Miele to build new U.S. plant: German premium appliance giant Miele has revealed plans to open its first production plant in the U.S. to serve the North American market. Potential sites are under consideration in the U.S., and the new facility is expected to begin operations at the end of 2024, ultimately with a workforce of 150. The new factory in North America will serve the U.S., Canada and Mexico with products, mainly cooking appliances, and provide shorter lead times and reduced transportation, resulting in less environmental impact. This will be Miele’s 16th production facility. It currently has eight plants in Germany, another six throughout Europe and one in China. Miele’s U.S. headquarters is in Princeton, NJ. More info here.
Caesarstone’s latest launch: Surfacing company Caesarstone has expanded its offering with a new porcelain collection and a natural stone line. Designs include natural marble, concrete and metal, featuring heightened veining, palpable textures and patterns. The porcelain offers the same non-porous health and maintenance advantages as its quartz selections. The company says its porcelain is highly durable, withstands stains and scratches, is heat-resistant and suitable for indoor or outdoor applications. Learn more here.
PDI’s brand refresh: PDI Kitchen, Bath & Lighting is marking its 50th year in business with a refreshed brand identity and new logo. Founded in 1973 as Plumbing Distributors Inc. in Lawrenceville, GA, PDI is a family-owned kitchen, bath and lighting retailer. The brand has 26 locations across Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee, including the first two Kohler Signature showrooms in the Southeast. It also runs an extensive wholesale distribution business. The new identity reflects the company’s expansion, brand evolution and modern business approach. Learn more about PDI here.
Industry News
Image provided by GE.
Smart cooktops seen at $2.3B in 8 years: The market for smart cooktops is expected to more than double from $1.1 billion to $2.3 billion in annual sales by 2031, according to Transparency Market Research. Improved design and technology, enhanced energy efficiency and lower environmental impact are credited for boosting demand. Transparency Market Research has more detail here.
Sustainability plays key role: A recent Houzz study revealed that 92 percent of homeowners incorporate sustainable features in kitchen renovations, including LED bulbs and energy-efficient appliances and windows, and water-efficient fixtures. Long-term cost savings was the top-cited reason for incorporating environmentally friendly elements, according to the survey. More here.
Lumens’ competition lights up: Lumens is holding a Design Luminaries Competition, which recognizes design students and emerging design businesses and their mentors. Entrants will conceptualize a collaborative design space, with plans for at least two of the following zones: lounge, breakout space, presentation room, sample bank showroom and main coworking space. Prizes will be awarded for current students studying design, architecture or color, as well as small businesses that have been open for at least two years. Submission is through May 19. For details and to enter, go here.
Trade Events
Green Builder Sustainability Symposium: Join Green Builder Media for its seventh annual “Sustainability Symposium 2023: The Great Conversion.” The virtual summit will be held on April 19 and 20, and will cover topics including the nation’s transition to electrification, decarbonizing the built environment, transforming urban communities and more. The forum is sponsored by Whirlpool Corp and Trane Technologies. Registration is free. Click here for more info.
Chapter News
Learn the latest NKBA Guidelines with Rocky Mountain: The Rocky Mountain Chapter will host an informative session with architect Doug Walter to discuss NKBA’s latest guidelines on April 20, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Attendees may purchase a copy of the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Planning Guidelines, Fourth Edition Spiral Bound, at a discounted price. They can pick up the guide on the night of the event at Architectural Surfaces Denver, 10000 E 40th Avenue in Denver. NKBA members are $25, non-members are $35 and there is no charge for students. Info and registration here.
Not so trivial: Join the Alaska Chapter for its annual Trivia Night on May 18, 6 to 8 p.m., at Ferguson, 151 E. 95th Avenue in Anchorage. Earn .2 CEU credits for participating in this fun evening with food, drinks and friends. Cost is $20 for NKBA members, $25 for non-members. Register here.
Independent watchdog group Consumer Reports discussed appliance testing and its implications for the home at KBIS 2026.
By NKBA Staff
In a special presentation at NKBA’s booth during KBIS 2026, Consumer Reports executives gave attendees a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what goes into product testing — using refrigerators as a specific example — and what the group has learned in 90 years of looking out for consumers’ best interests when purchasing products.
Moderator Elliot Weiler, CR’s Director of Video, was joined by panelists Breann Chai, Kitchen Test Project Leader; Daniel Wroclawski, Senior Kitchen Content Creator; and Jacob George, Account Executive of Data Intelligence.
For nearly a century, CR’s engineers and scientists have tested kitchen and bath appliances and fixtures — among many other home products — to determine how they perform in real-life conditions and help people with their buying decisions. CR, which has 63 testing labs, also surveys its consumer members to determine how products perform over time in real-world conditions, which features are worth paying for, and which brands consistently deliver.
CR updates its testing to reflect innovations in technology, which helps separate the good from the great, Weiler pointed out.
“The fridge lab has three temperature and humidity control chambers, and we use probes throughout the units to test for these qualities in different areas of the refrigerator and freezer,” Chai said. “We also test for how noisy the units are.”
Wroclawski noted that CR analyzes member surveys and market data to get a sense of what consumers really want and what they truly use in appliances, for instance, the AI features now included in various appliances. The company adds testing for certain features as it sees broader demand for them increasing.
Chai added, “Features come and go. We’ve seen an uptick in Wi-Fi-enabled refrigerators, for instance, but less than 30 percent of consumers actually hook their fridges up to the Wi-Fi.”
Today’s refrigerators often have more tech features, and ice makers and water dispensers are the two components that fail most frequently. With more features comes more opportunity for breakdowns, George added, but satisfaction also rises when more features are included.
In-house testing is just one part of the scoring process, he explained. Consumer surveys asking about how they use the products are also a major contributor. These surveys reveal what parts break more often, satisfaction levels, and reliability over a few years. “The rating is a holistic measure,” he said. “We want to know how long it lasts and how satisfied the consumer is over time. Reliability is the number-one thing consumers want in large appliances.”
Wroclawski said CR communicates directly with manufacturers about the various innovations and test-lab findings. It has encouraged two-way conversations, and one major manufacturer even tried to replicate the CR lab testing. “It’s a win-win,” he said. “Rigorous testing makes for better products.”
CR testing also answers the question of whether it’s better to repair or replace an appliance, based on the appliance’s age, price, and repair cost.
Price is not always an indicator of the most reliable performance, the panel added, however, there is a relationship between reliability and brands, and this factor is ranked on the CR website. Wroclawski said these rankings have been pretty consistent over the past few years.
The old adage, “They don’t make ’em like they used to,” is true — but that’s a good thing, the panel noted. New products are indeed made better and use energy more efficiently. CR research and testing have demonstrated a 1.5 to 2 percent improvement every year, overall, across the industry.
“Products are getting better over time,” Chai said. “Technology is becoming more uniform in terms of temperature control and the other core functions of the product. Energy efficiency has improved over the years, playing a key role in how much it costs to own the appliance, too. We are constantly looking to improve our testing, evaluation of emerging technologies, and how they will help consumers.”
Last month, NKBA launched two must-read reports—the 4Q25 Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI) Report and the 2026 Kitchen & Bath Industry Outlook Report. Be sure to visit nkba.org/research to check them out.
Marketing
NKBA presents the following March Webinars. Webinars begin at 12:00 PM ET with 0.1 CEU per webinar.
NKBA | KBIS believes in the power of professional development, and one of the most impactful ways we can support emerging kitchen and bath designers is through a formal mentorship experience. We’re proud to launch this new program, set to run from March 16 to May 15, 2026. We are working on an expedited schedule to successfully pilot this program during the second half of the spring semester. Your prompt support and outreach to chapter members will be greatly appreciated.
This initiative is exclusively for NKBA student members and is generously sponsored by KOHLER. A full academic-year mentorship program is planned for 2026–2027. Please share the mentor match form with your chapter and encourage experienced professionals to participate.
Government Relations
NKBA actively monitors legislation and public policy developments impacting the kitchen and bath industry, sharing key updates each month through our Government Relations Newsletter.
Hot topics this month include:
U.S. Energy Star Program: Congress has fully funded the Energy Star Program for 2026, and President Trump has signed the funding into law as part of a government funding bill last month.
U.S. Housing: A wide range of legislative and regulatory issues that impact the nation’s supply of affordably priced housing are being considered by Congress. Learn more here.
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
Gain CEU credits with NKBA’s webinars. CEU reporting deadline is June 30, 2026 – earn and report today!
Please join NKBA in congratulating our newest NKBA CKBD and Specialty Badge earners.
Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer(CKBD)
Danny Formica, CKBD of Pittsburgh Tri State Chapter
Congratulations to the following Specialty Badge earners:
New Members are vital to the success of NKBA and our Chapters. Please send prospective members to membership@nkba.organd 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.
