The Global President & CEO shared his insights at the Manhattan Chapter’s Education Day.
NKBA | KBIS Global President & CEO Bill Darcy presenting the “North American Market Outlook 2023-2024: Kitchen & Bath” at the A&D Building in New York.
Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA | KBIS, gave a keynote speech on the “North American Market Outlook 2023-2024: Kitchen & Bath” at the NKBA Manhattan Chapter’s second annual Education Day in New York. To a standing-room-only audience in the Fisher & Paykel showroom, Darcy shared the recent findings from the association’s Q3 Kitchen & Bath Market Index and the Mid-Year Update of Kitchen & Bath Market Outlook.
This discussion was a deep dive into the current K&B landscape, offering a glimpse into the industry’s 2024 prospects. He noted that residential K&B spend in 2023 is forecasted to hit $179 billion and, even though this would be a decline from 2022, it would still be likely higher than pre-pandemic levels.
“NKBA members still feel the market is strong…so we’re ready for a rebound [in 2024],” said Darcy, reflecting the optimism reported by K&B professionals in NKBA’s recent research.
Additional topics Darcy touched on included:
The new home sales resurgence in the spring/summer of 2023.
Current pent-up demand that is predicted to contribute to eventual growth.
The “Golden Age of Remodeling” in 2020-2023 as predicted by Todd Tomalak.
The five key drivers of short- and long-term remodeling demand.
The expected future recovery and good positioning for the long-term growth of the luxury segment.
View the video of Darcy’s presentation below to discover more insights from his 2023 – 2024 Market Outlook presentation.
To get the Q3 Kitchen and Bath Market Index, go here. To download the Kitchen & Bath Market Outlook Mid-Year Update, go here. NKBA research is free to all members.
EVP & CSO Suzie Williford shared the latest research with international brands exploring North American opportunities at SICAM, the international kitchen and bath components event, in Pordenone, Italy.
By Dianne M. Pogoda
NKBA joined SICAM (Salone Internazionale Components, Accessories and Semi-Finished Products) for its annual trade fair in Italy to share information about the North American kitchen and bath market and the benefits of joining the NKBA Global Connect program.
SICAM, a Global Connect Strategic Alliance Partner, hosted October’s four-day showcase of European interior and kitchen furniture, hardware and technology in Pordenone, just north of Venice in northeastern Italy — the heart of the Italian furniture manufacturing region. Some 500 components exhibitors participated in the expo, which attracted an international audience of about 20,000 from all over Europe and Asia.
The Market Outlook
Suzie Williford, NKBA’s EVP and Chief Strategy Officer, presented “Understanding the North American Kitchen and Bath Market” to manufacturers and trade organizations exploring opportunities in the U.S., and brought them up to speed with the latest economic research and exclusive data from NKBA’s own research department.
“We prepare an extensive annual economic outlook and update, as well as the quarterly Kitchen and Bath Market Index [KBMI], in collaboration with the highly regarded John Burns research firm. This gives us real-time data across the entire kitchen and bath channel,” Williford began. “It helps us to gauge the current and future health of the market and provide growth estimates. We poll a wide cross-section of manufacturers, dealers, builders and designers to analyze changes in consumer spending patterns and shifts in the housing market that affect remodeling, and provide keen insights about potential impacts of recession. It’s invaluable research that our members can act on quickly and stay ahead of shifting market dynamics.”
Williford shared that the updated market outlook revealed that short-term prospects for new construction, professional installation, repair and remodeling all show single-digit declines, “although the market is still stronger than it was even pre-pandemic,” she noted.
“The long-term outlook remains strong, thanks to aging housing stock,” Williford added. “More than 22.4 million homes are in their prime remodeling years of 20 to 39 years old, and that number is growing by an additional 2.2 million over the next five years. Plus, homeowners are sitting on record levels of home equity that they can tap into once rates normalize.”
The overall forecast for 2023 kitchen and bath spending in North America is projected at $179 billion — slightly down from 2022, but 21 percent higher than pre-pandemic levels. While new construction spending is currently outpacing remodeling because of the ongoing housing crunch ($110.8 billion compared to $68.2 billion), remodeling typically drives greater profit margins and has bigger budgets.
“We’ve found that higher-income households tend to shop for better products at independent kitchen and bath specialty showrooms — not at the big box retailers,” Williford observed. “This indicates a ripe market for new and interesting brands coming into the market at a better price and quality level.”
Further, K&B pros are looking for a rebound in 2024. Designers and dealers expect revenues to be 50 percent stronger than 2023, and manufacturers project revenue levels 60 percent higher.
The Global Connect Advantage
Williford explained the benefits of the omni-directional Global Connect program, including access to NKBA research, access to Global Connect advisors and subject matter experts who can help brands navigate entering and doing business in the North American market, and important networking and learning opportunities throughout the year and especially at KBIS, taking place Feb. 27 to 29 in Las Vegas.
