Discover how design professionals are bridging disciplines and evolving to meet shifting consumer demands in a new collaborative study from the NKBA and High Point Market Authority.
A Groundbreaking Research Initiative from NKBA and High Point Market Authority
On opening day of High Point Fall Market, NKBA Global President & CEO Bill Darcy joined HPMA President & CEO Tammy Covington for a special keynote:
“Evolution of the Home: The Consumer Shifts Reshaping Design & What It Means for Your Business”
Moderated by Kaitlin Petersen, Editor-in-Chief of Business of Home, the discussion highlighted key findings from the NKBA and High Point Market Authority’s Whole-Home Design Study.
The Whole-Home Design Study examines how design professionals are collaborating across disciplines, where opportunities for growth exist, and how changing consumer expectations are reshaping residential design.
Download the Study Highlights
Get a quick look at the top insights from the Kitchen, Bath, & Whole-Home Design Study, including key consumer shifts and emerging opportunities for residential design professionals. Download the highlights PDF to discover key trends reshaping the industry.
Awards night kicks off KBIS, with a fabulous new venue, entertainment by an American Idol winner and multi-platinum artist, and of course big prizes for the very best in design.
But this year it’s going to be extra special:
At Awards night, we’re rolling out an epic NKBA initiative that’s going to impact the entire whole-home design community–both in North America and abroad.
Expect increased media presence that night, along with industry leaders who have already claimed their seats.
In short: You’re going to want to be in the room.
An Entirely Redesigned Award Experience
The NKBA Design + Industry Awards isn’t just an award ceremony—it’s the official opening party of KBIS. Here is what awaits you at the new venue:
Recognizing Excellence: Celebrate the visionaries setting new benchmarks in kitchen, bath, and residential design.
Exclusive Unveiling: Be the first to hear an exciting announcement about the future of NKBA and whole-home design.
Premium Hospitality: Enjoy complimentary light bites and an open bar pre-show.
Unforgettable Entertainment: Experience surprise guests, pop-up performances, and live prize giveaways throughout the night.
TICKETS TO DESIGN + INDUSTRY AWARDS/OPENING PARTY REQUIRE KBIS REGISTRATION.
Ready to reserve your spot?
Whether you need to register for KBIS or update an existing registration to add special event tickets, click below to proceed. (Existing registrants: have your password ready).
International brands wanting to make their name known in North America can now take advantage of the Global Connect Brand Boost–a new customized sponsorship package at KBIS.
As a sponsor, you’ll have the support of the NKBA to build awareness and exposure for your brand–both in the lead up to KBIS 2027, and during the show at the Las Vegas Convention Center taking place February 2-4.
To participate, brands must be an NKBA Global Connect Member or Strategic Alliance Partner.
The Global Connect Brand Boost: What’s Included
The Global Connect Brand Boost is a complete package including both pre show and at-show marketing:
BEFORE KBIS
Custom Feature Article ($7,500)
One editorial piece focusing solely on your brand or products–including images–published on the NKBA website, so you can reach KBIS attendees well before they arrive on the show floor. (Creative assets and copy direction provided by the sponsor.)
Targeted Custom Email ($5,000)
Our in-house marketing experts create both copy and design for you and send your email directly to the NKBA audience of your choice–designers, manufacturers, or showrooms.
Social Media Amplification ($3,000)
One dedicated social post from our in-house social manager, timed to maximize pre-show visibility and booth traffic, generating early engagement across our digital community.
DURING KBIS
Daily Newsletter Feature ($500/day)
You’ll receive a booth highlight and company profile in the KBIS Daily Preview, sent to NKBA’s email audience throughout KBIS show dates.
Investment Bundle: $13,500 (20% savings)
The deadline to commit to a custom sponsorship package is Nov. 2. For pricing and availability, please contact Kevin Shea, Sales Specialist for Global Accounts, at kshea@nkba.org.
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 improve 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 here.
Get the latest NKBA member news, products and events.
NKBA 2027 Kitchen Trends Report
October 2026
NKBA’s 2027 Kitchen Trends Report provides an in-depth look at the future of kitchen design, spotlighting the styles, colors, products, materials, and finishes expected to shape the next three years. Findings are drawn from feedback provided by 830 industry professionals across North America, 67% of whom are NKBA members. Among respondents, 62% were designers, with the remainder representing showroom professionals, dealers, kitchen and bath remodelers, contractors, and architects.
Kitchen design is shifting from simply adding more to making every decision count.
Key Takeaways
The research revealed 10 core themes driving kitchen design:
The Great Rebalancing of Space
The Purpose-Built Kitchen
Humanized & Layered Design
The Emotional Kitchen
Intentional Simplicity
The Connected Home Experience
Optimizing the Interior Environment
Weathering the Unexpected
Redefining Value
The ROI Kitchen
Additional Topics Covered
Climate Resilience: Examines how climate-related considerations are entering kitchen design, including demand for resilience features, strategies such as leak detection, backup power and improved air quality, and the barriers designers and clients face in adopting these solutions.
