Members Grow Their Gardens and Their Skills at Sustainability Event

The Eastern Carolinas Chapter held a special event exploring how sustainable practices reduce energy, water, and material waste.

The event was held at R. Jacobs Fine Plumbing & Hardware in Raleigh and featured a fun plant swap, along with a presentation by Eric Harvell, Senior District Sales Manager for TOTO USA. Eric discussed how global megatrends affect design strategies as well as how to design smarter using EPDs, HPDs, and Declare Labels for specifying products.

We truly appreciate the Eastern Carolinas’ efforts in planning another creative event!

The latest update now recognizes industry-experienced designers

Beginning June 1st, industry-experienced designers who are NKBA members can now apply for the Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD) association certification. Previously, applicants had to possess a professional qualification or an eligible degree to qualify for certification. 

This evolution of our certification program recognizes aspiring applicants who have obtained their industry knowledge through work experience.

Certification confirms to clients and employers that a designer’s existing skills, industry understanding, and advanced knowledge of NKBA’s guidelines equip them to create functional, safe, and beautiful kitchen and bath spaces.  

The NKBA remains committed to an impartial certification process, ensuring all decisions are based strictly on established criteria and objective evidence. Certification is available to practicing kitchen and bath designers who apply NKBA-recommended guidelines and drawing standards to kitchen and bath design.  

Certification requires CKBD candidates to demonstrate a strong understanding of NKBA’s guidelines and drawing standards, along with the ability to apply them effectively. Designers pursuing certification must have familiarity with these resources or should feel comfortable self-studying this material in preparation for examination. The purchase of a CKBD bundle includes a copy of the 5th Edition Kitchen & Bath Planning Guidelines as well as a CKBD fundamentals exam study guide.

Apply for CKBD >

Not a NKBA member? Join us now to receive all member benefits, including certification.

What’s new in the 5th edition of the industry standard

The latest iteration of the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Planning Guidelines is here!

This 5th edition has been prompted by the release of key code documents, specifically the 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) and the CSA B652 Accessible Dwellings 2023 (Canada). 

Our committee of subject matter experts carefully evaluated the IRC for parity against the most recent edition of the National Building Code of Canada and successfully brought uniformity to kitchen and bath planning guidelines for CKBDs and CMKBDs working professionally on each side of their respective borders in the planning and design of kitchens, baths, and support spaces.

The Planning Guidelines continue to be the foundational knowledge for becoming an NKBA Certified Professional.

Key enhancements in this edition include:

• Clearer planning methodology and guidance with dedicated integration of accessible design recommendations such as wheelchairs and mobility aids
• Integration of the Center Concept across both kitchen and bath planning chapters, formalizing the identification of activity zones, work areas, and the specific tasks executed within each defined center
• Expanded Interior Environment Chapter to incorporate storage systems, waterproofing, wall blocking, and backing requirements–as well as comprehensive guidance on material performance, quality standards, and sustainability in design
• Enhanced Building Systems Guidance including power planning (especially for kitchen islands), illumination strategies, home automation integration, and ventilation requirements
• A more condensed yet comprehensive resource so you can quickly and confidently find the critical information you need

Our heartfelt thank you to our committee experts for their steadfast dedication to ensuring that the Planning Guidelines remain well illustrated, robust, and relevant to today’s design community.  

NKBA consultants and subject matter experts who contributed to the 5th Edition publication include Robin Rigby Fisher, CMKBD, CLIPP, CAPS; Corey Klassen, CMKBD, RID, NCIDQ; Judith A. Neary, CMKBD; Adrean Stephenson, CKBD; Cailin M. Thelen, CMKBD; and Doug Walter, AIA, CMKBD, CLIPP, CAPS. Special thanks to Corey Klassen, CMKBD, 5th Edition Editorial Copy Chief; Rochelle Horne, CKBD, LEED Green Associate, Peer Reviewer; and Adrean Stephenson, CKBD, Illustrator, with illustrations courtesy of Chief Architect, Inc. 

NKBA 5th Edition Kitchen & Bath Planning Guidelines can be purchased here.

How the annual leadership conference made Casey Brand’s longtime dream come true

“I was just beside myself.”

That’s how Casey Brand felt when she was asked to speak at NKBA’s annual Women to Women Conference (W2W).

“I didn’t feel like I belonged on the panel,” remembers Casey, “And I didn’t even realize how many heavy hitters were on the stage until I got there!”

The keynote speaker turned out to be Alison Kenworthy of Homeworthy, the media platform dedicated to the people and stories behind the spaces we love.

As soon as Alison started talking, Casey was overcome by an overwhelming sense of excitement–and she realized that she was at W2W for a very good reason.

Casey, an avid traveler and runner, would make it a habit of going on a run in every destination she visited. As an interior designer, she would delight in seeing cities and suburbs “wake up” with the people setting up their shops, their sheds, and their stalls.

“For years I had been daydreaming about doing an ‘Anthony Bourdain style’ documentary on design. I wanted to bring a light to the artisans bringing beauty to the world around them. Hearing Alison talk gave me sea legs to think this show could be a reality.”