NKBA has designed a Global Connect lounge at KBIS in the heart of the international area, where delegations may meet, mingle and make connections with buyers and distributors in North America. Among the Global Connect activations are smaller kiosks for new-to-KBIS brands to test the waters, product spotlights and presentations, panel discussions with designers and distributors, dedicated educational programming and much more.
Ferguson Sponsors Women’s Plumbing Group: Ferguson Enterprises is the founding sponsor of Women in Plumbing and Piping (WiPP), an organization dedicated to positive change and empowerment, encouraging women in the skilled trades. Ferguson’s initiative includes mentorship, education, networking and recognition. Women currently make up just 10 percent of U.S. construction workers. KBB has more.
Image courtesy of SieMatic.
SieMatic Opens Canadian Showroom: Premium German kitchen brand SieMatic has opened a 1,000-square-foot showroom at 1327 Green Avenue in the Montreal suburb of Westmount. This is SieMatic’s only Montreal showroom, and it showcases SieMatic’s SLX and Classic collections. The company has five locations in Canada and 20 in the U.S., including directly operated showrooms and partner showrooms. For more on SieMatic, go here.
People News
Kleber Tapped for NAHB Global Opportunities Board: Steve Kleber,founder of Kleber & Associates, a marketing and communications agency specializing in home and building products, has been named chairman for the 2023 – 2024 National Association of Home Builders’ Global Opportunities Board. Kleber will lead efforts for global membership through networking forums, education and opportunities for brands seeking recognition in the North American home building market. Kleber is also president of the National Remodeling Foundation and a past president of NKBA’s Center for Kitchen/Bath Education and Research, and he serves on the board of The Home Projects Council. Learn more about NAHB’s Global Opportunities Board.
Image courtesy of Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation.
Obituary: Pioneering Architect Beverly Willis: Beverly Willis, FAIA, an American architect committed to empowering female design professionals, died Oct. 1 from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. She was 95. After starting her career as an artist, she established her own architecture firm in 1966 in San Francisco. She pioneered computer programming for residential land analysis in 1971, and in 1980, she became a founding trustee of the National Building Museum in Washington, DC. After more than three decades leading her own firm, she was dismayed that women were not well represented in the field, and in 2002, she founded the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation to promote and recognize women’s contributions to architecture. She received numerous accolades throughout her career, including The American Institute of Architects’ Lifetime Achievement Award from the AIA’s California Chapter, of which she was the first female president. Architect Magazine has more.
Chapter News
Casino Night in Colorado: Join the Rocky Mountain Chapter for its annual Casino Night Fundraiser and Silent Auction, this year benefitting Caruso Family Charities. The event takes place Nov. 16, 5:30 to 8:30 pm MDT, at Appliance Factory Finelines, 19185 Lincoln Ave #4 in Parker, CO. Food and drinks will be served throughout the evening, which also features prizes, giveaways and a grand prize raffle. Members are $25; non-members, $35; and students are free. Info and registration here.
Sunset Soiree in Arizona: Don your best cocktail formal attire on Nov. 18, 5 to 10 pm MST, for the Arizona Chapter’s Sunset Soiree and Awards Night. Taking place at the Arizona Heritage Center, 1300 N. College Avenue in Tempe, the evening celebrates outstanding achievements of the chapter’s designer members with a cocktail hour, dinner and awards ceremony followed by dancing. The evening is sponsored by Ferguson. Individual seats are $125; a table of 10 is $1,100. More info here.
Industry News
Hope Renovations Wins DOL Grant: Hope Renovations, Chapel Hill, NC, has been awarded a $713,518 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor for its efforts to grow women’s participation in residential construction careers. The DOL awarded its largest Women in Apprenticeship & Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) grants this year, totaling $5 million, to seven pre-apprenticeship organizations created to increase the number of women in male-dominated industries. Hope provides pre-apprenticeship training for women seeking careers in construction trades in the Raleigh-Chapel Hill-Durham area. Hope said the grant, dispersed over two years, will help to expand its service area and triple its reach. Pro Remodeler has more.
Fridges, Ranges, Dishwashers & More: An Expert Installer’s Guide to Specifying Kitchen Appliances
When:
October 18, 2023
Presenter:
Rebecca West, CEO, Seriously Happy Homes Damian Konasiewicz, CEO, Damian John Installations
CEUs: .1
What You Will Learn
Do you ant to avoid last-minute remodeling nightmares that come when your new kitchen is nearly complete but the new fridge, range, or dishwasher won’t actually fit?
In this interview-style session expert appliance installer Damian Konasiewicz, CEO of Damian John Installations, will share what he’s learned over 25 years of appliance install experience to better equip *you* to specify the right kitchen appliances, read the specs, and carefully manage your cabinet makers so they get the cabinet openings right *the first time* – no matter what brand of appliances you specify. Armed with just a little more information you can avoid ending up with openings that are too small, exhaust fans that can’t be vented, gas lines that need to be rerouted, and other remodeling horror stories. By the end of this session you might just know more about appliance selection than your appliance salespeople!
