NKBA Announces 2025 National Committee Members

Ryan Lance

Posted: Dec 9, 2024 10:04 pm

Following the recent announcement of its 2025 Board of Directors, NKBA also disclosed the members of its additional national volunteer committees – the Chapter Leadership Committee (CLC), Leadership Recruitment Committee (LRC) and KBIS Exhibitor Committee (KEC). Volunteer committee members each serve 3-year terms, with the terms commencing on January 1, 2025.

CLC Member Updates

The newest Chapter Leadership Committee members are Sadie Anderson, Vice President of Marketing & Design, CKF; and Rima Nasr, Interior Designer, RDesign Studio. They replace Nichole Cooper, Showroom Director of Middleby Residential; and Sandee Mann, Sales Executive of Kohler Canada.

Continuing CLC members include Kimberly Kerl, Owner & Principal Designer, Kustom Home Design; Julie Schuster, Principal of Julie Schuster Design Studio; and Brianna Weiler, Vice President | Interior Designer, Kitchens by Charles Weiler.

The Chapter Leadership Committee provides a link between the grassroots of the Association, its chapters and National Staff. They are charged with monitoring member needs and requests at the chapter level and conveying these to National staff, while also being tasked with chapter engagement initiatives and other important activations.

LRC Member Updates

The newest Leadership Recruitment Committee members are Kristen Elder, Vice President- Showrooms, Residential Builder & Digital Commerce, Ferguson Enterprises and Veronika Miller, CEO, M2 Consulting Group. They replace Kevin Dexter, EVP and President, Spring Window Fashions, Montgomery, PA; and Jason McGraw, Group Vice President – CEDIA Expo/KBIS, Emerald, Alpharetta, GA.

Continuing LRC members include; James Brodsky, CEO, Sharp Think, New York, NY; Basil Larkin, NKBA Chair 2022, who was elected 2025 LRC chair, and Dr. Elmar Stumpf, Owner, Conneum GmbH, Germany.

The Leadership Recruitment Committee is charged with identifying and screening potential members for the Board of Directors (BOD) and the Chapter Leadership Committee (CLC). They meet after national elections to review all self-nominations received during the election cycle in September.

KEC Member Updates

The newest members for the KBIS Exhibitor Committee are Christina Reed, Director – Brand Experience, GE Appliances a Haier Company; and Andrew Shead, Sales and Marketing Manager, True Residential.

Continuing KEC members include Amy Switzer, Senior Brand Marketing Manager at Emtek, who was elected 2025 Chair; Nathan Boone, COO, Green Forest Cabinetry; Massimo Ballucchi, Vice President of Institutional Relations at Cosentino North America; Jason Fisher, Senior Director of Global Integrated Marketing at Moen & House of Rohl; Katie Heaney, Owner of Kitchen Branding Gifts, and Jonathan Krieger, EVP at Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry.

The KBIS Exhibitor Committee provides a link between the exhibitors and attendees of KBIS, and National Staff, to ensure that their needs are being appropriately monitored and evaluated. They also advise National Staff on industry trends and make recommendations for appropriate products, programs, and services to meet the needs of the exhibitors and attendees at future KBIS’s.

NKBA again thanks Nichole Cooper, Sandee Mann, Kevin Dexter, and Jason McGraw, for their dedication and commitment to these important committees over the last several years!

Below is a complete list of NKBA’s three national volunteer committees for 2025.

2025 Chapter Leadership Committee

Sadie Anderson
Vice President of Marketing and Design
CKF
Omaha, NE

Kimberly Kerl
Owner & Principal Designer
Kustom Home Design
Greenville, SC

Rima Nasr
Interior Designer
RDesign Studio
Richmond, TX

Julie Schuster
Principal
Julie Schuster Design Studio
New York, NY

Brianna Weiler
Vice President | Interior Designer
Kitchens by Charles Weiler
Lahaska, PA

2025 Leadership Recruitment Committee

Basil Larkin, 2025 Chair
Redondo Beach, CA

James Brodsky
CEO
Sharp Think
New York, NY

Kristen Elder
Vice President – Showrooms, Residential Builder & Digital Commerce
Ferguson Enterprises
Newport News, VA