Daryl Friedman, Global President and CEO of the home technology integrators association, presented the inaugural CEDIA Smart Home Tech Award.
By NKBA Staff
Smart home technology and integration is growing exponentially in residential design and construction and is becoming a more integral part of the kitchen and bath arena. Last year, NKBA was proud to partner with CEDIA, the association for smart home pros, on exclusive research examining the current state of smart home tech integration in kitchens and baths. One result of this collaboration is a design award that recognizes two professionals — a designer and an integrator.
The CEDIA Smart Home Tech Award made its debut at the Design & Industry Awards on Feb. 16, just before KBIS 2026 began its three-day run in Orlando. Daryl Friedman, Global President and CEO of CEDIA, presented the honor and a $5,000 prize to designer Jen Stockwell from Stockwell Homes inEdina, Minn., and integrator Alex Lelchuk from Lelch in Minnetonka, Minn.
“Our two organizations have forged a greater collaboration this past year, in conducting our joint research, and I know we will continue to build on this partnership for the benefit of our memberships,” Friedman said in presenting the award. “I thank Bill Darcy and the entire NKBA team for this important alliance.”
The winning project created an open-concept space in a home that was “full of promise but constrained by a fragmented and awkward layout,” according to Stockwell.
Design by: Jen Stockwell of Stockwell Homes Photo by: Bo Carlock of Spacecrafting Photography
“Originally, the space felt chopped up,” she explained. “An 18-foot fireplace divided the kitchen from the living room, westward views were hidden in a small office, and prior additions created a maze-like floor plan with misaligned windows and awkward circulation. The home lacked light, flow, and warmth, and the kitchen, though central, was isolated and inefficient.”
She said her goals were to:
Reimagine the home’s core living spaces to bring openness, natural light, and seamless flow.
Relocate the kitchen to serve as a functional and aesthetic centerpiece.
Create distinct but interconnected zones for cooking, dining, entertaining, and daily living.
Integrate sustainable materials and practices without compromising beauty or function.
Stockwell relocated the kitchen to the front of the home, opening it to sweeping westward views and connecting it to the living room. She also vaulted ceilings that had been as low as seven feet to feel spacious and architectural, with distinct beams spanning the space.
Lelchuk said his biggest challenge in designing the technology to stay consistent with the interior designer’s plan was the kitchen’s unique circumstance in terms of lighting. “It’s a hot roof and has little to no room for recessed cans,” he said. “Recessing was important because we wanted to create a quiet ceiling effect, without glare from the lights. One way to accomplish this is to use recessed lights, with deflection and/or a darker color trim, so the reflection isn’t as loud from the light. Since recessed wasn’t an option, we worked with Jen to come up with a linear solution that would reflect back onto the ceiling, essentially having the ceiling become the ‘light source.’ The light itself is hidden, so you can’t see where the light is coming from, causing the ceiling to be quiet, but still providing beautiful light.”
Besides the appliances, smart-home tech features included layered lighting, with more than 250 feet of concealed tape lighting integrated into the white oak-wrapped beams, transforming the ceiling into a glowing canopy. Adding to the comfort and beauty, a NetZero water-vapor fireplace provides ambiance without emissions or pollutants. There are motorized Lutron shades throughout the space, allowing for seamless natural light control.
Lelchuk added that the team installed custom speakers by James Loudspeaker to blend in with the architecture. “We also have beautiful glass keypads for lighting control from Lutron with custom engravings for each area,” he explained. “There’s audio throughout the home, as well on the outdoor patio, all individually zoned so each zone can play on its own or be grouped together. Finally, the TV is flat against the wall and looks like art when it’s off.”
Stockwell also implemented sustainable strategies throughout, by salvaging materials through full deconstruction, sourcing low-carbon materials, reducing construction waste and selecting Neolith sintered stone countertops with zero-waste, carbon-neutral production.
“This home is reborn, filled with light, cohesive, sustainable, and dynamic,” Stockwell noted. “Every design decision — from circulation and lighting to sculptural elements and material choices — transformed the heart of the home into a space that is functional, beautiful, and environmentally conscious.”
This year, NKBA awarded $140,000 in cash prizes to winners of the professional Design Competition in seven categories: Small, Large and Specialty Kitchen; Primary, Secondary and Powder Room Bath, and Smart Home Technology in partnership with CEDIA. The NKBA will begin accepting entries for the professional Design Competition in May, with winners honored at KBIS 2027 in Las Vegas, Feb. 2 to 4.
The Global President and CEO of NKBA | KBIS shared insights about 2025 accomplishments and plans for the year ahead.
By NKBA Staff
Despite challenges in the economy overall and the kitchen, bath and remodeling industries specifically, the sector is resilient and flexible — and the NKBA remains a strong and positive voice for advocacy and member support.
That was the overarching message from Bill Darcy, Global President and CEO of NKBA | KBIS, as he delivered the State of the Association address at the annual meeting of the membership at KBIS. He also recapped NKBA’s accomplishments in 2025 and offered observations for the year ahead.
Among the biggest challenges the industry faced in 2025 were tariffs — particularly changing tariff policies — the rising costs of building materials, the persistent labor crisis and the housing shortage, all of which contribute to consumer caution.
“There’s no way to sugarcoat it,” Darcy said. “Last year was challenging for our industry. It was a period of less-than-optimal growth. That’s better than decline, for sure, but it’s not the success we know is possible. We’ve recently been navigating a period that has lacked clarity and consistency. That poses challenges for almost everybody in our industry — including our primary consumer, the homeowner.”
Pointing to the complex tariff situation as having “upended global economic dynamics,” he said, “We’ve heard from our members that tariffs, along with continued consumer uncertainty, have generallyslowed business growth and restricted opportunities. The effects are being felt across the board, with overall increases in costs, higher prices, and decreases in margins and consumer confidence.”
But he noted that “as we confront these challenges, it’s more important than ever for our industry to have a strong, public voice — and the NKBA is proud to be that voice.”
Darcy recapped the association’s 2025 highlights:
Strong Financials: Since 2012, annual revenue has grown nearly 150 percent to over $20 million in 2025. KBIS revenue growth was 11 percent in 2025 alone. Member retention is nearly 90 percent, dues revenue is up 73 percent from 2012 to 2025, and last year, membership grew 3 percent. Sponsorships have grown by nearly 425 percent over the past 13 years, reaching $1.5 million last year.
High Point Alliance: In May, NKBA and the High Point Market Authority formed a strategic alliance partnership, uniting K&B with the home-furnishings sector. As part of this alliance, NKBA introduced a large, dedicated presence at historic Broad Hall at High Point Fall Market, demonstrating an increased focus on connecting kitchen and bath to whole-home design.
Global Connect: NKBA’s international business membership program continues to grow, adding 25 members last year. The program now represents 18 countries. The NKBA team participated at several major design fairs in the last year, in Germany, the UK, France and Brazil. The program forges strong international ties with global companies coming to the U.S. and international journalists bringing news of the North American industry to their overseas markets.
Addressing Skilled Labor: The skilled labor crisis remains a priority for NKBA and is indeed an existential problem for the entire industry. NKBA Chapters and members are engaging people interested in exploring careers in K&B and the skilled trades through scholarships, grants, career-focused events and working with the Skilled Labor Fund.
Research: A major pillar of NKBA’s work and a significant member benefit is its exclusive, proprietary research. The annual Kitchen & Bath Market Outlook and mid-year update, kitchen and bath design trends reports, quarterly Kitchen & Bath Market Index reports, and specialty studies like the Luxury Report are essential sources of insight that inform strategic business decisions in all sectors of K&B.
Looking toward the future, Darcy shared a positive outlook, noting that “things are clearly moving in the right direction. Even amid unpredictable macroeconomic forces, the growth conditions for the residential design industry remain solid.”
He cited several reasons for optimism.
“First and foremost, consumer interest is still incredibly strong. Consumers covet beautiful and functional design. They want to enjoy their homes and enhance their most important investment,” he stated. “A very high number of those homes are in or entering their prime remodeling years. Additionally, millions of homeowners remain locked into mortgages with historically low rates, which means they are still inclined to stay put and improve their existing spaces. Older homeowners, especially, are staying put and investing in their homes rather than looking to move or downsize.”
The 2026 K&B Market Outlook projects that the U.S. residential kitchen and bath industry will begin to recover in the second half of the year, returning to growth gradually after three years of contraction. U.S. K&B revenue, including materials and labor, will grow slightly to $228 billion in 2026. This growth is primarily in repair/remodeling, which is forecast to increase by +2.9 percent. In contrast, spending on new construction is expected to decline by 3 percent in 2026. Professional-led K&B spending will rise by 4.4 percent and continue to outpace DIY renovations, which will remain flat.
“We’re also tracking the effects of AI and other emerging technologies,” Darcy said. “At NKBA, we’re making significant investments in AI to streamline operations, and many of our members — designers, in particular — are increasingly using it as a tool to better meet customers’ needs. AI, along with sustainable design, are two trends defining the future of our industry.”