When Alison opened the floor for questions, she was bombarded. So Casey sat back and took it all in. Besides, she was extremely nervous about her own turn to speak.

“It was so humbling. I didn’t get my words out properly, and I was really beating myself up about how it all went down. I was over my head and didn’t feel like I had pulled my weight.”

After the event, Casey was in NYC for Corey Daymon Jenkins’ book signing. But she couldn’t stop thinking about Alison’s speech. So she tried to find her–first on LinkedIn, then Instagram. 

“I distinctly remember standing in front of Applebees, where I was taking a picture as part of an inside joke I have with an old friend. I decided to message Alison right there and then.”

In the email, she told Alison she was “the one blubbering” at Women to Women and asked if they could meet for coffee. 

“I obsessively kept refreshing my inbox after I sent the message, and within 10 minutes, Alison wrote back.”

Not only had Alison remembered Casey, but she suggested they Zoom the following Monday. Casey was blown away by Alison’s generosity. When they spoke, Alison said she was planning a Homeworthy episode at Round Top in Texas–where Casey calls home. A second Zoom followed, where Alison offered Casey her own show.

“My feet didn’t touch the ground for two weeks,” recalls Casey. Two weeks later, they were filming the first episode of “Brand on the Run”. Since then, the show has taken Casey as far as Spain and India. 

And it all started at the annual NKBA Women to Women conference. 

“I really want to express my gratitude to Kerrie Kelly and Bill Darcy at NKBA–and their genuine desire to watch people explode in the best possible way. And I am so grateful to Patty Dominguez–she and CNEXT are the whole reason I’ve met these people over the years.”

For those considering attending Women to Women 2026, Casey has this to say: 

“It was such a beautiful celebration and genuine building up of women in business. There were designers who have been working in the industry for over 30 years, and there were also younger designers, and everybody walked away with the same message of unity and pride. The breakout sessions allowed people who might not have otherwise spoken out to really share their voice and opinion, and it was really special.”

Applications for this year’s Women to Women Conference in New Orleans will be accepted until May 31st.

“Brand on the Run” is currently in production. Catch Casey’s upcoming episodes here.

Northern California Chapter President Barbra Bright’s Five Favorite Finds 

By Barbra Bright, President of the Northern California Chapter

Being in Milan for EuroCucina was incredibly inspiring. There’s the food, the architecture, and the shopping—but what stayed with me most were the temporary art installations scattered throughout the city.

You’d turn a corner and find something completely unexpected. Art wasn’t confined to galleries—it was woven into the streets, courtyards, and everyday spaces. My favorite installation was giant octopus arms emerging from a historic façade, wrapping the building in a way that felt both playful and slightly surreal. It set the tone for the entire week and prepared me for all the discoveries that followed at the show.

These were the pieces that stood out to me most at this year’s show and a glimpse of where design is heading:

1. GESSI BAMBOO FAUCET

What it is:

A working faucet made from real bamboo—each one shaped from a natural root, so no two are alike.

Why I loved it:

The faucet looks like a sculptural object, but it’s fully functional. Natural variations give it a level of individuality that feels organic, but still refined.

Why it matters:

• Introduces true one-of-a-kind design into the bath
• Reflects the shift toward natural, tactile materials
• Blurs the line between fixture and art

2. INFINITY-BIO TWO-SEATER TUB BY HIDEO SHIMIZU

What it is:

A freestanding soaking tub designed for two, with built-in armrests on both sides.

Why I loved it:

This felt genuinely thoughtful. Most two-person tubs don’t work well—this one does. The armrests make it comfortable and usable, not awkward. The shape is soft and organic, which makes it feel natural and comfortable.

Why it matters:

• Reimagines the bath as a shared experience
• Supports the move toward wellness and connection
• Shows how form and function can align

3. TEACUP SOAKING TUB BY MAISON VALENTINA

What it is:

A freestanding tub designed as an oversized teacup—completely playful and unexpected.

Why I loved it:

It just makes you smile. It’s not trying to be timeless. A child will outgrow it, or a client’s

taste will evolve. But that’s what makes it interesting—it challenges the idea that everything has to last decades.

Why it matters:

• Brings personality and joy into the bathroom
• Turns a fixture into a statement piece
• Opens the door to more expressive, less permanent design

4. BRONZE GLASS PIVOT SHOWER DOOR BY VISMARA BETRO

What it is:

A pivot-style shower enclosure paired with bronze-tinted glass.

Why I loved it:

The bronze glass softens everything. Compared to clear glass, it feels warmer, more refined, and less clinical. The pivot door keeps the look clean and architectural—no heavy tracks or visual clutter. It feels intentional, not standard.

Why it matters:

• Introduces a warmer, more elevated aesthetic
• Reflects a shift toward subtle, thoughtful detailing

5. SYSTEM BATHROOM ACCESSORIES

What it is:

A collection of bathroom accessories shown in both metal finishes and a wide range of colors.