The interview will be led by Rebecca West of Seriously Happy Homes, and advance questions can be submitted to her at rebecca@seriouslyhappy.com. If you have a question about a specific appliance, be sure to include the brand and model number for the most accurate answers to your questions!
Learning Objectives:
Learn what kinds of questions to ask, and what to pay attention to, when choosing appliances based on site conditions within, above, below, and next to the space you’re remodeling.
Understand how to read the specs to make sure appliances will both fit in the opening and function properly.
Get familiar with how code, and code updates, can *really* complicate an appliance install – especially when trying to replace like-and-kind but not doing a whole home remodel.
Featured Presenter
Rebecca West – CEO – Seriously Happy Homes
Interior designer Rebecca West is CEO of her Seattle-based residential design company “Seriously Happy Homes”, author of the book “Happy Starts at Home,” and host of the podcast “Creating Your Happy Place.” She’s been seen on TV on New Day Northwest and Seattle Refined, spoken at Town Hall and Ignite Seattle, and been featured in Seattle Magazine, Success Magazine, the UK Times, and more. She’s also a business consultant to her fellow residential interior designers through Seriously Happy Coaching & Consulting, on the board of the Heritage Design School, and a small business mentor with SCORE Seattle. She can’t resist a costume party or a cat video, and has a weakness for Oreos, Taco Bell, and Scotch whiskey. Find her on Instagram @beseriouslyhappy
Featured Presenter
Damian Konasiewicz – CEO – Damian John Installations
Expert Appliance Installer Damian Konasiewicz and his crew of over 20 team members has been installing kitchen and laundry appliances across the Puget Sound region near Seattle, Washington for over 20 years.
Thanks to their can-do attitude, Damian John Installations quickly became the go-to referral for local appliance stores like Albert Lee, Judd and Black, and Metropolitan Appliance – the DJI team always seems able to do what others can’t – either because they don’t have the experience, the confidence, or even the willingness to try. Since 2002 Damian and his team have helped thousands of homeowners and commercial builders successfully install hundreds of thousands of kitchen and laundry appliances. They’ve established solid relationships with brands from Maytag to Miele, GE to Gaggenau, and Whirlpool to Wolf, making sure to keep up with all available certifications and keeping current with code updates. If you have a question about how to install an appliance – Damian’s probably got the answer! A New Jersey native, he’s an avid traveler and eager chef who happily tolerates his wife’s love of costume parties.
Webinar Sponsor
Geberit
Geberit North America is celebrating 15 years as an EPA WaterSense partner. Geberit is also a charter member of the Alliance for Water Efficiency and a member of the US Green Building Council (USGBC). Geberit water efficient tank systems meet the stringent codes of CalGreen and other states. Geberit consistently implements eco-design principles of its new products from the selection of raw materials to disposal; the company also takes measures that successively reduce water consumption.
Geberit is a leading innovator of the concealed tank systems for floating toilets that improve the look of any bathroom by hiding unsightly plumbing hardware. Replacing a standard toilet with the Geberit system results in more usable space, improved hygiene, water savings and better accessibility. They are ideal for creating stylish bathrooms with conservation in mind.
Geberit also offers the widest range of flush plate styles and finishes for use with its in-wall hidden tank systems. Many have biophilic patterns such as walnut and natural stone looks. Additionally, the sustainable design of the dual-flush valve saves water and is practically maintenance-free. Select a water-saving Geberit tank system and match it with a water saving compliant toilet to meet USGBC LEED or EPA WaterSense requirements. For the most sustainable combinations see the Geberit Clean Design brochure. Geberit’s American product offering is available at geberitnorthamerica.com.
The parent company of Geberit North America is the Switzerland headquartered Geberit Group, a global leader in the field of sanitary products. For the second year running, the Geberit Group has been awarded a Platinum rating for its sustainability management from EcoVadis, one of the world’s largest providers of business sustainability ratings. The Geberit Group is in the top one per cent of companies listed by EcoVadis.
Confident, Collaborative Leadership: What to Control, When to Collaborate, How to Stay Confident
When:
October 2, 2023
Presenter:
Rebecca West, CEO, Seriously Happy Homes
CEUs: .1
What You Will Learn
Do you feel confident in your role as a leader? When you need to trust others to do their job, do you feel like you’re able to get the results you need – without micromanaging your team members? Do your clients, contractors, and team members trust you as a leader, and get you what you need, when you need it? Or do you feel like you’re always chasing people for things you’ve asked them for? Worse, do you feel like folks dismiss you, even when you *try* to lead?
People love to follow great leaders! Great leaders provide a clear vision for the outcome of a project, and create confidence in both the end goal and the journey. They make sure everyone knows what the team is trying to accomplish, and ensure that everyone has the tools they need to succeed, without micromanaging every detail. But great leadership starts long before we start assigning tasks to others. Our behaviors, words, and choices either establish us as a leader (making it easier to succeed), *or* they undermine our position as a leader (making it harder than it has to be to get things done).