This sector is a bellwether for the overall economy, especially consumer sentiment, Darcy added. “The NKBA is focused on keeping our industry competitive, relevant, and thriving. That means staying front-footed with our advocacy colleagues in Washington, coordinating closely with our international partners, and leveraging our research and relationships to keep you ready for whatever comes next.”
Darcy concluded by urging members to participate in NKBA research and to take surveys through the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Pro Hub. He called on the membership to join efforts to mitigate the skilled labor shortage, and finally, he encouraged everyone to believe in the strength and resilience of the industry.
“Consumers continue to want what we can deliver: beautiful spaces and products that make their lives better,” he said. “We’re smart, and we’re prepared. We know how to stay ready to seize opportunity when the time is right. There’s incredible power in this collective. We do better when we work together. I’m very confident in our shared future, and you should be, too.”
IAPMO, an international leader in product certification across global markets, detailed the process and significance of product verification in entering the North American market.
By NKBA Staff
The U.S. is a very desirable market for international brands, but navigating the entry and compliance process can be tricky — even for companies with certifications in other countries.
Global Connect, NKBA’s international business membership program, presented an informative session at KBIS 2026 in Orlando with Global Connect Advisor IAPMO, a global leader in protecting public health and safety through codes and standards development, product and systems testing, evaluation and certification, personnel training and certification and industry research.
John Watson, IAPMO vice president of Industry Relations and Business Development, offered insights on certifying products to comply with U.S. standards to orchestrate a successful entry in North America. As a Global Connect advisor, IAPMO is available to provide strategic advice to Global Connect members who subscribe to the program.
“International companies might have certifications for other countries, but the U.S. is different,” said Watson. “There are federal, state and local regulations and codes, so independent certification is expected to comply in North America. And local codes can vary greatly, so a code certification agency like IAPMO can help on all levels. It’s one place for all compliance needs.”
Certification inspires consumer trust, which is the ultimate goal, he added. In the U.S., there is a general conformity about plumbing rules and product testing, lead content in drinking water, water efficiency and electrical safety. When products are certified and carry recognizable certification marks, visible on the products, this attests that they are safe to use.
Watson said the approval path includes determining the scope of the product’s function, applicable standards, performance requirements of the materials used, documentation of how the product is made to know that it’s safe, and that the certification markings are visible to inspectors. Certification also includes product testing and follow-up inspections to ensure that products are safe over time. IAPMO maintains listings and records of inspections to continue validation.
“Standards evolve with new technologies and product innovation, and your partner should, too,” Watson said. “IAPMO also helps shield the products from trademark infringement and counterfeiting — it’s a kind of ‘policing’ service.”
Validation and certification make market entry easier, he noted, advising companies to start the process early, understand the standards, expect variations and use certification strategically. “There are some 40,000 jurisdictions in the U.S., all subject to interpreting codes,” he concluded. “The U.S. is a very profitable market, and to do business here, you need a good third-party certification agency.”
NKBA Global Connect is designed to build awareness of the North American market for global brands and help them gain a deeper understanding of doing business across the region.
The initiative offers valuable benefits to foreign companies exploring entry or looking to increase their market presence in North America. It also brings international business journalists — this year, from the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Brazil — to KBIS to learn about the innovations, technologies, and new products emerging in the U.S. and Canada and share in their markets.
The Global President and CEO of NKBA | KBIS shared insights about 2025 accomplishments and plans for the year ahead, before introducing futurist Jaye AnnaMize of Future Snoops for the State of the Industry presentation.
By NKBA Staff
Despite challenges in the economy overall and the kitchen, bath and remodeling industries specifically, the sector is resilient and flexible — and the NKBA remains a strong and positive voice for advocacy and member support.
That was the overarching message from Bill Darcy, Global President and CEO of NKBA | KBIS, as he delivered the State of the Association address at the annual meeting of the membership at KBIS. He also recapped NKBA’s accomplishments in 2025 and offered observations for the year ahead.
Among the biggest challenges the industry faced in 2025 were tariffs — particularly changing tariff policies — the rising costs of building materials, the persistent labor crisis, and the housing shortage, all of which contribute to consumer caution.
“There’s no way to sugarcoat it,” Darcy said. “The last year was challenging for our industry. It was a period of less-than-optimal growth. That’s better than decline, for sure, but it’s not the success we know is possible.”
Pointing to the complex tariff situation as having “upended global economic dynamics,” he said, “We’ve heard from our members that tariffs, along with continued consumer uncertainty, have generallyslowed business growth and restricted opportunities… [and caused] higher prices and decreases in margins and consumer confidence.”
But he noted that “as we confront these challenges, it’s more important than ever for our industry to have a strong, public voice — and the NKBA is proud to be that voice.”
Darcy recapped the association’s 2025 highlights:
Strong Financials: Since 2012, annual revenue has grown nearly 150 percent to over $20 million in 2025. KBIS revenue growth was 11 percent in 2025 alone.
High Point Alliance: In May, NKBA and the High Point Market Authority formed a strategic alliance partnership, uniting K&B with the home-furnishings sector. As part of this alliance, NKBA introduced a dedicated presence at Broad Hall at High Point Fall Market, demonstrating an increased focus on connecting kitchen and bath to whole-home design.
Global Connect: NKBA’s international business membership program added 25 members last year and now represents 18 countries. The NKBA team participated at several major design fairs in the last year, in Germany, the UK, France and Brazil.
Addressing the Skilled Labor Crisis: The skilled labor crisis is a priority for NKBA. Chapters and members are helping people interested in exploring careers in K&B and skilled trades through scholarships, grants, career-focused events and working with the Skilled Labor Fund.
Looking toward the future, Darcy noted that “even amid unpredictable macroeconomic forces, the growth conditions for the residential design industry remain solid. Consumer interest is still incredibly strong, and they want to enjoy their homes and enhance their most important investment. Many of those homes are in or entering their prime remodeling years, and millions of homeowners remain locked into mortgages with historically low rates, which means they are still inclined to stay put and improve their existing spaces. Older homeowners, especially, are staying put and investing in their homes rather than looking to move or downsize.”
The 2026 K&B Market Outlook projects that the U.S. residential kitchen and bath industry will begin to recover in the second half, returning to growth gradually after three years of contraction. U.S. kitchen and bath revenue, including materials and labor, will grow slightly to $228 billion in 2026. This growth is primarily in repair/remodeling, which is forecast to increase by +2.9 percent. In contrast, spending on new construction is expected to decline by 3 percent in 2026.
“The NKBA is focused on keeping our industry competitive, relevant, and thriving. That means staying front-footed with our advocacy colleagues in Washington, coordinating closely with our international partners, and leveraging our research and relationships to keep you ready for whatever comes next.”
Darcy concluded by urging members to participate in NKBA research and surveys, to join efforts to mitigate the skilled labor shortage, and finally, to believe in the strength and resilience of the industry.
“Consumers continue to want what we can deliver: beautiful spaces and products that make their lives better,” he said. “We’re smart, and we’re prepared. There’s incredible power in this collective. We do better when we work together. I’m very confident in our shared future, and you should be, too.”
State of the Industry
Following his address, Darcy introduced Jaye Anna Mize to deliver the State of the Industry presentation. Mize, a highly respected creative strategist, trend forecaster, and prominent voice for future-forward design and innovation, is Vice President of Advisory + Partnerships at Future Snoops, a global trend forecasting agency that helps brands develop insight-driven strategies that future-proof their businesses.
She shared key five insights about how the home is changing and how behavior is shifting, what this means for consumers, and in turn, for designers.
• Beyond the Dream Home: The classic timeline — grow up, finish school, find a partner, buy a house, have kids — is out the window. Millennials and Gen Z don’t prioritize the same lifestyle as their parents. They have increasingly more debt, have watched housing volatility, climate change and labor instability unfold, and permanence doesn’t feel real. “These generations don’t care about marriage, formality, or staying put,” Mize said. “They want experiences. They don’t want white picket fences. So when the timeline shifts, the question shifts with it. Instead of asking ‘What does my dream kitchen look like?’ — consumers increasingly ask, ‘How do I make this kitchen work better for the next five to seven years?’ That isn’t a stylistic change. It’s a structural recalibration.”
Instead of chasing transformation, they’re prioritizing efficiency, adaptability, and everyday usability. And that’s where the definition of premium begins to change. Premium is no longer defined primarily by size or visual drama. Increasingly, it’s defined by how well a space performs over time.
“Consumers aren’t stepping away from improving their homes,” she said, “but the model of improvement is changing. Instead of asking how much more they can build, consumers are asking how well their existing space performs. They improve circulation rather than enlarge footprints. They refine storage logic rather than layer finishes. They invest in ease of use rather than visual scale.”