Size & Spend: Explores how kitchen size and project scope are evolving, including expectations for kitchen footprint, priorities for maximizing functionality within existing space, and the mix of renovation and new-construction projects shaping today’s market.
Product-Specific Insights: Detailed outlooks for 12 product categories and design elements: Islands/Pantries, Cabinets, Countertops, Backsplashes, Flooring, Refrigerators, Dishwashers, Cooking Appliances, Venting/Hoods, Sinks, Faucets, and Lighting.
The association’s international business membership program explored the industry in Spain
After an engaging trip to Salone del Mobile in April, NKBA Global Connect returned to Europe to attend Spain’s leading design trade fair, València Inspira Diseño. This year the fair offered an integrated showcase bringing together four major trade shows in one seamless experience:
Feria Hábitat València: international showcase for furniture, lighting, and interior design
Espacio Cocina SICI: furniture, accessories, and equipment for the kitchen
Textilhogar: home textile and decoration trends
360º by Cevisama: bathrooms, surfaces, and ceramics
Hábitat Valencia is well-established as the leading international showcase for the Spanish habitat industry, featuring a wide range of furniture, lighting, décor, upholstery, and bedding. This collaborative fair for all home design including the kitchen and bath, offered NKBA Global Connect a prime opportunity to learn more about the Spanish market and discuss how companies can benefit from NKBA’s international business membership program.
Of particular interest for NKBA was the chance to connect in person with two strategic alliance partners– AMC and ASEBAN–in support of their shows, Espacio Cocina SICI and 360º by Cevisama, respectively.
AMC, the Spanish Association of Kitchen Furniture, and ASEBAN, the Association of Manufacturers of Bathroom and Sanitary Equipment, have been Global Connect strategic partners since 2024, and the fair offered a perfect opportunity to experience how these associations assist their members.
Reflecting on the fair, Sergio Gonzalez, Director of ASEBAN stated, “Spanish Bathroom Industry is quality, design and innovation being present in many architectural and interior design projects worldwide. Helping our members to trade with the US is challenging, but joining forces with NKBA brings us knowledge and experience as a key partner.”
In addition to meeting with these partners, Steven Campeau, Senior Manager, Global & Government Relations at NKBA, visited nearly a dozen current NKBA members–both domestic and Global Connect–including Miele, Cosentino, Neolith, Kessebohoemer, Schuller, Quooker, Bora, and Coverlam to learn more about their new products as well as inquire about their KBIS 2027 exhibits. He also met with 65 prospective Global Connect members across all four shows to present how the program can help them break into or expand in the North American market.
“Seeing these brands exhibit first hand on their home turf is truly a humbling experience,” Campeau said. “Global Connect is all about helping companies such as these feel intertwined with their North American counterparts as we strive to find ways to work together and grow our industry. It’s an honor to represent NKBA and North America at the show to not only deepen current relationships, but forge new ones as well in our lucrative $228 billion industry.”
NKBA Global Connect will be attending BDNY next month to visit international exhibitors and is working with our partners abroad to continue to represent NKBA at additional tradeshows later this year such as SICAM in Italy, Unicera in Türkiye, Acetech Mumbai & Delhi in India, and ESPRITMEUBLE in France.
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 improve 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 here.
Now in its third year, the Educator of the Year award recognizes an outstanding individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing the knowledge and skills of students within the kitchen and bath industry.
Students, peers, and colleagues can submit letters of recommendation attesting to the educator’s impact and effectiveness through the online nomination form. The nomination period is open now and will close on November 7th, 2026.
Letters of recommendation should address the following:
Innovative Teaching Methods
Impact on Students and Professionals
Industry Contribution
Professionalism and Dedication
Leadership and Collaboration
Community and Industry Engagement
A panel of NKBA representatives will review nominations. The selection process will involve evaluating each nominee based on the outlined criteria, focusing on their overall impact and contributions to the field.
The NKBA Educator of the Year will be honored at KBIS 2027. The award recipient will enjoy complimentary roundtrip airfare, KBIS registration, and hotel accommodations for the event, which will take place from February 2-4, 2027, in Las Vegas, NV.
LJ Cornel, Pamela O’Donnell, Paula Kennedy, CMKBD, Corinne Wint, and Giovanni Sabio of Cambria.
“As Chapter Officers, we are honored to be entrusted to bring people together, introduce conversations, and raise awareness,” Aloha Chapter Programs Chair Corinne Wint shared.
“As part of the design and building industry, we help make decisions about the materials surrounding people, the air they breathe, the water they use, the functionality of their homes, and the way those spaces make them feel. It is an honor and a responsibility.”
Wint, who relocated to Hawaii from New York 17 years ago, kept this philosophy in mind when she traveled to KBIS as a Chapter Officer earlier this year and attended the Voices from the Industry Conference (VFTI), where Paula Kennedy, CMKBD, was speaking.
The Beginnings of a Wellness in Design Movement
“The idea for Aloha’s first-ever “Wellness in Design” program really took shape when I heard Paula speak during a VFTI Wine and Design panel.” The presentation resonated with Wint, who flew back home to Hawaii and pitched the idea to her fellow Aloha Chapter Officers.