Why I loved it:

Accessories are usually an afterthought, but here they felt designed. The addition of color adds another layer—it allows for more personality without overdesigning the space.

Why it matters:

• Elevates accessories into design elements
• Supports the move toward softer, more nuanced palettes

Images courtesy of Barbra Bright

Attention NKBA members! Do you have industry news and views to share? If you would like to contribute a Member Memo for inclusion in an upcoming newsletter, email your request to submissions@nkba.org.

Education Meets Networking at the “Spring Weekender” in Salt Lake City

We love it when our chapters mix and mingle, and that’s exactly what happened when more than 100 NKBA members from the Big Sky and Mountain States chapters gathered in Salt Lake City for the “Spring Weekender,” April 17–19, 2026. 

The dual-chapter event took place at the Grand America Hotel and kicked off Friday with a meet-and-greet at Ferguson, sponsored by Monogram. Saturday began with breakfast sponsored by Kichler, followed by a full day of CEUs covering sustainable luxury kitchens, wellness, lighting, design psychology, and more. Optional breakout sessions offered additional CEU opportunities, including a lunchtime session sponsored by True Caliber.

The day wrapped with a networking happy hour sponsored by Cabinet Agents, where Mandy Walker showcased three of the brands she represents: Wood-Mode, Bridgewood, and Stoll Industries.

Attendees also explored dynamic partner showcases, collecting stamps at each stop for a chance to win prizes. 

Sponsors of this weekender and participating brands included Monogram, True Caliber, Kichler, House of Rohl, Mr. Steam, RoseWater Energy, Future Care, DeWils, Cutco, Wood-Mode, Bridgewood, Stoll Industries, Brizo, California Faucets, Arizona Tile, ZLINE, Watermark, Homestead Cabinets, MSI, Lutron, Sonos, Fisher & Paykel, Cosentino, and Grothouse, many of which contributed generous giveaways and raffle prizes.

The Big Sky and Mountain States chapters began hosting joint events in 2025 and plan to do it again in 2027. Interested? For Big Sky, contact Scott Abel at scott.abel@savinc.net. For Mountain States, email Susan Duncan at susan@spruceyourhome.com.

Images by Erika Wiggins Photography

NKBA Membership is a Family Affair for the Formicas in Johnstown, PA

Carmen A. Formica (CKD) of Formica’s Kitchen Designs has been associated with the NKBA for as long as he can remember.

When his father Patsy returned from serving in World War II, he enrolled in the Veteran Association’s carpentry program. At first Patsy picked up small jobs, then he bought a workshop where he handbuilt cabinetry. Eventually, he expanded into bath and rec room projects, took on dealership opportunities, hired a team, and became a CKD. 

Carmen entered his pre-teen years at his father’s side, loading trucks, helping guys on the job, carrying cabinets, and of course cleaning up. When he went to college for business administration, he took his tools with him and paid his rent by doing construction projects for professors. During summers back home, he’d help run crews.

When Patsy became ill and passed away, Carmen said to himself, “We either have to grow–or go.” So he hired a foreman, allowing him to focus on the showroom and sales. He bought top-line equipment to get the woodworking done and kept expanding the shop.

Carmen and his wife Gayle have four children–Alicia, Patrick, Daniel, and Anthony–who have all worked in some capacity in the family business over the years alongside earning university degrees.  

“I felt that a college education was very important for my children,” said Carmen. “The education and degrees they hold have helped to prepare them for their current and future roles in the business.”  

Danny started out in the field and was mentored by one of the team craftsmen. He is now Operations Manager for kitchen installation, taking a very hands-on role in the process from sales to project completion.  He earned his CKBD earlier this year–making him the third-generation NKBA Certified member in his family. He’s also a proud honoree of our Thirty Under 30 program. 

Danny’s brother Anthony manages the Computer Aided Design program which assists clients to visualize the design process and bring it to life. Anthony specializes in bathroom sales and renovations and oversees facility management and the modernization of Formica’s physical plant. Meanwhile, Gayle is Vice President and oversees financial operations, human resources, payroll, and marketing.  

For the Formica’s, NKBA membership is a key driver in the business, helping them stand head and shoulders above the competition. 

“Between Danny and myself, we’re the only CKBDs in the entire Johnstown area,” affirmed Carmen. “Membership absolutely helps to close bids–without a doubt.”

Formica’s currently maintains a full city block with the showroom, warehouse, garages, and workshop. The company is a franchise dealer for Crystal Custom Cabinetry and Wood Mode Custom Cabinetry, where they are honored to be in the Wood-Mode Million-Dollar Club.

“We hire the best people and continue updating on the latest trends,” said Carmen. “My generation worked hard, and my kids do too. When I walk away from the business, the next generation is well prepared for future success and will be in good hands.”

Our updated CKBD study program and exam will launch on June 1. The curriculum and exam are based on the latest edition of the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Planning Guidelines. Through this new offering, we will also be accepting “broadly experienced” designers–without a requirement for additional education.