Development
NKBA Professional Development team is offering a special Black Friday discount on educational programs through Sunday, January 4, 2026. All NKBA Specialty Badges are $99 (regular price $199); 4th Edition NKBA Kitchen & Bath Planning Guidelines are $50 with free shipping; and all CKBD bundles are $200 off. Please use promo codenkbabf25 at checkout. If you have any questions, please e-mail info@nkba.org.
Voices from the Industry (VFTI) is a valuable opportunity for learning and professional development, offering a wide range of educational sessions led by industry experts during KBIS. We encourage all members to visit the VFTI landing page at kbis.com to view the upcoming conference schedule and access the registration link. Chapter Officers receive free VFTI access throughout KBIS, and members can take advantage of discounted rates by registering early—encourage your members to register now before prices increase in January. Please help promote VFTI registration within your chapter so members don’t miss out on this enriching experience and chance to earn CEUs.
Gain CEU credits in December via NKBA Webinars. CEU reporting deadline is June 30, 2026 – earn and report today!
Cheers to our newest NKBA Specialty Badge earners!
New Members are vital to the success of NKBA and our Chapters. Please send prospective members to membership@nkba.org and we will send detailed information on member benefits, membership cost, certification, badges and more.
NKBA Membership Signup. Please share this link. If anyone needs a hard copy of the application, please email info@nkba.org. There is an updated 2025 membership application with new rates.
Company admins can remove employees who are no longer with the company directly through the company profile onwww.nkba.org.
To add new employees, please email info@nkba.org and our Member Relations Team will be happy to assist. We’ll need:
First and last names
Unique email addresses
Any employees working directly for an NKBA member company can be added at no charge—including Sales Reps who work from a home office.
If you have individuals on your roster without email addresses, please send those names to info@nkba.org as well. We’ll reach out to confirm their status with the company and, if applicable, secure an email address.
Have questions? We’re always glad to help—just reach out to info@nkba.org.
Thank you!
NKBA’s Member Relations team is always available to assist our Members and Chapters. Contact them at 1-800-843-6522 or email info@nkba.org.
Formica Earns Biobased Certification: Formica Corp. has earned the U.S. Department of Agriculture Certified Biobased Product Label for its Formica Brand Laminate. This USDA recognition reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to using sustainable materials. The label displays a product’s biobased content, which is the portion of a product that comes from a renewable source, such as plant, animal, marine, or forestry feedstocks. Utilizing renewable biobased materials displaces the need for non-renewable petroleum-based chemicals. Third-party verification for a product’s biobased content is administered through the USDA BioPreferred® Program, which strives to increase the development, purchase, and use of biobased products. Formica invented high-pressure laminate in 1913. More details here.
Image courtesy of Urban Bonfire.
True, Urban Bonfire Collaborate on Outdoor: True Caliber, a leader in luxury residential refrigeration and high-end professional grills, and outdoor cooking specialist Urban Bonfire have partnered on a new collection of outdoor kitchen layouts that made its debut at High Point Market in October. The collaboration is centered around the Rockwell Social Grill by Caliber that pairs Urban Bonfire’s powder-coated finishes with True Caliber’s signature bold hues. Hardware and layouts incorporating True’s under-counter refrigerators and refrigeration drawers are fully customizable. Refrigerators are available with paneled or glass doors. Configurations can include L-shaped, galley, straight, or other custom designs. True and Caliber Grills formed a strategic partnership in February, making True the sole manufacturer of Caliber Grills. Learn more here.
Neff Elected PMI President: Bob Neff has been elected president of the Plumbing Manufacturers International 2026 Board of Directors. Neff is an enterprise product compliance and regulatory manager for Masco Corp. and Delta Faucet Company. He succeeds Belinda Wise, a member of the Neoperl US board of directors, who will remain on the board as immediate past president. Other board members include vice president Lowell Lampen, Kohler; board secretary/treasurer Paige Riddle, LSP Products; and at-large directors Troy Benavidez, LIXIL; John Confrey, Falcon Water Technologies; Tim O’Keefe, Symmons Industries; and Kate Olinger, Uponor-GF Building Flow Solutions. Learn more about PMI here.
Industry News
40 Is the New 30: The typical age of first-time home-buyers has climbed to an all-time high of 40 years old, up from age 30 in 2010, according to the National Association of REALTORS®‘ 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. What’s more, the share of first-time home buyers dropped to a record low of 21 percent. The reasons for these swings are largely attributable to low inventory caused by a housing shortage and high mortgage interest rates. Additionally, existing homeowners with low-interest-rate loans are not eager to move and incur a higher rate, so they are opting to remodel rather than move, as they watch their home equity swell. For existing homeowners who do sell, the average age of repeat buyers is 62. More details here.
Brothers Osborne Performing at DCW: Design & Construction Week 2026 will end with the IBS Closing Concert featuring country duo Brothers Osborne, Feb. 19, 5 to 7 pm, at the Orange County Convention Center. John and JT Osborne have garnered 13 GRAMMY nominations, including a 2022 win for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. They are six-time CMA Vocal Duo of the Year winners, four-time ACM Duo of the Year winners and recipients of both the ASCAP Vanguard Award and multiple RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications. Tickets are $65 and must be purchased online. Doors open at 5, and the concert starts at 6. Register here.
Sinise to Keynote at Coverings: Registration is open for the 2026 Coverings expo at the Las Vegas Convention Center, March 30 to April 2. The organization revealed that actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise will lead a keynote-style conversation with industry leaders on April 1, 8:30 to 9:15 am. Coverings’ philanthropic arm, Coverings Cares, will make a significant contribution to the Gary Sinise Foundation, established by the actor in 2011. The foundation builds specially adapted, mortgage-free homes for America’s most severely wounded heroes, among its many programs. Attendee donations will be matched in part to further support and amplify the foundation’s ongoing efforts. Learn more and register for the show here.