Wint continued, “Creative professionals spend so much of their lives creating for other people. We solve problems, make hundreds of decisions, manage expectations, carry responsibility for budgets and homes and dreams, and continually have to create whether or not we happen to feel creative that day. Creating professionally is different from creating simply for enjoyment. Our Chapter council wanted ‘Wellness in Design’ to make room for that conversation, too—the wellness of the home, the client, and the people doing the work.”
The Aloha Chapter designed tip sheets for the Wellness in Design event.
How the Wellness in Design Pilot Event Came Together
This was the first year for “Wellness in Design,” and the Aloha Chapter wants to grow it into an annual event, inviting all members and chapters from across the US and Canada to join them next year. This year’s event featured two CEUs followed by Pau Hana, which means “finished work” and is the Hawaiian version of happy hour!
The Aloha Chapter expressed Mahalo to Cambria as the presenting sponsor. Along with Cambria’s support, Aloha leaders each played an instrumental role in bringing the event to life. LJ Cornel sourced products and recruited Plus Interiors as the ideal setting for the program. Pamela O’Donnell elevated the attendee experience through thoughtfully curated gifts.
Cris Johnson, Aloha Chapter President and 25-year chapter member, worked closely with the owners of Plus Interiors to ensure the venue experience was seamless, coordinating hospitality, refreshments, industry contributions, and recognizing Cambria’s sponsorship support.
Johnson shared, “Attending the ‘‘Wellness in Design” CEU event was a reminder and great testament to what our local designers and builders have incorporated into their work for years, and that is designing with purpose, using the inspiration and resources of our islands, integrating wholistic design features for our multi-generational homes and family, and taking advantage of our natural resources like clean air and water. It was a well-rounded topic that applied to all sectors of our membership.”
“Wellness in Design” is the most recent in a decades-long list of forward-thinking programs and events for the Aloha Chapter, which was one of the first chapters to launch its own design competition, created a Great Kitchen & Bath Tour, hosted a national NKBA dinner in Waikiki, and connected and built relationships with designers and companies across all the islands. Next year, Aloha Chapter will celebrate its 40th year anniversary.
With KBIS 2027 in Las Vegas just around the corner, Aloha Chapter will be there to inspire and be inspired by VFTI, and they encourage all members to register, attend, and bring back a “voice” from KBIS to enrich all members’ professional and personal lives.
Paula Kennedy, CMKBD, and Corinne Wint, Aloha Chapter Programs Chair
Registration for the Voices from the Industry Conference (VFTI) is open now. You never know what ideas it will spark for you:
Enter the NKBA | KBIS Design Industry Awards today! We’ve extended the deadline by one week to Monday, October 11. Click here to enter your designs and win! Certified members who win receive an additional $25,000 on top of the prizes!
Our Chapter Officers are busy making travel plans to join us for Leader2Leader on Monday, February 1. Vegas will be better than ever, and Voices from the Industry (VFTI) will top them all! We are thrilled and honored to welcome Laura Kohler as our first-ever VFTI keynote speaker. Join us for VFTI and hear Laura on Tuesday, February 2 at 10:30 AM.
In other exciting Professional Development news, we have launched a new, streamlined pathway for our CKBDs to earn CMKBD credentials, the highest level of achievement in our industry. Active CKDs can also take advantage of this opportunity by completing a Bath exam and portfolio review to bridge the gap, going from CKD directly to CMKBD! Visit our Certification page for more information or email certification@nkba.org.
Let the leaves fall and bonfires begin! Our Chapters have a festive lineup of outstanding October events. Susquehanna Valley and Mid Atlantic kicked off the month with a combined meeting and Bespoke Storytelling Through Intentional Design presentation. Northern New Jersey invites you to raise a glass of vino and make a pizza pie at their Master Pizza Making event. Kentuckiana presents the color of the year and a costume contest at their Halloween meeting. Spooktacular prizes await for the best Mid-century modern costume at Columbia River’screative event. Head to San Antonio this month for the 2nd annual Alamo City BBQ Cookoff and Scholarship Fundraiser hosted by Texas South Plains. Proceeds will benefit the Chapter’s scholarship fund for Skilled Trades and Design School students.
All these stellar events in October – and any others you’ve hosted throughout 2026 – should be nominated for the NKBA | KBIS Chapter Star Awards! These annual awards recognize outstanding officers and special events and will be presented live at Leader2Leader at KBIS 2027. Please submit nominations by Friday, November 6 at 5:00 PM EST.
Finally, be sure to visit NKBA at High Point Fall Market in Broad Hall, October 17-21, and look for us in Canada next month at the Kitchen + Bath Canada Expo in Toronto, November 11-12. We look forward to a fantastic fall season with all of you!
“Be sure to visit NKBA at High Point Fall Market in Broad Hall, October 17-21, and look for us in Canada next month at the Kitchen + Bath Canada Expo in Toronto, November 11-12. We look forward to a fantastic fall season with all of you…“
Know an educator who is shaping the future of the kitchen and bath industry? Nominate them for the prestigious NKBA Educator of the Year Award!