• Preservation: “This next shift is more existential,” Mize said. “For decades, luxury in the home was defined by refinement. Delicate materials. Rare finishes. Surfaces chosen for how they looked, not how they lived. That logic worked when stability was assumed, but stability is no longer assumed.”
Consumers today live with visible economic, environmental and social volatility, which changes the emotional role of the home. The home is no longer just an expression of taste. It’s becoming a form of protection — from rising costs, environmental exposure, health concerns and general uncertainty about the future. This shifts the definition of premium from refined to reliable. The home is increasingly treated as infrastructure to protect — and kitchen and bath are where that shift is most visible.
• Streamlined Shopping: The first two points addressed what consumers want from their homes. This shift is about how they decide. This is where AI comes in, as it reshapes discovery. It used to be that the journey began with exploration with a design professional. Now, savvy consumers often arrive having already researched layouts, compared products, and formed preliminary shortlists online— before a designer or showroom ever enters the picture. “What we’re seeing is a move from open-ended discovery toward guided decision-making,” she said. “Clients still want support. They want faster clarity, and confirmation that their choices will work. Reassurance that they’re avoiding costly mistakes. The question shifts from ‘What can we show them?’ to ‘How quickly can we help them decide with confidence?’”
Designers feel this shift before anyone else, Mize observed. Clients come in with screenshots, saved boards and shortlists already formed. The questions have changed too — it’s no longer ‘what are my options?’ It’s ‘will this work, will this last, will this fit the budget?’ The conversation starts at validation, not discovery.
• The Kitchen Community: Over the past few decades, the spatial hierarchy of the home has been quietly collapsing. Only about 14 percent of new homes now include a dedicated formal dining room — down dramatically from the mid-Nineties when they were standard. At the same time, roughly three-quarters of new homes now integrate the kitchen directly into the main living area. That structural change concentrates daily life into fewer shared spaces. And the kitchen absorbs the role of gathering space, work zone, hosting environment, and emotional anchor.It has evolved from a functional workspace into the primary social infrastructure of the home.
Younger generations place less value on formal hosting and more on frequent, informal gathering. Gen Z increasingly treats cooking as shared activity, social ritual, even content creation. The most meaningful moments in the home now happen around food — not in rooms designed for presentation. That’s why the kitchen has become the emotional center of the home — not because design trends say so, but because daily life demands it.
• Lifestyle Living: This final shift is less about the house itself and more about the role design plays in how people live. “For decades, home decisions were mostly contained within the category. Now, design operates across a lifestyle ecosystem,” she explained. “A hotel stay influences how someone thinks about their bathroom. A clothing brand shapes their color palette at home. A café informs how they imagine their kitchen should feel.
The home stops being a separate design project. It becomes part of a continuous lifestyle expression. Lifestyle living reflects a shift from designing rooms to designing alignment.”
Mize concluded that homes have become part of broader lifestyle expression, and that design has shifted from decoration toward coherence. “The home is no longer aspirational theater. It is the infrastructure for modern life. The industry that designs for that reality — that builds for how people actually live, not how we once imagined they would — will lead what comes next.”
Nurturing Collaboration: How Designers and Builders Can Meet Each Other’s Expectations 0.1 CEUsJennifer Hutton, Principal Designer and Creative Director, Grau Design Studio
In an effort to bridge the gap between design and construction, this session will dive into the specifics of how designers and builders/contractors can work together to create a collaborative environment. This session illustrates how to overcome the disconnect between designers and builders, illustrated with real-life examples, tips, tricks, and firsthand experience.
This session will focus on effective communication among all parties involved in a project, helping attendees better articulate and market their own value while understanding the value of others. It will also explore the building process to illustrate key construction timeline needs, offering practical ways to set expectations and prepare for common questions.
Explore the potential profit of expanding your kitchen and bath business to include closet design and installation. This comprehensive presentation will guide you through the basics of closet design, highlighting how incorporating closets can meet evolving consumer demands and enhance your service offerings. We’ll discuss the importance of lighting in closet design, demonstrating that it’s not just for luxury clients, but can be a valuable feature for all. The session will also cover the latest trends and standards in the closet industry, providing you with practical insights on how to seamlessly integrate closet projects into your existing workflow.
Beyond the Bottom Line: Interpreting Contractor Estimates to Empower Your Clients 0.1 CEUsJen Fiorenza, AKBD, Director of Preconstruction, The English Contractor Craig Russell, Owner and Founder, The English Contractor
As kitchen and bath designers, you are often your clients’ most trusted advisor throughout the renovation process. Yet when it comes to reviewing contractor estimates, many homeowners feel overwhelmed by technical jargon, unclear scopes, and inconsistent formats. This session equips designers with the tools and terminology to confidently guide clients through the evaluation of bids for kitchen and bath projects.
This presentation breaks down typical cost structures, identifying red flags, and clarifying key inclusions and exclusions. Attendees will learn how to spot discrepancies between bids, recognize the difference between allowances and fixed pricing, and ask the right questions.
Whether you’re reviewing a comprehensive proposal or a one-page quote, you’ll leave this session with the insight to advocate for your clients’ budget, timeline, and expectations, while fostering better communication between designers and builders.
Tackling a 21st century kitchen remodel in a century old home can be a daunting task, but being prepared for the typical obstacles can make it less stressful. Being prepared to manage hazardous material mitigation, historic architectural review boards, and unrealistic client expectations can minimize issues and pave the road for positive reviews. Attendees will learn how to develop a project scope that meets the needs of the client while paying homage to the historic fabric of the site.
Home Sweet Home: Tailoring Spaces for Autism and Aging in Comfort0.1 CEUsCatherine Deutschlander, CKBD, Owner | Founder | Designer, CW Design PLLC
Design, Aging in Place (Comfort), and Autism. What do they have in common? The answer lies in their emphasis on perspective and the unique needs of individuals. This presentation aims to highlight the critical importance of thoughtful design that accommodates those who are aging and wish to remain in their homes, as well as individuals with autism.
We will specifically delve into the design of essential areas in a home, including the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom—the spaces where daily life unfolds. You will learn how to create environments that are not only functional but also enhance comfort, safety, and accessibility for these populations.
Join Carol Chiang for an inspiring presentation on transforming bathrooms into spaces that blend stunning design with comfort and safety for aging individuals. An occupational therapist, Carol will share how to overcome the misconception that accessible bathrooms are institutional and sterile. Audience members will discover how strategic planning and thoughtful design can not only enhance home value but also reduce stress during unexpected transitions.
Learn firsthand how Carol collaborates with clients to create personalized, stylish, and functional bathrooms that cater to individual lifestyles. From innovative design solutions to practical tips, you’ll gain actionable insights to implement in your next bathroom remodel. Whether you’re a homeowner, interior designer, or architect, this session promises to redefine accessibility by demonstrating how luxurious and accessible design can seamlessly coexist.
Slab Savvy: How to Hire the Right Team for Porcelain Slab Projects 0.1 CEUsNathan Parsons, CEO, The Porcelain Slab Co.
Porcelain slabs are transforming the way we design kitchens, offering unmatched durability, sleek aesthetics, and expansive surfaces. But unlike traditional materials, fabricators are often scared to work with the material. Add the investment of some specialized equipment and labor to get fabricated and installed correctly, and not every trade pro is up to the task.
In this essential session for kitchen and bath designers, we’ll dive into the core knowledge you need to make smart decisions when selecting fabricators and installers for porcelain slab work. You’ll learn why designer education is critical, how to spot red flags, and what questions to ask before trusting your design to a team.
Do you struggle talking to clients about expectations of finishes? Do you struggle understanding the difference in wood species or how to help a client navigate through those decisions?
Wood species conversations tend to be one of the most common issues between designers and clients, or designers and designers. Expectations are high and sometimes unrealistic, especially when it comes to exotics or ‘livelier’ wood characteristics. Understanding different wood species options and their characteristics is the first step to having successful conversations with clients.
Join Sarah to learn about the characteristics of common wood species and gain tips on effectively explaining expectations for select finishes.
12 Ways AI Can Make More Money, Save Time, and Reduce Rework and Stress0.1 CEUsJeff Wilson, Profit Improvement Specialist, LoomView Enterprises LLC
The kitchen and bath industry is experiencing a revolutionary transformation through AI-powered agentic systems that are dramatically improving profitability, efficiency, and client satisfaction. This intensive session shows 12 critical AI business functions specifically designed for remodelers and designers to deliver immediate, measurable ROI.
This session goes beyond theory to provide actionable implementation strategies, checklists, and insider tips. You’ll learn how AI re-engagement systems can reactivate dormant leads, how AI contract managers can add 2-4 points to your profit margins, and how AI project managers predict and prevent costly delays before they happen. Whether you’re struggling with lead follow-up, design revisions, project management, or financial tracking, this session provides specific AI solutions with proven results.