Chapter Updates
Smart-Home Seminar in Indiana: The Indiana Chapter is hosting an event that blends high design and high tech on Nov. 20, 5:30 to 8:30 pm, at sponsor Lee Supply Carmel, 415 W Carmel Drive in Carmel, IN. “Home Automation Unlocked” will be an interactive evening of inspiration with Jim Kluka, an MIT-trained aerospace engineer and founder of Exceptional Home Technologies. Learn about lighting and shade control, wireless music systems, hidden sound transducers, frame TV integration, and other smart-home innovations, and earn 0.1 CEU for this event. Registration is $20 for NKBA members, $30 for non-members. More detail here.
Celebrate With Rocky Mountain: Join the Rocky Mountain Chapter for its Holiday Casino & Auction Fundraiser benefiting BuildStrong Academy. Enjoy casino games, an auction, prizes, food, drinks, and networking, all while supporting a nonprofit that trains and connects people to careers in the building trades. The party takes place Nov. 20, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, at Finelines Appliance, 19185 Lincoln Avenue in Parker, CO. Registration is $25 for NKBA members, $35 for non-members. More info here.
Party On in Tennessee: The Tennessee Chapter will welcome friends to its annual Christmas Party on Dec. 3, 6 to 8 pm, at Ann Sacks, 514 Fontana Drive in Nashville. Enjoy festive bites and drinks as the chapter celebrates the season. Admission is free with a donation to support the chapter’s Skilled Trades Workshops for Kids. Bring new, unwrapped basic tools, like hammers, screwdrivers, tape measures, nails, or beginner tool kits available at most hardware stores. Other options include unwrapped toys or non-perishable food items. Learn more here.
Go Glam With Metro New York: The Metro New York Chapter is hosting its annual holiday party Dec. 3, from 7 to 11 pm, at The Piermont, 494 Fire Island Avenue, Babylon, NY. Dress code is “Holiday Glam,” and tickets are $70 for NKBA members, $80 for non-members. The evening promises good company, great food, and DJ Xcel to keep the dance floor packed as the chapter installs its 2026 Board of Directors and honors outgoing president Jason Brathwaite. More info here.
A series of innovative celebrations highlighted the chapter’s 50th Anniversary.
By NKBA Staff
The NKBA Northern California Chapter marked its 50th anniversary this fall, celebrating five decades of community, volunteerism, and leadership in the kitchen and bath industry. For Chapter President Nureed Saeed, founder of Nu Interiors, the milestone was more than a party—it was a reflection on legacy, belonging, and the power of design to bring people together. “We wanted to celebrate our history, but also highlight the people and partnerships that make our chapter what it is,” said Saeed. “This milestone is truly about 50 years of volunteerism and connection.”
Honoring Excellence and Volunteerism
Over the past several years, the Northern California Chapter has been recognized nationally for excellence in leadership and programming—earning numerous NKBA Star Awards, including: Best President; Best Secretary/Treasurer; Best Membership Chair; Best Programs Chair; Best Student-Focused Initiative; and Best Community Initiative.
The chapter’s Student Design Symposium—created by past Programs Chair Sharon Washington—was later adopted by NKBA National as part of its learning initiatives. Its Community Initiative, developed with the Make It Home organization and Marin Foster Care Association, provides appliances to foster care parents in need through local dealers and manufacturers.
“These awards aren’t just a reflection on the council,” said Saeed. “They represent the hard work of volunteers who give their time and passion to keep this chapter thriving. It’s 50 years of volunteerism that makes this possible.”
A Year of Celebration
The 50th Anniversary Celebration on November 6 brought together members, sponsors, and friends at Lucky Strike in Alameda for a lively 1970s-themed evening filled with bowling, arcade games, dancing, a fajita and ice cream bar, and a raffle prize generously donated by SKS Appliances.
Miele provided an elegant coffee bar experience, while Luxus German Cabinetry, a Nobilia partner, served as the event’s Title Sponsor. Additional support came from Gold Sponsors All Natural Stone, Ferguson Home, and Miele; Silver Sponsors True Residential, Cosentino, Zephyr, and Kohler/Zurier; and Annual Chapter Sponsors IRG, DeWils Fine Cabinetry, Vadara, Zurier/Kohler, True Residential, BlueStar, Ferguson Home, Stoneville, and Rigg’s Distributing.
During the celebration, Saeed invited guests to contribute to a time capsule filled with member photos, notes, and mementos—symbolizing the enduring spirit of community that defines the chapter. The capsule will be hand-delivered to NKBA | KBIS Headquarters in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and entrusted to NKBA | KBIS Global President & CEO Bill Darcy for safekeeping until it’s opened at the 75th Anniversary in 2050.
The chapter also launched a digital storytelling series, “What’s Your NKBA Story?”, featuring reflections from longtime and new members—including an interview with Darcy on the meaning of community and the next era of NKBA leadership.
Looking Ahead
As the Northern California Chapter looks to its next 50 years, it does so with renewed energy and purpose. In 2026, the chapter will debut a new Design Competition in partnership with Zephyr and Modern Luxury, with winning designs featured in its Kitchen & Bath Issue next fall.
“Coming out of COVID, our goal was to rebuild connection—to make this the most inclusive, welcoming, and caring community possible,” said Saeed. “We now have more volunteers than ever. That says everything about who we are. Fifty years of volunteerism—that’s what this chapter represents. We’ve made it this far because people care. And that same love for this community will carry us through the next 50.”