NKBA | KBIS is seeking recommendation letters from students, peers, and industry leaders highlighting exceptional educators who excel in innovative teaching, mentorship, professional leadership, and community engagement. The award recipient will be honored at KBIS 2027 in Las Vegas (February 1–4, 2027) and will receive complimentary round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, and conference registration.
Submit your nomination by Friday, November 6, 2026, to help us celebrate the visionaries inspiring our next generation of design professionals!
As local leaders, professional chapters play a vital role in shaping the future of the kitchen and bath industry. You can help bridge the gap between education and career by encouraging affiliated schools in your region to establish NKBA Student Chapters.
Student Chapters provide students with invaluable opportunities to explore the industry, network, find mentors, and discover career paths through hands-on activities.
Thanks to generous support from Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove, active student chapters are eligible for an annual grant of up to $500 to fund activities.
The 2026 NKBA Skilled Labor Workforce Study is now available, offering a fresh look at the state of the skilled trades across the kitchen and bath industry.
While the most severe labor shortages have eased since 2024, skilled labor remains a widespread challenge for K&B businesses. The study explores where shortages persist, which roles and skills are hardest to find, how labor constraints are affecting business capacity and project timelines, and the strategies companies are using to attract and retain skilled workers.
The findings provide an important perspective on how the skilled labor landscape is evolving—and what it may mean for businesses planning for future growth.
There’s even more NKBA Research on the way this month.
In mid-October, look for the release of two new reports: the 2026 Kitchen, Bath & Whole-Home Design Study, conducted jointly by NKBA and HPMA, and the 2027 Kitchen Trends Report, featuring the latest insights into the styles, products, and design directions shaping kitchens in the year ahead.
The 3Q26 Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI) will follow shortly after, with its release scheduled for October 21, providing the latest read on business conditions, industry sentiment, and market expectations across the U.S. kitchen and bath industry.
And in early November, NKBA will release its first-ever Canadian Kitchen & Bath Market Index Report for 3Q26, offering a new benchmark for understanding market conditions and business sentiment across Canada.
Stay tuned for these upcoming releases and the latest insights from NKBA Research at nkba.org/research.
One more call for you to get on the inside track. If you haven’t already, we invite you to join the Kitchen & Bath Pro Hub, NKBA’s dedicated research community. It’s a great place to connect with peers, share insights, help shape the future of NKBA Research—and earn rewards along the way.
Government Relations
As the leading trade and professional organization in the kitchen and bath industry, NKBA is committed to educating its membership on public policy issues that affect our professional community and protecting members’ rights to practice their profession. As part of this commitment, NKBA monitors relevant legislative and regulatory developments at the state and federal levels and, where appropriate, provides information to members concerning material issues and developments. Most of these updates are sent directly to members each month via the Government Relations Newsletter. A repository of newsletters, as well as additional resources to self-advocate on issues important to you, can be found on the Government Relations webpage.
Hot topics this month include:
U.S. Tariffs: The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seeks input on new import rules and asks for industry experts to share their viewpoints during a 90 day window starting September 2nd.
U.S. Housing: The recently enacted 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes a key provision that will streamline environmental reviews, reduce permitting delays and provide greater certainty for homebuilders.
U.S. Taxes: Congress introduced the Safeguarding America’s Nonprofits Act, a bipartisan bill that would clarify existing tax law by affirming that a nonprofit organization’s federal tax-exempt status does not constitute federal financial assistance – a key clarification for NKBA and its chapter network.
We hope you benefit from the value these resources bring to you, your profession, and the kitchen & bath industry. Please reach out directly to Steven Campeau, NKBA’s Senior Manager, Global & Government Relations at scampeau@nkba.org, with any specific questions.
Professional Development
Elevate your career with our newly streamlined pathway to the Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD) credential—the highest level of achievement in our industry. We deeply value the years of dedicated experience, hands-on expertise, and continuous learning you have invested while holding your CKBD, and we are proud to honor that commitment with a simpler, more direct application process. Active CKD holders can also take advantage of this opportunity by completing a bath exam and portfolio review to bridge the gap to full CMKBD eligibility.
Please join NKBA in congratulating our newest NKBA CKBD and NKBA Specialty Badge earners, listed below.
CKBD
Congratulations to our newest NKBA Certified members and kudos to their Chapters!
Jessica Hoffman, CKBD, Missouri/Southern Illinois; Maria Fairbanks, CKBD, Pittsburgh Tri-State; Maggie Suba McGlumphy, CKBD,Ohio State; Stacey Morgan, CKBD,Rocky Mountain; and Trudi Smith, CKBD, Central New York Chapter President.