Ready to step up as a great leader, feel proud of your team, and be trusted by your team members? Let’s make sure that your approach to leadership (including the words you use, the behaviors you model, and the decisions you make) help the whole team succeed together. Whether you have an official title as a leader, or simply want to step up as a leader in your current role, this webinar will give you the confidence to take charge, especially when there is no clear leader in the room.
Learning Objectives:
You will be able to determine what is in your influence, and how can you control the outcome without micromanaging the journey.
Learn tips that cement your authority while elevating your team members (be they employees, clients, or contractors).
Identify words and behaviors that might undermine your authority, and level up your confidence as a leader.
Featured Presenter
Rebecca West – CEO – Seriously Happy Homes
Interior designer Rebecca West is CEO of her Seattle-based residential design company “Seriously Happy Homes”, author of the book “Happy Starts at Home,” and host of the podcast “Creating Your Happy Place.” She’s been seen on TV on New Day Northwest and Seattle Refined, spoken at Town Hall and Ignite Seattle, and been featured in Seattle Magazine, Success Magazine, the UK Times, and more. She’s also a business consultant to her fellow residential interior designers through Seriously Happy Coaching & Consulting, on the board of the Heritage Design School, and a small business mentor with SCORE Seattle. She can’t resist a costume party or a cat video, and has a weakness for Oreos, Taco Bell, and Scotch whiskey. Find her on Instagram @beseriouslyhappy
Biophilic Design: Connecting You & Your Home with Nature
When:
September 26, 2023
Presenter:
Susan Fefferman, Owner, Harmonious Surroundings
CEUs: .1
What You Will Learn
Yale Professor Stephen Kellert has said that “biophilic design is a modern take on feng shui.” In these current times of financial uncertainty, health concerns and more people working remotely from their homes “Biophilic design expresses our love of life (biophilia) in our homes and work spaces for greater wellbeing. It’s never been more relevant, nor more desirable, than now”.
This course will introduce you to the concept of Biophilia and how to incorporate it into residential homes and commercial or medical offices to put you or your clients in touch with nature. Areas covered will include materials, color, views and natural light.
We’ll also touch on the links between one’s home, health and happiness via environmental research and neuroscience.
During this session, you will:
Gain an understanding how the concept of Biophilia works and the science behind it.
Learn how Biophilic design can complement your K&B design practice.
Learn some quick and cost-effective tips to incorporating Biophilia in kitchen and bath spaces to see and feel its impact.
Featured Presenter
Susan Fefferman – Owner –Harmonious Surroundings
Susan Fefferman, owner of Harmonious Surroundings in San Diego, is an interior designer and feng shui practitioner since 2006. She has traveled to Ireland, China and within the US to study earth sciences with experts in the field. Her mission is to help others bring not only beauty and function to their new and remodeled spaces but also balance, tranquility and harmony to their surroundings. Susan has completed trainings in Healing Touch for Animals, the International Association of Color Consultants/Designers and she currently is a Site Consultant for ADU Resource Center, a California based Design/Build firm. Additional specialties include Educator/Workshop Leader.
Webinar Sponsor
Hettich
We create the perfect combination of intelligent technology, functionality, and design. It is with this claim that we develop and produce a variety of fittings for all sorts of different functions; including drawer box systems, slides, hinges as well as sliding and folding door systems. Because good furniture needs good solutions – for the home, working world and quality of life. Every day, over 6,700 members of staff take up the challenge of developing intelligent technology for furniture. The home of the family-owned business is in Kirchlengern, Germany.
Many new products on the market claim to be “smart,” but how do these devices actually improve clients’ experiences in their homes? Learn what it takes to successfully integrate smart technology in your projects. Discover examples of how technology can enhance the lifestyle of homeowners and understand the critical considerations for service and support.
During this session, you will:
Understand the types of systems technology integrator’s can create.
Define systems integration and how it can benefit the homeowner.
Properly identify the typical process for specifying technology in a project.
Featured Presenter
Holly Andre – Thea Enterprises – Residential Specification
Holly combines her love for people and passion for elevating architectural spaces though light and design in her specification sales role. She inspires project influencers and end users alike to ensure decision makers have the information and resources necessary to seamlessly blend technology with timeless design.
Today, Holly manages the residential specification efforts for Thea Enterprises, a full-service rep agency serving the New York Metro and New Jersey Markets, and specializes in high-end and luxury residential work.
Webinar Sponsor
Hettich
We create the perfect combination of intelligent technology, functionality, and design. It is with this claim that we develop and produce a variety of fittings for all sorts of different functions; including drawer box systems, slides, hinges as well as sliding and folding door systems. Because good furniture needs good solutions – for the home, working world and quality of life. Every day, over 6,700 members of staff take up the challenge of developing intelligent technology for furniture. The home of the family-owned business is in Kirchlengern, Germany.