This session will educate members of the kitchen and bath industry on the importance of intellectual property (IP), including trademarks, trade dress, copyrights, and patents. It will provide practical advice on managing IP and determining when to engage legal counsel.
The Power of the In-Between: Why the Middle Matters More Than Ever 0.1 CEUsTressa Samdal, Senior Director of Marketing and Product Management, Panaria Group USA & Florida Tile
Stuck between minimalism and maximalism, today’s consumers are carving out a new space that feels expressive, curated, and emotionally grounded. Enter Medium-ism, a fresh design direction that embraces contrast, layers with intention, and celebrates the middle path.
In this upbeat and eye-opening session, we’ll explore emerging style movements that resonate with the mainstream, including Tailored Prep, Vogue Crafted, Nordic Noir, Colorful Cottage, and Mid-Century Academia. These styles reflect the evolving needs for individuality, comfort, and stability. Discover how each style tells a deeper story and how to use them to create homes that are as meaningful as they are modern. You’ll leave with a new framework for design that’s practical, personal, and anything but boring.
Julee regularly attends design shows in Europe, where she gathers insights into emerging trends that often appear in the U.S. about 18 months later. She’ll share the latest kitchen and bath trends observed in Europe in 2024. The audience will explore how to adapt these trends for North American designs, covering everything from color schemes and tiling, to appliances and lighting.
Skill Building for Success: Life-Long Professional Growth0.1 CEUsSarah Cravy, Assistant Professor, Cañada College Anjana Joshi, Assistant Professor, Cañada College
Continuous professional learning and development have become key in our fast-paced society. Join Professors Sarah Cravy and Anjana Joshi from Cañada College, winners of this year’s NKBA Excellence in Education Award, to craft a continuing education plan that will keep your design firm or showroom team at the peak of their abilities. Discover which foundational skills your staff should learn in a formal educational setting, and how to help them build on those skills in the workplace. Apply the principles of adult learning to craft a thoughtful plan for talent development instead of an ad-hoc approach. Be inspired by real-life case studies showcasing successful career-long learning programs in design firms and showrooms. Attendees will leave with a fresh outlook on professional learning and actionable plans for keeping up with today’s market skills.
Join David Shove-Brown as he unveils the secrets to fostering a vibrant company culture that drives brand identity and fuels competitive advantage in today’s dynamic marketplace. Through his rich leadership experience and infectious energy, David shares actionable insights on empowering employees to shape their careers, fostering genuine office interactions, and creating a culture that attracts top talent and loyal clients alike. Discover how to leverage your company’s culture not just as a tool for internal engagement and retention, but as a powerful magnet for external marketing and growth.
Perfect Partners: Building the Best Team to Deliver Remarkable Results 0.1 CEUsAndrew Risinger, CMKBD – Co-Owner, Sales and Design, Kitchen, Bath & Home
Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned professional, success in the kitchen and bath industry depends on the strength of your team. In this session, “Perfect Partners” explores how to build a trusted team of co-workers, designers, material specialists, project managers, and labor providers—both within your company and through outside partnerships—to consistently deliver outstanding results. This session is designed for any professional in the kitchen and bath industry. We’ll explore how Sales, Production, and Administrative teams can work with a “for each other” mindset, fostering collaboration rather than internal conflict. You’ll also learn how to identify external partners who align with your vision through clear communication, shared expectations, and a commitment to exceptional service.
By building the right partnerships, you’ll discover how people—not just products or processes—are the key to delivering exceptional results for your clients.
Join Rebecca West, founder of Seriously Happy Homes, for an insightful workshop tailored for residential interior designers. In this session, you will learn her proven “D.E.C.I.D.E.” method, honed over 17 years of helping thousands of clients navigate the complexities of design decision-making.
Discover the six essential components of this proprietary method, understand common pitfalls that hinder client decisions, and acquire practical tools to empower your clients in making informed choices. Enhance your ability to facilitate quick decisions, strengthen client trust, and elevate your role as a designer.
Get Your Remodeling Website Cited by Google’s AI.1 CEUsMike Goldstein, Founder, Kitchen Remodeling SEO
Remodelers have spent years learning how to show up in Google search results—optimizing websites, getting reviews, and targeting the right local keywords. But with the rollout of Google’s AI Overviews (SGE), everything is shifting. Traditional SEO isn’t enough. If your website isn’t structured for AI search, it may get skipped entirely. In this session, we’ll unpack six recently filed Google patents that reveal exactly how AI-powered search decides what content to cite. You’ll learn what types of pages Google’s systems scan, how it selects sources, and how remodelers can adjust their content strategy to stay visible.
Learn about creating a strategic approach to enhancing influence among Generation Z through a tailored interior design marketing strategy. As both an interior designer and marketing strategist, Nicholas Lindsey understands the importance of merging creativity with digital fluency to captivate today’s audience. Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, values authenticity, visual appeal, and sustainability, making them a prime demographic for our efforts on Instagram and YouTube.
Create Scroll-Stopping Images with Architectural Photography0.1 CEUsAdam Gibson, CMKBD, Architectural Photographer, Adam Gibson Design Kara Kavensky, Photographic Assistant, Adam Gibson Design
You invest immense thought, skill, and creativity into creating exceptional designs, but are your photographs capturing the full impact of your work? Do your images stand out in a feed full of flawless design content? Gain valuable insights on how to try it yourself, and discover the essential questions to ask when hiring!
We explore the critical distinction between hiring a general photographer and engaging a specialized Architectural Photographer—a professional trained to translate architectural vision into compelling visual narratives.
Architectural photography is more than documentation. It’s a deliberate, detail-oriented process that guides the viewer’s eye to form, materiality, scale, and spatial relationships—the very elements that define your design intent. From exteriors to interiors, you’ll uncover how images can either elevate or dilute your work—and how to ensure your portfolio communicates the depth of your design.
Led by a Certified Professional Photographer with a dual background in architectural design, this session offers designers practical insights into creating scroll-stopping imagery that does justice to the built environment.
You put tons of effort into creating great projects, but do you employ photography that best represents your exquisite designs? Do your images compare to those in international design magazines? This program will explain the difference between hiring a photographer and hiring an architectural photographer.
Translating your vision into imagery is a detailed process that directs the viewer’s eye to what you want them to see. Whether exteriors or interiors, you’ll learn how some get it wrong and how to avoid those mistakes. Learn from a Certified Professional Photographer with a dual career as an architectural designer.
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Day 2 of KBIS 2026 is officially here, and the NKBA | KBIS Booth (#S25850) is the place to be. Whether you’re looking to refresh your professional image with a free headshot, dive into the latest industry research at the K&B Pro Hub Reception, or explore global innovations from Italy and beyond, today’s lineup is packed with value. Join us for a full day of “rapid-fire” brand spotlights, insider testing secrets, and networking events designed to help your business shine.
Here is a look at today’s programming:
9:00 am – 5:00 pm:Free Professional Headshots
Visit the NKBA | KBIS Booth (#S25850) for a free professional headshot, sponsored by Ferguson Home.
10:30 am – 11:15 am: The Kitchen & Bath Pro Hub Reception
The Kitchen & Bath Pro Hub is NKBA’s innovative online research community. Founded last year, this powerful platform connects pros across the industry, and delivers cutting-edge insights and the the knowledge needed for success in this ever-evolving sector. Carrie Kennedy, NKBA Research Manager, will take a deep dive into the progress, insights, and standout moments that defined the Hub over the past year. She’ll highlight the resources that drove the most engagement, and explore the trends and conversations that helped elevate the K&B community. Attendees will get a clear view of how the Hub is evolving and what professionals find most valuable in this collaborative space. After the overview, enjoy a relaxed mix-and-mingle, spark new connections, share ideas, and celebrate another year of growth and innovation across the industry. And if you haven’t joined the K&B Pro Hub yet, this is the perfect chance to stop in, learn what the Hub offers, and get signed up on the spot. It’s free to join for NKBA members!
11:30 am – 12:30 pm:NKBA Global Connect Brand Spotlight: SCHOTT & IAPMO
Noëlle C. Lavery, Director of NKBA Global Connect, hosts Brand Spotlights — rapid-fire presentations with Q&A by new-to-KBIS international brands and global partners — highlighting innovative products for the North American market.
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm:NKBA Global Connect Custom Event: L&S Lighting – We Make Your Project Shine!
L&S Lighting’s event celebrates Italian light, design, inspiration, and the art of illumination, where refined aesthetics meet advanced LED technology. Discover how L&S creates functional, bespoke, architectural lighting that’s easy to install. Its latest residential solutions blend elegance, innovation, and user-centric design, transforming everyday spaces into comfortable and stylish experiences. Enjoy Italian bites and a glass of wine while learning how “we make your projects shine!”