Kaylie Dohert, Stier Design Build, Universal Design, Minnesota State
Katherine Belich, The Mcmahon Group, Cabinetry, Southern New England
Christina Jorgensen, Stier Design Build, Sustainability, Minnesota State
Nicole Bremer, Ohio Cabinets and Countertops, Remodeling, Ohio State
Ali Galbraith, Brian’s Cabinets, Floor Plans & Specifications Cabinets, Appliance, Columbia River
Governance
Thanks to all who submitted an application for a national volunteer position. This year we received a great number of submissions! Applications will be reviewed by the Leadership Recruitment Committee in October and nominees will be notified of their status in mid-November.
New Members are vital to the success of NKBA and our Chapters. Please send prospective members to membership@nkba.organd we will send detailed information on member benefits, membership cost, certification, badges and more.
Membership Types include business, international business, industry partner, individual, and student. The definitions of each type can be found on the NKBA signup page.
NKBA Membership Signup. Please share this link. In addition, each chapter page has a “Join the NKBA” button. If anyone needs a hard copy of the application, please email info@nkba.org. There is an updated 2026 membership application with new rates.
Company admins can remove employees who are no longer with the company directly through the company profile onwww.nkba.org.
To add new employees, please email info@nkba.org and our Member Relations Team will be happy to assist. We’ll need:
First and last names
Unique email addresses
Any employees working directly for an NKBA member company can be added at no charge—including Sales Reps who work from a home office.
If you have individuals on your roster without email addresses, please send those names to info@nkba.org as well. We’ll reach out to confirm their status with the company and, if applicable, secure an email address.
Have questions? We’re always glad to help—just reach out to info@nkba.org.
Recognizing aspiring kitchen and bath professionals
TheEllen Cheever Award honors the legacy of Ellen Cheever, CMKBD, ASID, CAPS, CLIPP, a highly influential figure in the kitchen and bath industry for nearly 50 years. A dedicated NKBA member, she was celebrated as a designer, author, educator, and researcher. The award ensures that students can access the same valuable resources that Cheever championed throughout her illustrious career.
To be eligible for the award, applicants must be NKBA student members with at least one semester remaining until graduation. The application process includes an online form, an essay, and a series of required questions. Award winners may also be featured in NKBA marketing materials, providing additional recognition and exposure.
Meet the 2026 Ellen Cheever Award Winners
Megan Breanna Kliethermes, Missouri State University
What inspired you to choose your career?
My biggest inspiration in both my life and career has been my grandmother. She always encouraged my creativity through painting, crafting, and sewing, and supported me in everything I did. After she passed away from cancer in 2022, I knew I wanted a career that would honor her and everything she taught me. Interior design became the perfect combination of creativity and business, and my grandmother continues to inspire me every day.
What academic and career achievements are you most proud of?
I am most proud of completing my Office of Administration internship with the State of Missouri this past summer, where I had the opportunity to tour state buildings and learn more about the design process. Academically, I am proud to have been nominated by my professors for the Citizen Scholar Award, Missouri State University’s highest student honor. I am also proud to serve as the president of the Interior Design Club and continue growing as a student and future designer.
What’s next for you? What are your plans for the next five years?
Over the next five years, I plan to graduate from Missouri State University and begin a career in the kitchen, bath, or furniture industry. I hope to continue traveling, learning, and growing both personally and professionally. I also want to continue volunteering in my community and use my experiences to guide and encourage other design students to follow their passions.
Anything else you want to share?
I would like to thank my family and friends for always supporting and encouraging me.
Lisa Le, Saddleback College
What inspired you to choose your career?
Growing up in an immigrant household where utility always came first, I learned early on that the most successful designs support everyday life. Blending that perspective with my background in hospitality and architectural studies, I saw firsthand how intentional environments directly shape human connection and daily well-being. This naturally drew me to interior design, where practical problem-solving, durability, and warm aesthetics must seamlessly coexist. Ultimately, I want to craft spaces that can handle everyday chaos while offering genuine beauty, function, and peace.
What academic and career achievements are you most proud of?
Being named my high school valedictorian and becoming the first in my family to attend college laid the foundational work ethic that drives me today. Early in my career, working with renowned hospitality leaders like The Walt Disney Company and Montage International honed my understanding of guest experience and ignited my passion for thoughtful environments. Recently, earning second place in a national design competition for a bath concept created at Saddleback College was deeply affirming. It validated my transition into interior design and continues to motivate me to push my creative and technical boundaries.
What’s next for you? What are your plans for the next 5 years?
Following graduation from Saddleback College, my goal is to join an innovative hospitality design firm where I can merge guest-centered experiences with residential warmth. Over the next five years, I plan to earn my specialty NKBA credentials and successfully pass the NCIDQ examination to become fully licensed. Long term, I look forward to leading transformative projects that harmonize functional durability with refined aesthetics.
Anything else you want to share?
I am profoundly grateful for this recognition and want to thank my family–especially my husband Nic, whose steady support makes this journey possible–and my mentors at Saddleback College, especially Professor Farida, for consistently challenging me to excel. Outside the studio, you will usually find me tackling hands-on DIY woodworking and home improvement projects. Building with my own hands keeps me grounded in practical construction realities and constantly inspires my design practice.
Sarah Crawford, Portland Community College
What inspired you to choose your career?