Veronika Miller
CEO
M2 Consulting Group
York, PA

Dr. Elmar Stumpf
Owner
Conneum GmbH
Oberkirch, Germany

Bill Darcy, Ex-Officio
Global President & Chief Executive Officer
National Kitchen & Bath Association
Bethlehem, PA

2025 KBIS Exhibitor Committee

Amy Switzer, 2025 Chair
Senior Brand Marketing Manager
Emtek
Irwindale, CA

Massimo Ballucchi
VP of Institutional Relations
Cosentino North America
Miami, FL

Nathan Boone
COO
Green Forest Cabinetry
Chesapeake, VA

Jason Fisher
Sr. Director of Global Integrated Marketing
Moen & House of Rohl
Olmsted, OH

Katie Heany,
Owner
Kitchen Branding Gifts
St. Louis, MO

Jonathan Krieger
EVP
Plain and Fancy Custom Cabinetry
Schaefferstown, PA

Christina Reed
Director – Brand Experience
GE Appliances a Haier Company
Wellington, FL

Andrew Shead
Marketing and Sales Manager
True Residential
O’Fallon, MO

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NKBA Announces 2024 National Committee Members

NKBA Staff

Posted: Dec 11, 2023 9:48 pm

Member + Industry News

Following the recent announcement of its 2024 Board of Directors, NKBA also disclosed the members of its additional national volunteer committees – the Chapter Leadership Committee (CLC), Leadership Recruitment Committee (LRC) and KBIS Exhibitor Committee (KEC). Volunteer committee members each serve 3-year terms, with the terms commencing on January 1, 2024.

CLC Members Updates

The newest Chapter Leadership Committee members are Kimberly Kerl, Owner & Principal Designer, Kustom Home Design; and Brianna Weiler, Vice President | Interior Designer, Kitchens by Charles Weiler. They replace Ellen Lopez, CMKBD, Founder & Creative Director of El Design Studio; and Nancy Young, CKBD, Owner & President of Nancy Young Designs.

Continuing CLC members include Nichole Cooper, Showroom Director of Middleby Residential; Sandee Mann, Sales Executive of Kohler Canada; and Julie Schuster, Principal of Julie Schuster Design Studio.

LRC Members Updates

The newest Leadership Recruitment Committee members are Dr. Elmar Stumpf, Owner, Conneum GmbH; and James Brodsky, CEO, Sharp Think. They replace Katie Brockman, Founder & CEO of Katie Brockman & Co.; and David Noe, General Manager of Rev-A-Shelf.

Continuing LRC members include Kevin Dexter, President Dealer at Springs Window Fashions, who was elected 2024 LRC Chair; Jason McGraw, Group VP of CEDIA Expo & KBIS, Emerald; and Basil Larkin, SVP of Sales at Hestan Commercial Corporation.

KEC Members Updates

The newest member for the KBIS Exhibitor Committee is Nathan Boone, COO, Green Forest Cabinetry. Rolling off the KEC in 2023 was Heather Shannon, Director of Brand Marketing at Perlick and Jason Thompson, Director of Sales at WPPO Wood Fired Ovens.

Continuing KEC members include Katie Heany, Owner of Kitchen Branding Gifts, who was elected 2024 KEC Chair; Abigail Toal, Event Coordinator at Federal Brace; Amy Switzer, Senior Marketing Communications Manager at Emtek; Jonathan Krieger, VP of Sales & Marketing at Fabuwood Cabinetry; Massimo Ballucchi, VP Kitchen & Bath Business at Cosentino North America, and Jason Fisher, Senior Director of Global Integrated Marketing at Moen & House of Rohl.

NKBA again thanks Ellen Lopez, CMKBD, Nancy Young, CKBD, Katie Brockman, David Noe, Heather Shannon, and Jason Thompson for their dedication and commitment to these important committees over the last several years!

Below is a complete list of NKBA’s three national volunteer committees for 2024.