How To Meet Your Client’s Smart Home Needs & Questions
When:
September 12, 2023
Presenter:
Josh Christian , CEO, Home Technology Association
CEUs: .1
What You Will Learn
Technology is increasingly woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. The pandemic made this reality even more noticeable with so many suddenly working and learning from home, creating more demand for more home technology. Beyond entertainment technologies like audio/video and media rooms, the peace of mind supplied by security systems and surveillance cameras, and the requirement for reliable and secure Wi-Fi, clients increasingly want their home to be “smart”. What exactly is a “smart home” and how do I answer my clients’ questions about smart home options? How does this affect my kitchen and bath design? How much do these home technologies cost? Who should install it? How does this affect the aesthetic design of the project, and what other trades might be affected?
This webinar will answer the above questions and empower you to have confident conversations with your client about how to approach their home tech needs. By having a plan on how to deal with the home’s low-voltage technologies, not only are you providing valuable guidance and insights to your clients, but your projects will also benefit aesthetically. In the past, designers were happy if the home’s technologies didn’t create an eyesore, though today’s proactive designer understands that properly designed and specified home technology can instead beautify a space and make the entire home more user-friendly.
This course will share the scope of technologies that professional home technology integrators install and how to find and work with one that understands you and your clients’ needs.
During this session, you will:
Gain the confidence and simple tools needed to quickly evaluate their clients’ technology requirements.
Establish why a technology integrator should be a key resource for kitchen and bath designers and why to engage integrators early.
Share how to find qualified home technology integrators that are used to working with design professionals.
Featured Presenter
Josh Christian – CEO – Home Technology Association.
Josh has been a technology enthusiast since a child and entered the home technology industry in 1995. Soon after, he began working with designers to help them integrate technology into their projects in the most aesthetically pleasing ways possible. In 2017 Josh co-founded the Home Technology Association (HTA) to create the industry’s first and only standard of excellence for home technology integrators so homeowners and design and build professionals could find qualified home technology integrators. The HTA has positioned itself as the ‘bridge’ between home technology integrators and the design and build professions.
He has delivered dozens of presentations to some of the top architects, and interior designers throughout the USA. In serving different roles, as a salesperson, a consultant, and an industry outreach liaison, Josh brings years of experience with integrating technology into design. His goal has always been for clients to have exceptional technology experiences. In his role as CEO of the HTA, he is delivering on that goal.
Webinar Sponsor
Hettich
We create the perfect combination of intelligent technology, functionality, and design. It is with this claim that we develop and produce a variety of fittings for all sorts of different functions; including drawer box systems, slides, hinges as well as sliding and folding door systems. Because good furniture needs good solutions – for the home, working world and quality of life. Every day, over 6,700 members of staff take up the challenge of developing intelligent technology for furniture. The home of the family-owned business is in Kirchlengern, Germany.
Residential Smart Plumbing Products in Demand: Leak Detection Systems, Smart and Touchless Faucets, and Smart Showers
When:
September 6, 2023
Presenter:
MaryCarol Davis, Territory Manager, Moen
CEUs: .1
What You Will Learn
The demand for digital and smart residential plumbing products among homeowners grows as innovative technology is created to aid daily life. This course discusses smart products, including residential leak detection systems, smart and touchless faucets and digital shower valves. It’s important for plumbing professionals to know the installation requirements of such products and the benefits they deliver to the end users. They must also know the differences between the digital and smart products that are becoming an integral part of the smart home ecosystem.
Moen is dedicated to designing and delivering beautiful products that last a lifetime – all over the world. At Moen, we put the customer at the center of our design process. Their needs and insights drive the development of delightful, innovative products that help to make everyday tasks just a little bit easier. The demand for digital and smart residential plumbing products among homeowners grows as innovative technology is created to aid daily life. This course discusses smart products, including residential leak detection systems, touchless faucets and shower digital valves. It’s important for plumbing professionals to know the installation requirements of such products and the benefits they deliver to the end users. They must also know the differences between the digital and smart products which are becoming an integral part of the smart home ecosystem.
During this session, you will:
Learn about the rise of plumbing smart products and which are in the most demand.
Examine the different benefits of plumbing smart products throughout the home..
Identify what is required for installation and how to install the variety of smart plumbing products mentioned in the course.
Featured Presenter
MaryCarol Davis – Moen – Territory Manager
I am originally from Northern Virginia and graduated from Gar-Field High School. I am a proud alumna from Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia where I played soccer as a Central Midfielder for four years. After college, I relocated to Baltimore, where I met my husband, Adam. We live in Baltimore, Maryland with our son and our maltipoo.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, taking hikes and cooking our favorite meals.
Since graduating from Randolph-Macon I’ve spent the last 12 years in the plumbing and building industry. I’ve spent a cumulative seven years with a national wholesaler with a focus on the showroom. I also worked for Thorsen Construction for three years as a Customer Relations Manager where I managed projects and helped clients through the design selection process. I joined Moen in October 2020 as a Territory Manager for the DC Metro area.