I’ve always been fascinated by the way that physical spaces shape how people behave, connect, and feel. I remember when I was a Resident Advisor in college (the first time), watching how dorm layouts influenced where students gathered and who they connected with. My first degree is in human biology, where I studied how humans relate to nature, and my first career has been in event planning and marketing, where I’ve built communities on behalf of brands. Returning to school is really about finally pursuing my interest in design directly. In a busy, lonely, overstimulating world, I want to create spaces that foster community, help people feel like they belong, and reflect who they are. Kitchens are where we gather with the people we love, and bathrooms are where we start and end each day–I love the balance of creativity and constraints in designing both, where art meets requirements and beauty meets function.
What academic and career achievements are you most proud of?
Receiving the Ellen Cheever Award is an honor, and I’m grateful to NKBA for this recognition. I’ve truly loved being a student again and having the chance to be creative every day. It’s been rewarding to see that effort pay off, whether in my grades or in having my work shared as an example for future classes. I serve as president of Portland Community College’s NKBA student chapter, which has connected me with peers and Portland’s professional design community. I was also thrilled to place third in the bath category of the NKBA Student Design Competition, so I’m looking forward to KBIS 2027.
What’s next for you? What are your plans for the next five years?
Over the next five years, I’ll graduate with my associate degree and will have built strong connections in Portland’s thriving design community. I hope to shift into a second career as a designer while also drawing on my marketing background. I’ll stay involved with NKBA and keep earning specialty badges. And as a self-proclaimed nerd, I can’t wait to take the certified designer exams. Along the way, I’m excited to explore sustainable design, especially incorporating secondhand materials and pieces, as well as biophilic design, which brings my ecology background into the home.
Anything else you want to share?
A big thank you to Robin Rigby Fisher and Hannah Hacker, who taught me kitchen and bath design, and to all of my instructors at PCC for their guidance and encouragement. Thank you as well to NKBA for supporting students like me as we enter this industry!
Central’s Leah Davis came up with the idea since sponsors Viking and BainUltra have a wellness line. The event drew around 35 people who feasted on nibbles and juices by Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen.
Paula Kennedy introduced “hygge” (pronounced “hoo-gah”), a Danish and Norwegian concept that means creating a warm, cozy atmosphere and enjoying the quiet, simple pleasures of life with people you love.
“Paula walked us through the five elements (earth, fire, air, water, wood) and how they impact our everyday lives,” said Arizona Programs Chair Shaunna Cooper. “I learned about ways to create hygge within my own homes and how to suggest options for clients as we create thoughtful wellness spaces designed for how people live.”
Paula Kennedy and Jason Miller
The event was held at Central’s newest showroom in Gilbert and drew 36 attendees, a great turnout given that the chapter typically holds events in Scottsdale. Promotion for the event included direct mailers to local architects and designers, another smart move.
“Trying a different location was good, because we were able to get new people who wouldn’t normally drive to Scottsdale,” said Shaunna.
Event registration was free and there was the option to purchase raffle tickets to win two spa gift cards.
Ideal for those looking to build brand awareness in North America
NKBA Global Connect, the association’s international business membership program, is offering brands the chance to sponsor a custom event at KBIS 2027 in Las Vegas. Custom events are a great way to get your brand in front of a curated audience of KBIS attendees to build awareness in the North American market – and all at the center of the showfloor at the NKBA booth in North Hall N1439.
Brands wishing to sponsor a custom event will collaborate with the NKBA Global Connect team to create a special experience for 20 to 25 kitchen and bath dealers, designers, showrooms, and other professionals, depending on the brand’s audience targets. The sponsor will also receive a branded invitation to redistribute to its own key customers as part of its KBIS promotional efforts to further amplify the event.
Prior custom events have included beverage tastings, live demonstrations and networking opportunities, with sponsors having the option to order and coordinate catering for an additional cost.
To participate, brands must be an NKBA Global Connect Member or Strategic Alliance Partner. Among the benefits for all sponsors are:
The sponsor logo will be highlighted on all event materials and coverage, both digital and printed, including a recap slideshow.
A 20-second brand video will play during the event.
The sponsor will be included in NKBA marketing materials, including social media posts, the NKBA newsletter and other online sources; the KBIS-specific NKBA landing page with a hyperlinked logo; a hyperlinked logo on the “Save the Date,” invitation and thank-you emails to all attendees.
Professional event photos will be shared with the sponsor after the event for social media sharing and use on the brand’s website and digital assets.
Third-party opt-in list of attendees for communication/promotion.
The deadline to commit to a custom event is Nov. 2. For pricing and availability, please contact Kevin Shea, Sales Specialist for Global Accounts, at kshea@nkba.org.