2024 Chapter Leadership Committee

Nichole Cooper
Showroom Director
Middleby Residential
Irvine, CA

Sandee Mann
Sales Executive – Western Canada Showroom
Kohler Canada
Woodbridge, ON, Canada

Julie Schuster
Principal
Julie Schuster Design Studio
New York, NY

Kimberly Kerl
Owner & Principal Designer
Kustom Home Design
Greenville, SC

Brianna Weiler
Vice President | Interior Designer
Kitchens by Charles Weiler
Lahaska, PA

2024 Leadership Recruitment Committee

Kevin Dexter, 2024 Chair
President Dealer
Springs Window Fashions
Middleton, WI

Jason McGraw, CTS, CAE
Group Vice President
CEDIA Expo and Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS)
Atlanta, GA

Basil Larkin
Senior VP of Sales
Hestan Commercial Corporation
Anaheim, CA

James Brodsky
CEO
Sharp Think
New York, NY

Dr. Elmar Stumpf
Owner
Conneum GmbH
Oberkirch, Germany

Bill Darcy, Ex-Officio
Global President & Chief Executive Officer
National Kitchen & Bath Association
Bethlehem, PA

2024 KBIS Exhibitor Committee

Katie Heany, 2024 Chair
Owner
Kitchen Branding Gifts
St. Louis, MO

Massimo Ballucchi
VP of Kitchen & Bath Business
Cosentino North America
Miami, FL

Jonathan Krieger
VP of Sales & Marketing
Fabuwood Cabinetry
Newark, NJ

Amy Switzer
Senior Marketing Communications Manager
Emtek
Irwindale, CA

Abigail Toal
Event Coordinator
Federal Brace
Belmont, NC

Jason Fisher
Sr. Director of Global Integrated Marketing
Moen & House of Rohl
Olmsted, OH

Nathan Boone
COO
Green Forest Cabinetry
Chesapeake, VA

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NKBA Live

Laying the Foundation for Success: A Panel Discussion with Members of the NKBA Thirty Under 30

About this Episode

Originally featured at KBIS 2024, current and recent members of the NKBA Thirty Under 30 will share the biggest takeaways from their educational careers. The panelists will reflect on the assignments, activities, and opportunities that laid the foundation for their success as designers. There will be time for Q&A at the end of the live webinar.

Featured Presenter

Rebecca Sutton, CMKBD, CKBR

Rebecca earned a Bachelor of Art in Philosophy and a Bachelor of Science in Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management from Virginia Tech University. She earned her Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD) accreditation in 2022 and currently holds specialty badges in Remodeling as well as Sales and Marketing. Rebecca was inducted into the prestigious NKBA “Thirty under 30” program in 2016. She also earned her Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler (CKBR) certification from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) in 2022. Rebecca is a former NKBA Chapter Officer, former member of the NKBA Thirty Under 30 Selection Committee and a judge for the NKBA Student Design Competition in 2023.

Featured Presenter

Kiersten Reed, CKBD

As she neared graduation with a degree in Interior Design from Brookdale Community College in New Jersey, Kiersten Reed began to have doubts. So, she opted to explore furniture design programs, driven by her passion for creating functional pieces and her admiration for Frank Lloyd Wright’s comprehensive approach to design. But when given the opportunity to intern at a local kitchen and bath showroom, she quickly became intrigued by the industry. Now six years into her career, 28-year-old Kiersten has achieved the NKBA | KBIS CKBD certification and has been recognized as the youngest person in her company to become an assistant manager for a key department.

Featured Presenter

Devorah Werner, CKBD

As the Founder, Owner and Designer of Brooklyn, NY-based WERKI by D, LLC, a Kitchen Design Studio, Devorah Werner has positioned herself as an expert in designing kosher kitchens, especially when space is limited as it is in many New York City residences. Her skill set stems from both her comprehensive understanding of kosher cultural traditions and lifestyle and her studies in Residential Planning at The Art Institute.

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Business

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.

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Registration for KBIS 2025 is Open and Free for NKBA Members in September!

NKBA Staff

Posted: Sep 3, 2024 11:29 am

KBIS 2025

By Donna Heiderstadt

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!

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Significant Savings and Vast Selection For Bed Bath & Beyond Trade Members

Ryan Lance

Posted: Feb 19, 2024 7:01 pm

The online retailer’s exclusive program offers numerous perks to design pros.

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.

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NKBA | KBIS to Provide Free VFTI On-Demand Access to Student Members in 2025

NKBA Staff

Posted: Sep 22, 2024 1:06 pm

Students and Educators

By NKBA Staff

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.