Webinar Sponsor
Hettich
We create the perfect combination of intelligent technology, functionality, and design. It is with this claim that we develop and produce a variety of fittings for all sorts of different functions; including drawer box systems, slides, hinges as well as sliding and folding door systems. Because good furniture needs good solutions – for the home, working world and quality of life. Every day, over 6,700 members of staff take up the challenge of developing intelligent technology for furniture. The home of the family-owned business is in Kirchlengern, Germany.
Sustainable Surface Choices for Healthier Kitchens & Baths
When:
February 22, 2023
Presenter:
Jillian Pritchard Cooke, Founder, Wellness Within Your Walls
CEUs: .1
What You Will Learn
Designing sustainable and healthy kitchens and baths can have a significant positive impact on overall health and well-being. Jillian will illustrate how sustainability and wellness promotion work hand in hand to create more functional and enjoyable spaces – and how a sustainable home can also be a healthy home.
Jillian will explore the overarching attributes of healthy kitchens and baths: natural, sustainable, and responsible. She will also share tips for growing a business through sustainable design practices and how to effectively market those practices.
During this session, you will:
Demonstrate how to assess the sustainability of materials and how these materials can be incorporated into kitchen and bath design.
Explain how to choose sustainable surfaces that promote wellness (non-porous, hygienic, no VOCs, etc.) along with other characteristics to keep in mind when choosing surfaces.
Recognize other important considerations that play a role in wellness design, such as lighting, water filtration, ventilation and more.
Featured Presenter
Jillian Pritchard Cooke–Founder–Wellness Within Your Walls
With more than 35 years of experience in the home building and design industries, Jillian is founder of Wellness Within Your Walls® (WWYW), an award-winning informational resource group that has developed a groundbreaking program designed to reduce toxins in living environments.
An environmental cancer diagnosis led Jillian to use her years of experience as the head of award-winning interior design firm, DES-SYN, to think outside of the energy efficiency box and consider how the materials used to build, specify, and furnish homes might be impacting our health. The resulting WWYW standard reframes the construction conversation and outlines proper construction techniques and healthier design and building practices, along with behavioral strategies to ensure sustained wellness.
An author and frequent public speaker, Jillian has presented at industry meetings of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), USGBC – Greenbuild Conference, KBIS, American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC), Women in Residential Construction, and the National Healthy Homes Conference, among others.
She is a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council Board, NAHB Design Committee, NAHB Green and Sustainable Committee, NAHB Best in American Living Awards Committee, NAHB Sales and Marketing Council, and Professional Women in Residential Construction.
Jillian was inducted into the Best of American Living Awards Hall of Fame in 2019 and has been honored with the Invisible Disabilities Association’s Healthy Living Award along with the NAHB Best in Green Interiors Award, Green Home Design Excellence Gold Nugget Award and NAHB Best in American Living Award.
Webinar Sponsor
Hettich
We create the perfect combination of intelligent technology, functionality, and design. It is with this claim that we develop and produce a variety of fittings for all sorts of different functions; including drawer box systems, slides, hinges as well as sliding and folding door systems. Because good furniture needs good solutions – for the home, working world and quality of life. Every day, over 6,700 members of staff take up the challenge of developing intelligent technology for furniture. The home of the family-owned business is in Kirchlengern, Germany.
Designers are driven by a passion and a purpose. Non-Profits are also driven by a passion and a purpose. Many of the skill sets that designers leverage every day in their business can be helpful and useful to a non-profit. There is great reward and value in contributing to a cause that benefits your community and thereby benefits yourself.
In this webinar, we will help you discover a path and opportunity to share your unique skills with a non-profit.
During this session, you will:
Discover the different types of non-profits and how they are structured.
Identify and find non-profits that align to your values.
Define your skill sets and how you can use those skills to help a non-profit.
Judith’s design career began at the age of four, designing block furniture and clothing for her troll dolls. After completing her design degree, she worked in medical, commercial, and hospitality design. She switched to the manufacturing segment of the industry after working with a national retailer in showroom merchandising design and training, which included development and implementation of business processes and installation programs.
As one of the professional instructors for the NKBA, she offered a comprehensive learning experience to designers in North America. As an honorary founding member of the Jenn-Air Design Advisory Council, she provided perspective on Jenn-Air and other Whirlpool Corporation brands.
Judith is a frequent contributor to the industry by speaking on a variety of topics of interest for both the design professional and homeowner. She has lectured frequently at KBIS and other trade events about the business side of interior design. Judith has also been a featured guest for “A Well-Designed Business” with LuAnn Nigara at her trade event and on her podcasts. In 2021, she was recognized by Kitchen & Bath Design News as a Leading Innovator.
Her design practice serves a single zip code (Vashon Island, WA) where she is known for doing “weird” really well. In 2014 she and her husband established a non-profit to honor the life of their son, Rj Ontiveros. As director for the non-profit, Rjs Kids, her current project is the construction of an epic multi-use outdoor recreation park that includes skate boarding, a pumptrack, and public art features. In support of underserved community members, the project includes apprentice training programs partnered with skilled craftsman and artists to create art features in the park.