2:15 pm – 3:15 pm: Secrets from Consumer Reports’ 90 Years of Product Testing – and What They Mean for Your Home
Ever wonder what goes on in the Consumer Reports labs? For 90 years, CR’s engineers and scientists have tested kitchen and bath appliances — among many other home products — to determine how they perform in real-life conditions and help people make regret-free buying decisions. Every year, CR’s testing and member surveys reveal which products perform best over time, along with the features worth paying for and the brands that consistently deliver. In this lively panel discussion, CR’s testing, data, and content insiders share lesser-known truths gleaned from decades of evaluations. Attendees will gain evidence-based insights on what truly matters when choosing products for a well-designed, better-performing home—and have the chance to get their questions answered by CR’s pros.
Host: Elliot Weiler, Director, Video. Panelists: Breann Chai, Kitchen Test Project Leader; Daniel Wroclawski, Sr. Kitchen Content Creator; Jacob George, Account Executive, Data Intelligence
3:30 – 5:00 pm: NKBA Global Connect Custom Event: SCHOTT
The Hidden Ingredient Experience
Great kitchens, homes, and futures are built on hidden ingredients. Like seasoning in a delicious dish, SCHOTT® glass is rarely noticed, but it’s essential to what modern kitchens can do. Discover how SCHOTT glass-ceramic and specialty glass draws on 130+ years of experience to enable performance under extreme heat and stress, unlock sleek design freedom, and support more durable, innovative, energy-smart solutions for the home.
Winners were honored at the Design & Industry Awards, Feb. 16, at KBIS in Orlando.
By NKBA Staff
Winners of the NKBA’s 2024-2025 Student Design Competition demonstrated thoughtful planning, technical acumen, and creative design as they showcased their aesthetic expertise in the most recent contest.
The competition is generously sponsored by Fisher & Paykel, and winners were recognized at KBIS 2026 during the Design + Industry Awards.
Aspiring designers could submit entries for kitchens and/or bathrooms. There is no fee to enter the competition (or to become a student member), and participants must be NKBA student members enrolled in an educational institution at the time of entry.
In the bath category, first place went to Emma Bunz, 20, of Lakeland College, while Allison Hedrick, 33, of Portland Community College, took home the top prize for her kitchen design.
Judges included Rebecca Sutton, CMKBD, CKBR, senior designer at Kitchen Design Concepts in Dallas; Jenni Russell, CMKBD, of Design in Perspective in Colorado Springs, CO; and Paula Kennedy, CMKBD, owner of Timeless Kitchen Design in Seattle and an educator at the Heritage School of Interior Design.
The winners are:
Kitchen
First Place: Allison Hedrick, Portland Community College, Portland, OR
Second Place: Rachel Mendoza, Georgian College, Barrie, Ontario
Third Place: Kateryna Ponomarova, Montgomery College, Rockville, MD
Bath
First Place: Emma Bunz, Lakeland College, Vermilion, Alberta
Second Place: Catherine Wright, Century College, White Bear Lake, MN
Third Place: Kateryna Ponomarova, Montgomery College, Rockville, MD
Entries were judged on visual appeal, creativity, the elements and principles of design, the NKBA’s 4th Edition Kitchen & Bath Planning Guidelines, NKBA Graphics & Presentation Standards, and how well the designers met their client’s needs. More than 200 students entered, competing for scholarships of $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second place, and $1,000 for third place. Winners also received complimentary KBIS registration, an expo pass, a ticket to the awards and opening night party, airfare, and lodging. The 2025-2026 Student Design Competition is open and accepting entries through June 5, 2026.
More than 300 NKBA chapter officers from across the United States and Canada gathered in Orlando, FL, this week for NKBA | KBIS Leader2Leader (L2L), the annual leadership summit designed exclusively for the association’s volunteer chapter leaders.
Held each year the day before KBIS officially opens, Leader2Leader brings together representatives from NKBA’s 70 chapters for a full day of inspiration, education, and collaboration. The exchange of ideas, energy, and best practices makes L2L one of the most anticipated events of the year.
This year’s program was made possible through the generous support of Platinum Sponsors Cosentino, Fabuwood, Kohler, and Miele, along with Gold Sponsor Kichler Lighting.
Leadership Welcome and Industry Commitment
NKBA | KBIS Board Chair Kerrie Kelly, CEO and Creative Director of Kerrie Kelly Studio, opened the event at the Orange County Convention Center, welcoming attendees “from across the continent” and thanking them for the “time, energy, and heart” they dedicate to their chapters throughout the year.
Kelly introduced the NKBA | KBIS Board of Directors, including Vice Chair Scott Edmunds of Kohler; Secretary/Treasurer Michael Gross of Whirlpool; and board members Eduardo Cosentino of Cosentino Group, Nicola Bertazzoni of Bertazzoni Group; Jill Ehnes of Delta Faucet Company; and Peri Friedman of Fabuwood. She also recognized two new board members: Alena Capra, CMKBD, of Alena Capra Studio, and Vijay Shankar of Coleto Group.
Kelly acknowledged NKBA Global President and CEO Bill Darcy before introducing Deb Webb, NKBA Executive Vice President, Operations and KBIS. Webb expressed gratitude to chapter officers for their ongoing leadership.
“You’re the ones building community and showing up month after month,” she said. “You are the driving force in our industry and an inspiring example to your members.”
Webb also thanked the event sponsors, whose support enabled more 330 chapter officers to attend L2L and KBIS.
Investing in the Future Workforce
Special guest Mark Pursell, President and CEO of the National Housing Endowment (NHE), addressed the group on the critical need for skilled labor initiatives and workforce education in the homebuilding industry.
Bill Darcy joined him onstage to present a $50,000 check to NHE’s Skilled Labor Fund, reinforcing NKBA’s longstanding commitment to addressing workforce challenges.
In a surprise announcement, Pursell introduced a new Chapter Star Award for Best Skilled Labor Event, presenting the inaugural honor to NKBA’s San Diego Chapter. The award will become a permanent category within the Chapter Star Awards program.
Expanding Industry Partnerships
Leader2Leader also welcomed representatives from the High Point Market Authority, reflecting NKBA’s strategic partnership formed last year. Through this collaboration, NKBA established a dynamic hub in Broad Hall at High Point Market, integrating kitchen, bath, design, and luxury lifestyle into the broader whole-home conversation.
Inspired by Patty Dominguez of Cosentino and designed by Kerrie Kelly, the NKBA space became a vibrant gathering point during the Fall Market. High Point Market Authority President and CEO Tammy Covington highlighted the value of attending both spring and fall markets and shared updates on continued collaboration between the two organizations.
Keynote: Building Momentum Through Excitement
Keynote speaker Chip Wade energized attendees with his presentation, Built to Be Excited: Turning Work into Momentum. Drawing from a recent large-scale, design-forward build, Wade illustrated how intentionally building excitement into a project creates the momentum needed to move teams from concept to completion.
Through compelling visual storytelling, Wade explored how to spark anticipation early, maintain focus through the inevitable “messy middle,” and finish strong with pride and purpose. He emphasized that clarity, thoughtful planning, visible progress, and disciplined execution naturally elevate engagement and results.
New Programs and Milestone Celebrations
Kelly Buchsbaum, NKBA Director, Chapters & Professional Development, thanked the hundreds of chapter officers for their dedication and commitment and introduced the NKBA team, including Kristin Shechter, Melissa Flynn, Elizabeth Mace, Kelly Ann Ryan, and Robert Novellino.
Kelly Ann Ryan, Sr. Manager, Professional Development, unveiled new initiatives to launch in 2026, including a Student Mentor Program and a new-to-KBIS VFTI Wine & Design program featuring spotlight panel discussions.
In another first, NKBA invited the University of Alabama Student Chapter to attend Leader2Leader, with chapter officers and advisors participating in both L2L and KBIS programming.
NKBA Chapters Engagement Manager Kristin Shechter recognized the five chapter officers who were inducted into the class of 2026 Thirty Under 30 program. She also congratulated three chapters on milestone anniversaries this year. Texas Gulf Coast, Texas Hill Country, and Texas North Plains each marked 25 years of service and were honored with Silver Anniversary awards.
Melissa Flynn, NKBA Chapters & Skilled Trades Manager, encouraged all 70 chapters to develop skilled trades events this year and to apply for the NHE Skilled Labor Fund grant. Earlier in the L2L program, Flynn introduced keynote speaker Chip Wade, who also has a focus on building up the trades.
Recognizing Excellence: Chapter Star Awards
A highlight of Leader2Leader each year is the NKBA Chapter Star Awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding leadership and innovative programming across chapters.