Current students can join NKBA for free thanks to the generosity of Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove.

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NKBA Plans Array of Programming in KBIS 2026 Booth

NKBA Staff

Posted: Jan 27, 2026 2:05 pm

KBIS 2026 News

The association has a full slate of activations set for its KBIS Booth (#S25058), including NKBA Global Connect and general sessions.

By NKBA Staff

NKBA’s booth at KBIS 2026 will feature a full lineup of informative and engaging sessions. From general information to custom events and detailed advice from the NKBA Global Connect team, the association’s South Hall home (booth #S25058) will be a hub of activity.

KBIS runs Feb. 17 to 19 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

Visitors will learn about the valuable benefits of NKBA membership, exclusive events throughout the year, opportunities for professional and career growth, and NKBA’s proprietary research included in the membership fee. Highlights include events with NKBA Global Connect and the association’s highly successful collaboration with High Point Market. There will also be a complimentary headshot booth sponsored by Ferguson Home.

The NKBA Global Connect international business membership program offers programming, brand spotlights, custom events, access to market research and expert advisors, and opportunities designed to build awareness of the North American market and help international companies gain a deeper understanding of how to do business across the region. The program also brings international business journalists to KBIS to learn about the innovations, technologies, and new products emerging in the U.S. and Canada.

Here’s a preview of the exciting programming on tap.

TUESDAY, FEB. 17

9:00 am – 5:00 pm: Free Professional Headshots

Visit the NKBA | KBIS Booth (#S25850) for a free professional headshot, sponsored by Ferguson Home.

11:30 am – 12 noon: NKBA Global Connect Welcome Reception

Join the Global Connect team at the NKBA Booth to kick off your KBIS experience and learn about the exciting Global Connect programming occurring throughout the show.”

12 noon – 1:30 pm: NKBA Global Connect Custom Event: Ballerina-Küchen

The Sweetness of Form, the Taste of Color features a design experience with Ballerina Küchen® premium German cabinetry and The COLORNETWORK®. Guests will explore how Ballerina’s future-forward craftsmanship, defined by clean geometry, tactile materials, and individualized design solutions, harmonizes with The COLORNETWORK’s bold, expressive palettes.

4:15 pm – 5:30 pm: High Point Market x Design Edge Reception
Join NKBA strategic partners High Point Market Authority and Design Edge for a mix-and-mingle reception in the NKBA booth. Connect with leadership, learn more about how these groups can benefit your business, and engage with fellow designers and industry members who are also connected to or curious about these shows. Light bites will be served.

WEDNESDAY FEB. 18

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.

THURSDAY, FEB. 19

9:00 am – 5:00 pm: Free Professional Headshots

Visit the NKBA | KBIS Booth (#S25850) for a free professional headshot, sponsored by Ferguson Home.

10:00 am – 10:45 am: North American Trends Talk

France to Florida: European Design Trends for 2026
From Paris ateliers to Palm Beach homes, design ideas travel far before they reach the American luxury market. Paris-trained designer and U.S.-based principal Laetitia Laurent explores how French and European design movements emerge, evolve, and ultimately influence selections, finishes, and American consumer expectations. With studios in Paris and Boca Raton, Laetitia offers a clear and unique perspective on how global aesthetics translate into American lifestyles. She will highlight current European trends, why they matter for NKBA members, and what is coming next.

10:00 am – 1:00 pm: NKBA Global Connect Sendoff

Join the Global Connect team to review your KBIS experience and chart what’s next for your brand. Discover how the Global Connect program can help boost your presence, expand your business, and learn about upcoming Global Connect events for 2026.

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Catherine Wright Scores 2nd-Place Win in Student Competition

NKBA Staff

Posted: Jan 27, 2026 10:43 am

KBIS 2026 Students and Educators

Wright, a Century College design student, took second place in the bath category.

By NKBA Staff

Catherine Wright, a design student at Century College in White Bear Lake, MN, earned a second-place win and a $2,500 scholarship for her “Private Retreat in Style & Function” project in NKBA’s prestigious Student Design Competition.