Webinar Sponsor
NKBA
The NKBA is the world’s leading trade association for the kitchen and bath industry providing tools, research, certification, and events to thousands of professionals. The National Kitchen + Bath Association (NKBA) is a non-profit trade group that promotes professionalism in the kitchen and bath industry.
It is the Mission of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) to enhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethical business practices, and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry worldwide.
The association again invited local college professors and students to learn about membership benefits and connect with industry professionals.
NKBA CEO Bill Darcy and Kelly Ann Ryan, NKBA Learning Programs Manager, with students and faculty from Northampton Community College and Mid Atlantic Chapter President Brianna Weiler, of New Hope Cabinets, Baths & Kitchens by Charles Weiler, at NKBA’s second Students of the Industry night on Sept. 27, 2023, at the association’s headquarters in Bethlehem, PA.
By Elisa Fernández-Arias
Last month, NKBA invited college students and professors from local colleges, as well as chapter officers, to its second of two Students of the Industry Night events this year. Held on Sept. 27 at the association’s headquarters in Bethlehem, PA, this event was an opportunity for students to discover more about NKBA student membership, learning initiatives such as badges and certifications, and much more.
The event, attended by Northampton Community College faculty and students, is an example of the foundation NKBA builds to support students in the industry so that they can flourish in their future K&B careers. The students also had the opportunity to speak with Mid Atlantic Chapter President Brianna Weiler, of New Hope Cabinets, Baths & Kitchens by Charles Weiler, and two designers from Morris Black Designs, Christine Shorr, CKBD, Mid Atlantic Chapter member and Marissa Monte, Susquehanna Valley Chapter member.
The night started off with Kelly Ann Ryan, NKBA Learning Programs Manager, welcoming guests and introducing them to the association, explaining that NKBA is the world’s leading trade association for the kitchen and bath industry and owner of KBIS. She then outlined the benefits of joining NKBA as a student member, which is free thanks to sponsorship from Sub-Zero Group, Inc., and how entering the Student Design Competition, sponsored by Fisher & Paykel, can raise their profile. She also noted how students can continue to benefit from NKBA membership even beyond graduation.
The event ended with networking, where students had a chance to ask questions to and seek advice from Brianna Weiler.
“I was very excited to meet the Interior Design students from Northampton Community College and speak with them on a personal level. I could easily relate to them and wanted to share my experiences of being involved with the NKBA for nearly a decade, beginning as a student studying Interior Design and now as a Design Professional within the Kitchen & Bath Industry. I sincerely look forward to seeing the talent and creativity of these particular students when I join Asst. Professor Daniel Ebner in critiquing their design projects,” said Weiler.
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NKBA | KBIS
Bath Trends Virtual Summit
Now Available On Demand | .2 CEUs
On Demand
About
Speakers
Virtual Conference
Thurs., Nov. 16 | 1:00 – 3:00 PM ET
In Partnership with
View On Demand
Bath Trends ReportSession 1featuring Kim Sturman, Market Research Manager, NKBA
Highlights of NKBA’s 2024 Bath Trends Report, focusing on emerging shifts from space design and products to materials and color.
The Future of Bath DesignSession 2featuring Mimi Fong, Principal, Luminosus Designs LLC Pamela McNally, SVP Marketing + Digital, NKBA
A discussion on the future of bath design and what will be the next “big” thing from a design, client and product perspective.
The Bath RevolutionSession 3featuring Elizabeth Lord-Levitt, CMKBD, Principal, Elizabeth P. Lord Residential Design Ashlee Sherzad, Chief Design Officer, Nar Design Group Megan Siason, CKBD, Owner + Designer, M Studio Interior Design moderator: Tricia Zach, Head of Research, NKBA
Gone are the days when the bath was a hidden space, tucked away and all about practical needs. Today, the bath has become one of the most important rooms in the home, rivaling the kitchen for complexity, growth and personal fulfillment. Here we talk to three bath designers on the cutting edge of this rapid transformation.
One on One: What the High-End Client WantsSession 4featuring Christopher Grubb, Founder & President, Arch-Interiors Design Group Pamela McNally, SVP Marketing + Digital, NKBA
A talk with host and well-known designer Christopher Grubb about what are the biggest shifts in design/functionality he’s seeing with his clients for the primary bath.
About
Bath Design, Trends, Insights and More
Discover the emerging and future trends for bath as revealed exclusively in NKBA’s Bath Trends Summit on Thursday, November 16 from 1 PM to 3 PM ET. Open to all – members and non-members – the Summit will introduce new design, products, materials and other highlights from NKBA’s 2024 Bath Trends report, available to download free* for all attendees post-event. The Summit will also feature insightful presentations as well as designer panels and interviews.
Hosted by Christopher Grubb, President/Founder of Arch-Interiors Design Group, Beverly Hills, CA.
*Non-members who don’t attend the Summit will pay $2995. NKBA members have access to all NKBA reports for free.