This year’s Best Chapter Events winners included:
Best Collaboration: Prairie Provinces and British Columbia
Best Community Initiatives: Alaska and Metro New York
Best Design Competition: Georgia
Best Membership Campaign: Manhattan
Best NKBA Spirit: Northern California
Best Student Event: Indiana State
Best Overall Event: Metro New York
Individual Chapter Star Awards honored:
Gloria Clark, California Capital (President)
Jason Miller, Arizona (President)
Emma Winn, Columbia River (Programs Chair)
Brittany Loeffler, Susquehanna Valley (Communications Chair)
Joel Villasenor, California Capital (Membership Chair)
Christal Gress, CKBD, California Capital (Secretary/Treasurer)
Rose Ott, Manhattan (Committee Member)
Joel Villasenor of California Capital was named Chapter Officer of the Year.
Collaboration and Connection
Following the awards ceremony and a surprise trip giveaway from High Point Market Authority, attendees participated in breakout sessions tailored to the five chapter officer roles. The sessions featured peer-led best practice discussions facilitated by NKBA staff and members of the NKBA 2026 Chapter Leadership Committee, including Sadie Anderson (Nebraska/Kansas), Kimberly Kerl (Piedmont Blue Ridge Carolina), Jason Miller (Arizona), Rima Nasr (Texas Gulf Coast), and Brianna Weiler (Mid Atlantic).
As Leader2Leader concluded, chapter officers left energized and equipped with new ideas, strengthened connections, and renewed momentum to lead their chapters into the year ahead.
Coggins, who died in 2023, was a pillar of NKBA, particularly in the Arizona Chapter.
By NKBA Staff
Induction into the Kitchen & Bath Hall of Fame is one of the highest honors the NKBA bestows on industry luminaries. Since 1989, the Kitchen & Bath Industry Hall of Fame has honored nearly 100 individuals who have contributed to the growth and professionalism of the Association and the overall kitchen and bath industry. This year, one person has earned that distinction.
Ric Coggins, a true gentleman and a pillar in the NKBA community, specifically in the Arizona Chapter, is the 2026 K&B Hall of Fame inductee.
Sadly, Coggins died in January 2023 — at KBIS, just before the show opened — while he was setting up for an event, even though technically, he was retired. He was a selfless volunteer, a remarkable professional, and an even better man. His kitchen and bath résumé spanned five decades and reflected his dedication to the Association, his business, and the people he worked with.
Ric was a Chapter volunteer and officer, and a National Leader who held multiple posts, actively serving NKBA since 2004. He is still considered one of the greatest contributors to the Arizona Chapter, where he served as President in 2009 and 2010, among other roles.
At the National level, he served on the Manufacturers Council and, in 2014, was elected to NKBA’s Executive Committee as National Vice President. These roles require significant time and dedication, and that’s on top of the demands of running a thriving business.
Throughout the course of his nearly 50-year career, he was involved in multiple aspects of the kitchen, bath, and home industry, including design, sales, and marketing. He owned a high-end kitchen appliance center in Irvine, California, and, for the last two decades of his career, worked in sales for international appliance manufacturer BSH on regional, national, and international assignments. His dedication to Bosch, especially, was evident throughout his career, and he helped build the brand’s reputation in the U.S.
After retiring, Ric remained very active in the Arizona Chapter, where he served as a consultant and continued to strengthen the members of the Chapter by sharing his wisdom and knowledge.
One of his nominators captured the essence of Ric with this wonderful story of a moment that came when he was on the NKBA Executive Committee. It speaks to his character, leadership, and giving nature.
After a long day of strategic meetings, a group of younger chapter leaders lingered with questions about how to engage members and build stronger programs. Rather than heading off to dinner with his peers, Ric pulled chairs into a circle and spent hours coaching these emerging leaders one-on-one. He asked about their goals, offered practical advice from his decades of experience, and followed up with each of them weeks later to check on their progress.
That was Ric’s hallmark: He treated everyone, from new chapter volunteers to national board members, with the same respect and generosity of time. His peers recall that he never sought recognition — he simply wanted others to succeed. This mentoring moment was repeated countless times, whether in hallways at KBIS, on calls with Arizona Chapter leaders, or in his own community. Ric’s legacy is not only in his professional achievements, but also in the many professionals whose careers and confidence were shaped because he paused to listen, guide, and encourage.
HoF inductees are selected by a standing program committee through member nominations. Visit the Kitchen & Bath Hall of Fame to see all the honorees and watch for nominations to open later this year.
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NKBA | KBIS Design Council
The NKBA Design Council brings together influential designers whose perspectives, experience, and creativity help shape the future of the kitchen and bath industry. Created to amplify the voice of the design community, the council provides insight, inspiration, and real-world expertise that supports NKBA’s mission to elevate professionalism across the industry.
NKBA Design Council at KBIS 2024.
The NKBA Design Council: Where Insight Meets Innovation
Throughout the year, council members serve as ambassadors for NKBA | KBIS, sharing their knowledge through trend reports, industry events, and educational programming. From identifying emerging styles and materials to discussing the business and cultural forces shaping the profession, the council helps keep the community informed, inspired, and connected.
At KBIS and beyond, the Design Council collaborates with NKBA to spotlight innovation, highlight key trends, and engage with the broader design audience. Members participate in panel discussions, content creation, and special appearances, showcasing the ideas and products defining the next era of kitchen and bath design.
What the Design Council Does
Trendspotting: Identifies emerging design directions and product innovations across the industry. Thought Leadership: Contributes insights to NKBA reports, content, and educational programming. Industry Engagement: Participates in panels, events, and special initiatives throughout the year. Community Connection: Inspires and supports designers at every stage of their careers.
Meet the 2026 NKBA Design Council
Here are the designers who will represent the NKBA | KBIS Design Council in 2026.
Bobby Berk
Design Expert, Emmy-winning TV Host & Author
Bobby Berk is an Emmy-winning design expert, television host, and author. In 2006, Bobby started his own company and opened his first showroom in lower Manhattan the following year, eventually expanding the business nationwide. He earned global recognition in 2018 for his work transforming lives and living spaces on Netflix’s Queer Eye, and has since established himself as a preeminent leader in the design industry. Bobby leads his eponymous multi-faceted brand, including comprehensive lifestyle destination BobbyBerk.com, while his design firm has become one of the most sought-after in the home building industry. In 2023, Bobby released his first book, Right at Home: HowGood Design Is Good For The Mind. Most recently, he returned to television as host of the HGTV series Junk or Jackpot?
Nathan Orsman
Founder and Principal of Orsman Design, Inc
Nathan Orsman, Founding Principal of Orsman Design, Inc., is a highly regarded figure in the architectural and landscape lighting design industries. Leading his acclaimed firm based in New York City, with additional offices in Miami and the Hamptons, Nathan has established a global reputation for his exceptional work. With a team of 50 talented individuals, Orsman Design consistently delivers transformative lighting solutions that enhance the beauty of residential and commercial spaces around the world.
Orsman Design, Inc. stands out for its unwavering focus on the artistry and beauty of light, particularly in the nighttime environment. Orsman’s firm recognizes the profound impact that light has on a space and how it can completely transform its character and ambiance. With meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the interplay between light, shadow, and art, Orsman Design creates intimate nighttime environments that highlight, rather than distract.
Nathan Orsman’s commitment to the importance of light as a transformative element is evident in his firm’s extensive list of awards, press coverage, and recognition. The company’s work consistently receives accolades for its ability to bring out the best in architectural, interior, and landscape designs, enhancing their aesthetic appeal and creating immersive experiences. Orsman Design’s focus on the artistry of light sets them apart, ensuring that each project they undertake becomes a testament to the profound influence light can have on the beauty and functionality of a space.
In October, Nathan will release his first book, Light, published by Rizzoli, further exploring the transformative power of illumination.
Mandy Cheng
Principal and Owner of Mandy Cheng Design
Mandy worked in the film/television industry for almost two decades, giving her an expansive knowledge and network in the industry. She began her film career working at the prestigious DreamWorks Animation Studio, and eventually branched off to become a Production Designer in film and commercial television. She has designed music videos for chart-topping names such as J.Cole, One Republic, and Dillon Francis & DJ Snake, and worked as a graphic designer on projects ranging from 20th Century Women and Ladybird to Beyonce’s Lemonade.
Mandy Cheng has been on Architectural Digest’s AD 100 list for the past four years and has transitioned her set design experience into a career as one of the most sought-after interior designers in Los Angeles. She designed the home of Emmy Raver-Lampman and Daveed Diggs, which landed the April 2021 cover of AD.
Cheng has designed homes, retail stores, and offices from California to New York to Florida. She currently resides in Los Angeles, California with her husband, Rory, their dog, Scout, and their grumpy cat, Miniature.
Previous Design Council Members:
Here is a list of designers who served as NKBA | KBIS Design Council members from 2024 through 2025.
Caleb Anderson
Principal Drake/Anderson and Co-Founder of Well-Designed
Caleb Anderson is a principal at award-winning design firm Drake/Anderson and the co-founder of Well-Designed, a new venture committed to sharing resources and tools to support a happier, healthier and more harmonious design community through meaningful shared experiences. Along with his dedication to creating and fostering more opportunities for authentic connection and sustainable work practices among his peers, Anderson is using his design expertise to heighten awareness within the community around healthy materials, sustainability and social consciousness.