NKBA | KBIS honors six outstanding Student Design Competition winners — three kitchen winners and three bath winners — in the annual contest, which is generously sponsored by Fisher & Paykel. Awards include a $5,000 scholarship for first place, $2,500 for second place, and $1,000 for third place. Winners will be recognized on Monday, Feb. 16, during the Design & Industry Awards at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando during KBIS 2026.

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.

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. Lydia wanted to make the kitchen and bath areas more accommodating for frequent overnight guests, and the renovation needed to consider her two Labrador retrievers as well. 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.

The guest bathroom was small and cramped, so Wright’s primary challenge was expanding it to create a more spacious and luxurious room. She took space from a closet in the guest bedroom and reworked a hallway, thus increasing the bathroom footprint to install a larger, zero-threshold shower and more storage. The bathroom had to accommodate guests with mobility issues, so Wright applied universal design principles, such as increasing doorways to 30 inches, installing a fold-down seat in the shower, selecting a comfort-height toilet, and installing grab bars. She also specified easy-to-clean materials, including large-format porcelain tiles with minimal grout lines and quartz countertops, to make maintenance a breeze.

Aesthetically, she connected the exterior environment to the interior design. “Bringing the ‘outdoors in’ provides a calming feel of nature into the bathroom and is in keeping with the Craftsman style and in harmony with the kitchen design,” she wrote in her design statement. “The deep green vanity, linen closet, and vanity/floor tile are complemented by the wood walls of oak slat fluted tambour panels, and the creme/tan swirls on the quartz countertops and shower wall slabs bring the theme together.”

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.

For more information, visit the Student Design Competition page at nkba.org.

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Bill Darcy to Deliver Annual State of the Association Address at KBIS

Ryan Lance

Posted: Jan 27, 2026 10:33 am

KBIS 2026 News

The Global President and CEO of NKBA | KBIS will share insights about 2025 accomplishments and plans for the year ahead, before introducing futurist Jaye Anna Mize of Future Snoops for the State of the Industry presentation.

NKBA | KBIS Global President & CEO Bill Darcy giving his 2025 State of the Association presentation.

By NKBA Staff

Bill Darcy, NKBA | KBIS Global President and CEO, will deliver his annual State of the Association address at KBIS 2026 on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 8:30 am in Room S320/320E at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. It’s one of the must-see events at the expo, which has its three-day run, Feb. 17 to 19.

Following his address, Darcy will introduce Jaye Anna Mize, vice president of Advisory + Partnerships at Future Snoops, to deliver the State of the Industry presentation. The event is open to all registered KBIS attendees.

Darcy will detail some of the challenges the industry faced in 2025, including tariffs and changing tariff policies, the rising costs of building materials, the persistent labor crisis, and the housing shortage.

He’ll discuss some of the year’s highlights as well, including NKBA’s successful strategic alliance with High Point Market Authority, the thriving Women2Women initiative for leadership development and mentorship, the groundbreaking research collaboration with home technology integrators association CEDIA, and the continuing success of the Global Connect international business membership program, among other bright spots.

Then, he’ll dive into some of the factors likely to influence the year ahead for design, construction, and renovation. These include economic indicators like interest rates, rising home equity levels, and consumer sentiment; the growth of sustainable practices, AI, and other emerging technologies; and the overall resilience of the kitchen and bath industry.

After Darcy concludes his remarks, he will introduce Jaye Anna Mize of Future Snoops, a global trend forecasting agency that helps companies — including popular home furnishings brands — see around corners and develop insight-driven strategies that future-proof their businesses. Mize is a highly respected creative strategist, trend forecaster, and a prominent voice for future-forward design and innovation. She brings nearly two decades of experience in diverse sectors, from media to retail, and has collaborated with Drew and Jonathan Scott of “Property Brothers” on the Scott Living brand and a multi-tier licensing program with Kohl’s. Other high-profile collaborations include High Point Market Authority, Unilever, Target, Mattel, and BuzzFeed.

She will share key strategies for how design and remodeling firms can navigate changing and emerging behaviors, shifting economic and generational realities, how to develop and grow their brands, prepare for the unexpected, and connect cultural insights with savvy business decisions.

There’s still time to sign up for KBIS.

Learn more and register here.