“Baths will support healthy living and wellness journeys with features for mental relaxation and physical rehabilitation.”
Attendees toured the building, saw product demos and learned about future kitchen trends at GE Appliances’ new CoCREATE space in Stamford, CT.
NKBA’s recent Kitchen Trends Summit at GE Appliances’ CoCREATE space in Stamford, CT focused on what consumers want in a kitchen now and in the future, with a mix of programming that featured a focus group, a one-on-one talk, and an expert panel discussion. Attendees of the event also received personalized tours of the new space that Michelle Donovan, Director, Marketing for GE Appliances, described as a “community creative playground”. The CoCREATE space, which officially opened last Friday, includes coworking spaces and a resource area for designers.
Those who attended the event, including a large group from NKBA’s Manhattan Chapter, received a pre-opening walk-through of CoCREATE’s different areas including The Experience Center, The Maker Space and The Factory. Afterwards, attendees gathered to hear “One on One with Sarah Robertson, AKBD, Studio Dearborn: What do Consumers Really Want from the Design of their Kitchen?”. In the conversation with NKBA’s Pamela McNally, Robertson discussed clients’ evolving needs, notably functionality and storage. “People are seeing beyond the aesthetics now,” said Robertson.
The Kitchen of the Future Panel at NKBA’s Kitchen Trends Summit featured, from left: Tricia Zach, NKBA’s Head of Research; Marc Hottenroth, Executive Director, Industrial Design at GE Appliances; Kimberly Platt, CKBD, of JWH Design & Cabinetry LLC; and Julie Schuster, NKBA Manhattan Chapter President, of Julie Schuster Design Studio.
Next, attendees learned about “The Kitchen of the Future,” with panelists Marc Hottenroth, Executive Director, Industrial Design at GE Appliances; Kimberly Platt, CKBD, of JWH Design & Cabinetry LLC; and Julie Schuster, NKBA Manhattan Chapter President and member of NKBA’s Chapter Leadership Committee, of Julie Schuster Design Studio. Moderated by Tricia Zach, Head of Research at NKBA, the panel discussed topics ranging from influences driving future kitchen design to the customization of design. Noted Schuster: “I’m seeing many people interested in making the kitchen look like them.”
“I’m seeing many people interested in making the kitchen look like them.” — Julie Schuster, Julie Schuster Design Studio.
After giveaways from NBKA and GE Appliances, attendees enjoyed cocktails, appetizers and live music while networking with other Chapters and industry professionals. Many also took part in cooking and product demonstrations — and everyone went home with a complimentary GE Appliances branded cutting board.
Go here to download NKBA’s Kitchen Trends 2024 report, which is free to members.
“Do I Really Have to Do That?”…On My Tile and Stone Installations – A Collection of Tile Industry Myths, Urban Legends, Misconceptions, and Misunderstandings
When:
February 8, 2023
Presenter:
Dean Moilanen, Director of Architectural Services, Noble Company
CEUs: .1
What You Will Learn
This webinar includes a collection of tile industry myths, urban legends, misconceptions, and misunderstandings. We will review industry standards, products, installation methods, and practices used to ensure safe, durable installations.
Despite best efforts to educate, problems still exist due to resistance to proper methods, product selection, and practices. This session will provide you with the standards, recommendations, and necessary practices to achieve problem-free, durable tile installations. We will review substrate preparation, performance testing, and more to help achieve successful systems.
During this session, you will:
Identify trends in product development, installation methods, and industry standards; specifically, those ANSI standards which dictate required “best practices” with regard to the installation of ceramic tile & natural stone.
Acknowledge that in spite of best efforts, there still remain a number of prevailing notions, stubbornly held beliefs, and legacy old school practices which continue to prevent current best practices from thriving.
Examine the impact these holdover notions and practices have on the quality and longevity of tile and stone installations, as well as health and safety concerns that stem from the consequences of to certain non-standard installation methods.
Featured Presenter
Dean Moilanen–Director of Architectural Services–Noble Company
Dean Moilanen is a Division 9 waterproofing, crack isolation, and permeation specialist who advises on some of the most demanding and prestigious projects in the USA. As a 35-year veteran of the tile industry, Dean’s relationships with architects, builders, and owners allow him access to some of the most challenging and compelling design issues in the industry. Dean’s extensive career on job sites gives him a real-world perspective as he has seen first-hand success and failure relating to product selection, installation issues, and sequencing challenges.
Dean is an AIA Las Vegas Allied Member, CSI, CTEF, IIBEC, NTCA Ambassador, Certified Forensic Stone & Tile Inspector.
Webinar Sponsor
Hettich
We create the perfect combination of intelligent technology, functionality, and design. It is with this claim that we develop and produce a variety of fittings for all sorts of different functions; including drawer box systems, slides, hinges as well as sliding and folding door systems. Because good furniture needs good solutions – for the home, working world and quality of life. Every day, over 6,700 members of staff take up the challenge of developing intelligent technology for furniture. The home of the family-owned business is in Kirchlengern, Germany.