Hear from KBIS 2026 Global Connect Custom Event Sponsors
“For SCHOTT, the custom event allowed us to engage with the industry in a much more powerful way than traditional booth exposure alone. We are an ingredient in many kitchen and bath technologies, so conversation, education, and connection are incredibly valuable. We were able to control the experience, audience, messaging, and atmosphere and bring together stakeholders in a setting that felt much more personal and encourages genuine interaction. This sponsorship worked for us because it turns KBIS from simply a place where we need present into a platform for building relationships. For many attendees, KBIS can be so hectic. We were able to create something that people could plan around instead of stumbling upon.”-Jennifer Zink, Marketing Manager, SCHOTT
“The NKBA Global Connect Custom Event gave us a dedicated opportunity to showcase the Ballerina brand at the NKBA booth during KBIS 2026. We value the format for the added visibility it offers Global Connect members.”-Christian Käsemann, Head of Export, Ballerina-Küchen
“As a Global Connect member, we truly appreciated the opportunity to host an event within the NKBA booth and gain visibility at a major industry event such as KBIS as we continue to expand our presence in the residential lighting market. The event was well organized and provided a great setting for a brief presentation with food & drinks, and to network with KBIS attendees. Overall, the exposure was a valuable step in introducing L&S Lighting to the KBIS community and the residential design industry.” -Emanuela Barzaghi, CEO L&S Lighting US
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 improve 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 here.
Dean Camastro (President), Shellitta McNicolls (Secretary/Treasurer), Jared Barry (Communications), and Simeon Weisz (Membership)
“Saddle Up! Join us for our biggest fall networking event with great food, drinks, music and dancing! Dust off your boots and get ready for some fun!”
So read the flyer for Metro New York Chapter’s latest event. How can anyone resist such an invitation? Programs Chair Nicole DaSilva thought up this event idea when talking about ways to incorporate fun, fresh event ideas that get our members up and active. The idea sprung from the concept of reviving a successful rodeo event at Cosentino that previous chapter administrations had and enjoyed.
And come out with their boots they did–50 members showed up for a fun-filled evening at the Cosentino Design Center in Hicksville, featuring BBQ favorites like pulled pork, baked beans, mac and cheese, and corn bread by Smok-Haus.
“We learned three new line dance routines — and I have to say… our members absolutely crushed it!” said Communications Chair Jared Barry.
“We had a DJ playing the country hits and two dancers teaching us the routines, and our members did a great job. From the first step to the final dance, the energy in the room was amazing. Events like this are what make our chapter so special—bringing our members together, having some fun, and creating memories outside of the day-to-day.
This was way too much fun to be a one-time thing… we’ll definitely be running this one back!”
Jose Fernando Aran Aguila (Regional General Manager – Cosentino)
The only event of its kind, W2W brought women in the kitchen and bath industry together for three days of connection, mentorship, and industry insight.
BETHLEHEM, Pa., September 17, 2026 –The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), the world’s leading trade association for the kitchen and bath industry, hosted its 5th Annual Women to Women Conference September 8–10, 2026, at The Four Seasons in New Orleans, Louisiana. Open by application to NKBA members, the gathering drew over 100 women from the industry. Sponsored by CAFÉ Appliances,Ferguson Home, Lutron, and Maxim Lighting, the three-day conference brought together designers, editors, advisors, and industry leaders for a program focused on mentorship, business growth, and community in the kitchen and bath industry.
“Five years in, this milestone belongs to the women who show up for each other in the kitchen and bath industry,” said Ivana Molzen, Chief Marketing and Digital Officer, NKBA. “This year’s agenda delivers on all fronts – practical takeaways attendees can put to work immediately, bigger-picture thinking on brand and team, and a network of women who understand exactly what they aspire to create together.”
Conference Highlights
Programming kicked off Tuesday, September 8, with a New Orleans house tour led by top editors at FLOWER Magazine — Amanda Smith Fowler, Style Editor; Margaret Zainey Roux, Editor; and Karen Carroll, Editorial Director, offering an inside look at the city’s distinctive residential design. Tours included the Uptown residence of antiques importer and designer Tara Shaw, Designer, European Importer and Author, whose Parisian-style home blends 17th-century stone floors and Continental antiques with sleek modern cabinetry; a circa-1850s Greek Revival house in the Garden District decorated by Ware Porter, Interior Designer, Ware M Porter and Co., known for its 14-foot ceilings and British racing green lacquered bar; and the Faubourg Marigny home of Patrick Dunne, Founder, and Nathan Drewes, Interior Designer and Managing Partner, of Decorations Lucullus and Lucullus Antiques, a mid-19th-century Creole-style house that has remained in Patrick’s family for three generations.
Over the following two days, attendees heard from a lineup of speakers and advisors on topics spanning branding, leadership, and AI adoption, including Cheryl Fenelle Dixon, Chief Communications & Brand Marketing Officer, Perfectly Clear Communications; Christi Barbour, Founder and Managing Partner, Barbour Spangle Design; Kellye Kamp, Founder and Owner, SourceKamp Labs; and Kate Kelly Smith, EVP Industry Relations, Sandow Design Group, who also serves as a Women to Women Advisor. Attendees also took part in an advisor panel moderated by Patty Dominguez, VP of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships, Cosentino, featuring Women to Women Advisors Gina D’Amore Bauerle of D’Amore Interiors, Edyta Drutis of BLANCO North America, Christine Gee of G Interiors Studio & Design Center, Stacy McCarthy of Stacy McCarthy Design, and Sue Wadden of the Sherwin-Williams Company. A panel followed, moderated by NKBA Director of Brand Development Jennifer Chick-Gray and featuring brand partners Natalie Benoit of CAFÉ Appliances, Caroline Danielson of Ferguson Home, Naomi Sperling of Maxim Lighting, and Cecilia Ramos of Lutron. Attendees also participated in breakout sessions with Women to Women advisors and an update on NKBA programming from NKBA’s own Kelly Buchsbaum, Director, Chapters & Professional Development; Tricia Zach, Director of Research; and Deb Webb, Executive Vice President, Events & KBIS.