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Custom Events Highlight NKBA Global Connect at KBIS

Posted: Jan 26, 2026 10:30 am

Uncategorized Global Connect

The association’s international business membership program will have five special activations as part of its programming at NKBA’s booth in South Hall.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

NKBA Global Connect members Ballerina Küchen, SCHOTT, and L&S Lighting, along with global partner IAPMO and advisor Laetitia Laurent, will present exciting special events as part of the array of programming during KBIS 2026. These events will share the brands’ stories and innovative new products that they are bringing to KBIS and the North American market as well as educational resources and design trends for 2026.

NKBA’s international business membership program 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. At KBIS, the program will also showcase products and international brands, and offer key trends and thoughtful solutions for the year ahead. The Global Connect hub and programming will be anchored in the NKBA booth (#S25058) at the Orange County Convention Center.

Global Connect offers valuable benefits to foreign companies seeking to enter or increase their market presence in North America. The Global Connect international media program also brings business journalists 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.

Here’s a preview of the exciting Global Connect custom events on tap.

Tuesday, Feb. 17

12 noon – 1:30 pm: NKBA Global Connect Custom Event: Ballerina-Küchen

“The Sweetness of Form, the Taste of Color”

Step into a world where form becomes flavor and color comes alive. Ballerina: The Sweetness of Form, the Taste of Color, is a design experience featuring Ballerina Küchen® premium German cabinetry, in sweet harmony with The COLORNETWORK®. Guests will explore how Ballerina’s future-forward craftsmanship, defined by clean geometry,

tactile materials, and individualized design solutions, harmonizes with The COLORNETWORK’s bold, expressive palettes. This vibrant, design-driven gathering blends German precision with imaginative color storytelling, proving that great design isn’t just seen, it’s felt, savored, and shared.

Wednesday, Feb. 18

11:30 – 12:30 pm: NKBA Global Connect Brand Spotlights: SCHOTT & IAPMO

Noëlle C. Lavery, Director of Global Connect at NKBA, will host Brand Spotlights — rapid-fire presentations with Q&A by new-to-KBIS international brands and global partners — highlighting innovative products and their brand stories for the North American market. Presentations include Global Connect member SCHOTT and Global Connect Strategic Alliance Partner IAPMO.

12:30 – 2 pm: NKBA Global Connect Custom Event: L&S Lighting

“We make your project shine!”

L&S Lighting hosts a special event celebrating Italian light, design, and inspiration, and the art of illumination, where refined aesthetics meet advanced LED technology to enhance any interior. Discover how L&S creates functional, bespoke, architectural lighting that’s designed for straightforward installation. 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 and relax while learning about how “we make your projects shine!”

3:30 – 5 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 enable performance under extreme heat and stress, unlock sleek design freedom, and support more durable, energy-smart solutions for the home. With 130+ years of expertise and a foundation-owned commitment to responsible innovation, SCHOTT is the hidden ingredient you might not see but can always trust.

Thursday, Feb. 19

10:00 – 10:45 am: NKBA Global Connect Presentation

“France to Florida: European Design Trends for 2026”

Join Global Connect Advisor Laetitia Laurent for a Trends Talk: “France to Florida: European Design Trends for 2026.” From Paris ateliers to Palm Beach homes, design ideas travel far before they reach the American luxury market. Paris-trained designer and U.S.-based principal Laetitia Laurent explores how French and European design movements emerge, evolve, and ultimately influence selections, finishes, and American consumer expectations. With studios in Paris and Boca Raton, Laetitia offers a clear and unique perspective on how global aesthetics translate into American lifestyles. She will highlight current European trends, why they matter for NKBA members, and what is coming next.

About NKBA Global Connect

The NKBA Global Connect mission is to connect and grow the kitchen and bath industry around the world through an international membership program. The initiative equips international companies with the support and professional community access they need to thrive in North America by providing market intelligence, brand-positioning guidance, and connections to key North American audiences. By combining NKBA’s expert marketing execution with access to a diverse and influential member network, we help businesses increase visibility, build meaningful relationships, and generate strong market demand, ultimately accelerating their success in the lucrative and competitive $228 billion North American market. Learn more about Global Connect here.

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Global Connect Member Resources

As Global Connect members, you get exclusive access to important news and resources to assist you in your journey in entry/expansion to the lucrative North American market.