Celerie Kemble
Designer and Author
Celerie Kemble’s priority is always to express the personality and sentiment of her clients through gracious interiors. Never one to dismiss nuance or drama, Celerie seamlessly engages both forces to create dynamic and comfortable rooms. Kemble Interiors is a multi-generational firm with over 50 years of experience designing hotels, country clubs, and residential spaces, and has offices in both New York and Palm Beach. Celerie received a B.A. in English from Harvard and lives in New York City with her three children.
Celerie is the author of “Island Whimsy”, “To Your Taste” and “Black & White (and a Bit in Between)”. She has been included in Architectural Digest’s AD100, House Beautiful’s Top Designers, Elle Decor’s A-List Designers, and Luxe’s Gold List among others.
Her current licensed product lines include fabrics, trims and wallpaper for Schumacher, lighting and occasional furniture with Arteriors, outdoor furniture with Lane Venture, and 2023 she launched a line of case goods with Woodbridge Furniture and upholstery with Taylor King.
Michel Smith Boyd
Principal and Founder, Michel Smith Boyd, LLC
Michel Smith Boyd is an American interior designer and star of the hit shows, HGTV’s Luxe for Less, Rock the Block, and Barbie Dream House Challenge as well as Bravo’s Buying it Blind. His Atlanta based firm, Smith Boyd Interiors, is known for Michel’s signature, sumptuous style.
Renowned for its distinctive, cultivated, and soulful vibe Michel’s work has received countless accolades including being recognized as one of the Top 10 African American Designers in the country and tapped as Veranda’s “Next Legend, most recently he was named The Atlantan’s Top 50 Most Powerful People.” Additionally, Michel’s work has graced the pages of Elle Décor, Traditional Home, Vogue, Veranda, Ebony, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post just to name a few. Boyd prides himself on creating spaces that his clients not only adore but also delight in calling home. Michel’s breadth of influence includes residential and commercial interior design as well as bespoke collections of luxe rugs, artisan case-goods, bold lustrous paintings, and a new collection of fragrances curated for home. His signature style masterfully juxtaposes masculine and feminine sophistication and he seamlessly blends it all under one roof to set the perfect mood.
Thom Filicia
Interior Designer, TV-personality and Author
Thom Filicia has emerged as one of today’s most influential and respected interior and product designers. His projects include residential, hospitality and commercial interiors all over the world with clients ranging from Tina Fey, to Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, David & Iman Bowie, and Delta Airlines. Gaining fame on the Emmy-winning “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”, Style Network, HGTV, and most recently Bravo’s Get A Room with Carson & Thom, he is a best-selling author and has been praised as a top designer and international tastemaker. He is also the driving force behind the Thom Filicia Home Collection, which includes furniture, artwork, bedding, textiles, wallcovering, rugs, lighting, accessories and more, and has a flagship showroom, called Sedgwick & Brattle, at The New York Design Center.
KBIS continues to raise the bar each year, and 2026 promises NKBA’s most dynamic experience yet. Across all three days, you’ll discover expanded programming, exclusive events, and immersive activations that showcase the future of kitchen and bath design.
This year, NKBA | KBIS is embracing new opportunities throughout the Orange County Convention Center, including an elevated presence across South and West Halls. These locations position the association alongside a vibrant mix of emerging partners, international brands participating in NKBA’s Global Connect program, and designers and manufacturers pushing innovation for the whole home. For those shaping the high-end client, the third-annual LUXURY Lounge, sponsored by Ferguson Home, brings together leaders defining the next chapter of luxe kitchen and bath design.
Here are just a few highlights at KBIS 2026.
• The NEXTStage amplifies the conversations that matter most, covering whole-home design, research, business strategy, emerging technologies, cultural insights, wellness, and sustainability. See more than 20 forward-looking programs delivered by energetic daily hosts, including the Best of KBIS awards and Thirty Under 30 introductions. NKBA’s Thirty Under 30 program is sponsored by Fabuwood and Kohler Co.
• The Discovery District, located inside the Rosen Centre Hotel and connected directly to West Hall via skybridge, is home to a plethora of fresh ideas. This lively destination blends innovation, food, lounge areas, and hands-on experiences.
• The Voices From the Industry Conference offers more than 50 on-site and on-demand sessions with CEU credits and actionable insights across business, design, technology, and professional development. Enjoy the new daily Wine & Design events, daily from 3 to 4 pm for VFTI attendees who pre-register. These educational, interactive presentations offer a relaxed atmosphere for networking and continued learning. VFTI is sponsored by Fabuwood.
• State of the Industry keynote, following the State of the Association address, on Wednesday, Feb. 18, starting at 8:30 am in Room S320 E at the Convention Center. This year, we are thrilled to welcome keynote speaker Jaye Anna Mize, Vice President of Advisory + Partnerships at global trend-forecasting agency Future Snoops. Mize will provide a broad look at the major forces influencing kitchen, bath, and whole-home design today, highlighting cultural, technological, and economic dynamics shaping our lives. She will point out key paradigm shifts and translate them into practical considerations for the year ahead. Her presentation will set the stage for 2026 strategies.
• The NKBA Booth (#S25058) will offer free professional headshots courtesy of Ferguson Home, available all three days with no pre-registration required. Also in the booth, participate in engaging programming and NKBA Global Connect activations featuring international brands eager to introduce their products to North America. Don’t miss these opportunities to interact and network with our staff and Global Connect members.
• Wednesday night, unwind at the best party in town — The Bash,sponsored by Ferguson Home, SKS, and Cosentino — at Mango’s Tropical Cafe, and wrap up KBIS on a high note at the IBS Closing Concert on Thursday featuring award-winning country duo Brothers Osborne.
NKBA looks forward to seeing you at an inspiring, future-focused KBIS 2026, celebrating the ideas, partnerships, and innovation that continue to elevate our industry.
The Portland Community College student earned a $5,000 scholarship for her design that tied the kitchen into the Colorado landscape.
Image courtesy of Allison Hedrick.
By NKBA Staff
Allison Hedrick of Portland Community College in Portland, OR, earned top honors and a $5,000 scholarship for her first-place win in NKBA’s prestigious Student Design Competition, kitchen category.
Each year, NKBA honors six outstanding student designers — three kitchen winners and three bath winners — in the annual contest, which is generously sponsored by Fisher & Paykel. In addition to the first-place prizes of $5,000, second-place winners take home a $2,500 scholarship, and third-place winners earn a $1,000 prize. Winners will be recognized on Monday, Feb. 16, during the Design & Industry Awards at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando during KBIS 2026.
In the 2024-2025 competition, aspiring designers were tasked with renovating a kitchen and/or bathroom using floor plans and a client profile that described specific lifestyle needs. Their fictitious client was Lydia Bachman, an anthropology professor who recently retired to Colorado Springs. Designers had to make the kitchen and bath areas more accommodating for frequent overnight guests, and the renovation also needed to consider Lydia’s two Labrador retrievers. A history buff, the homeowner wanted the space to be simultaneously modern, luxurious, and charming, updated but respectful of the 1895 Craftsman-style bungalow’s heritage.
Judges included Rebecca Sutton, CMKBD, CKBR, senior designer at Kitchen Design Concepts in Dallas; Jenni Russell, CMKBD, of Design in Perspective in Colorado Springs, CO; and Paula Kennedy, CMKBD, owner of Timeless Kitchen Design in Seattle and an educator at the Heritage School of Interior Design.
Hedrick said her biggest challenge was transforming the L-shaped space into a layout “with a pleasing flow and more open space, while still preserving the Craftsman aesthetic, which required a lot of experimentation.”
The designer combined three existing rooms to create the new open kitchen, flowing into the walk-in pantry and dining room. She incorporated an existing hutch, made space for an herb garden, created a feeding station for the dogs (complete with a pot-filler for easy access to water), added wine storage, and seating for four. Among the Fisher & Paykel appliances used were a speed oven, coffee machine, under-counter wine fridge and vacuum drawer for resealing wine bottles. Hedrick integrated plenty of outlets for countertop appliances and charging devices, and installed a new window in the pantry for extra light.
She tied the aesthetic into the surrounding Colorado vistas. “My design was titled ‘A Walk Through Redwoods’ because I was deeply inspired by that concept — the beautiful wood, the deep shades of green, and the golden light shining through,” Hedrick said. “I was also inspired by the beautiful casework and millwork inherent to Craftsman houses and wanted to showcase them in my design.”
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
The competition is 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 design statement between 500 and 1,000 words. Incomplete entries will be disqualified.
Projects must be submitted through Award Force, where students can upload, edit, and finalize materials, and the submission deadline is June 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
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.