A highlight of the conference came Wednesday evening, when attendees took part in a New Orleans tradition with a Second Line Parade from Jackson Square, followed by a reception and dinner at world-famous Arnaud’s.
For more information on Women to Women, visit www.nkba.org.
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About the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS)
NKBA is the not-for-profit trade association that owns the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show® (KBIS). With 55,000 members in all segments of the kitchen and bath industry, the NKBA has informed, educated and supported the industry since the association was founded in 1963. The mission of the NKBA is to inspire, lead and empower the kitchen and bath industry through community, professional certification and learning, and events. For more information, go to NKBA.org or call 1-800-THE-NKBA (843-6522). KBIS® and NKBA® are registered trademarks of the National Kitchen & Bath Association.
Adrie Nash won first place with this kitchen design in the 2025-2026 Student Design Competition.
NKBA is excited to announce the 2025-2026 Student Design Competition winners. The annual competition, open exclusively to NKBA student members, features top prizes of $5000 and travel packages to KBIS 2027 in Las Vegas.
The NKBA 2025–2026 Student Design Competition, themed “The Great Indoors: Texas Edition,” tasked entrants with redesigning the kitchen and primary bath for a busy family of five living in the Preston Hollow neighborhood of Dallas.
The challenge required a future-proof layout that balances frequent entertainment with everyday function. Specific project requirements included a high-function kitchen featuring dual-cook induction cooking, expanded fresh food storage, a hidden “back of house” scullery, and a beverage station, all while blending maximalist aesthetic with biophilic preferences. The primary bath needed a complete transformation into a serene, spa-like suite complete with dual vanities, a dual-temperature shower, commode privacy, and elevated amenities like built-in skincare refrigeration and warm towel access to serve as a restful sanctuary.
First Place: $5000 Second Place: $2500 Third Place: $1000
Kitchen Design Winners
First Place
Adrie Nash, Lakeland College
Project Name: Host’s Habitat
Judges appreciated Adrie’s layout, details, and executability. Most outstanding of all was Adrie’s use of animal print tiles, making a case for these as a biophelic element.
“A Host’s Habitat” by 1st Place Kitchen Category Winner, Adrie Nash, Lakeland College, Vermilion, AB, Canada.
Second Place
Jamelle Weston, Portland Community College-Rock Creek
Project Name: Big Bend Kitchen
Judges took notice of Jamelle’s overall creativity and especially appreciated the selected lighting fixtures, including a flower-shaped fixture over the island, and placement of the breakfast area.
“Big Bend Kitchen” by 2nd Place Kitchen Category Winner, Jamelle Weston of Portland Community College- Rock Creek, Portland, OR.
Third Place
Tianna Harms, Lakeland College
Project Name: Designed for Everyday, Anticipating Every Moment
Tianna’s color palette and overall aesthetics stood out to the judges, who also noted that the entry’s floor plans were very well drawn.
“Designed for Everyday, Anticipating Every Moment” by Tianna Harms of Lakeland College, Vermilion, AB, Canada.
Bath Design Winners
First Place
Shelly Norsworthy, Spokane Falls Community College
Project Name: The Great Indoors
Judges admired the beautiful aesthetics and appreciated the integration of a wet room. Shelly maintained great closet space and selected beautiful finishes throughout the design.
“The Great Indoors” by Shelly Norsworthy of Spokane Falls Community College, Spokane, WA.
Second Place
Lisa Le, Saddleback College
Project Name: Hollow’s Haven
Lisa’s design featured stunning, contrasting colors with gorgeous green and brass tones. Judges also appreciated Lisa’s treatment of the closet area, maintaining good space and incorporating transom windows.
“Hollow’s Haven” by Lisa Le of Saddleback College, Mission Viejo, CA.
Third Place
Sarah Crawford, Portland Community College-Sylvania Campus
Project Name: Grounded Retreat
Applying contemporary, biophilic design elements, the judges noted that Sarah’s bath design offered a relaxing space for her clients.
“Grounded Retreat” by Sarah Crawford of Portland Community College-Sylvania Campus, Portland, OR
2027 Student Design Competition Now Open!
NKBA Student Members may enter the kitchen competition, the bath competition, or both, by creating designs based on client requests and provided plans. Winning this prestigious competition offers invaluable publicity, networking opportunities, and enhanced industry visibility.
Entry is FREE, and the deadline to enter is June 4, 2027.
