Designer Andrew Risinger’s Dallas outpost snagged the hardware in the Kitchen & Bath Design Centers (up to 2,500 sq. ft.) Category

By Nicholas Tamarin

In front of a packed crowd at the Lafite Ballroom in the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, Kitchen, Bath & Home was awarded the Innovative Showroom Award in the Kitchen & Bath Design Centers (up to 2,500 sq. ft.) Category. As part of NKBA’s Design + Industry Awards program that kicked off KBIS 2025, the Innovative Showroom Awards recognize kitchen and bath showrooms that excel in customer engagement, experience, and education.

Kitchen, Bath & Home’s Sales Manager and Lead Designer Andrew Risinger, CMKBD, earned recognition for his innovative design and immersive experience. Unlike traditional showrooms, the Dallas space goes beyond static displays, offering visitors a real-life environment that showcases how products and design elements function within a home setting.

The showroom redefines the concept of a kitchen and bath design center. By prioritizing experience, functionality, and innovation, it offers visitors a unique and inspiring look at the possibilities of kitchen design. The goal was to simulate a real kitchen environment, complete with cooking, sink, and island stations, where visitors can experience the functionality and flow of a well-designed kitchen. The showroom also features a conference room designed to resemble a kitchen table, fostering collaboration and conversation.

“What makes our space truly innovative is its layout, which functions as a microcosm of a home,” Risinger says. “From a cozy bar area to a dining space, the arrangement is designed to feel lived-in and relatable, rather than a sterile showroom. This approach allows visitors to walk through the space and see how everything works together seamlessly, inspiring them to visualize these elements in their own homes.”

Key Features and Innovations:

• Stretch Ceiling: A standout feature, the stretch ceiling creates a modern aesthetic and enhances the spatial experience.
• Groundbreaking Products: The showroom features innovative products like the Tulip modular cooking system, demonstrating flexibility in kitchen design.
• Unique Material Use: The Grothouse surface, a waterproof wood countertop with a seamlessly integrated sink and charging station, highlights design ingenuity.

The judges for last year’s ISA were:

• Madison Fitzgerald: Director of Consultant Services, Commercial and Residential at the Middleby Corporation
• Jake Hohman: Senior Category Manager, Wholesale Kitchen at Moen Incorporated
• Jennifer Thompson, CKD: Owner and Senior Designer of Creative Cabinets and Design

To check out more NKBA | KBIS award winners head over here!

By Donna Heiderstadt

An informative discussion about the top features of European kitchen furniture — including modular design and eco-friendliness — took place at KBIS 2025 on Feb. 25 as part of the Native Trails-sponsored Sustainability track at NEXTStage. The session, titled European Kitchen Furniture – Ecodesign for Sustainable Products: What It Is, Why It Matters and How It’s Different, was moderated by Ken Busch, Publisher of Material Intelligence, and featured four panelists: Jeremy Parcels, Principal Designer at Lakewood, CO-based Parcels Design Studio, LLC; Alina Selbach, Head of Business for TUV Rheinland LGA Products GmbH; Dwayne Lusk, Principal of Lancaster, TX-based Kitchen Logistics; and Jan Kurth, CEO of the Association of the German Furniture Industry (VDM). Here are some highlights of the discussion.

Where It All Began and Where & How It’s Made

As moderator, Busch kicked off the discussion by noting that as a journalist covering the industry in the 1980s he remembers asking whether the European kitchen would ever come to America. “Forty years later, it’s almost a reality,” he noted. Then he introduced Kurth, who offered a primer on the origins of German kitchen design, showing images of the “efficiently organized” circa-1926 Frankfurter Küche, the first handle-less kitchen cabinetry of the 1960s, and the sleek, modern European kitchen that is the center of the home.

Kurth said the kitchen industry in Europe totals $20 billion euros, with kitchen production by country dominated by Germany (40 percent) and Italy (21 percent), with Spain, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Poland, and Belgium all in the 2-to-7-percent range.

He said the kitchen industry in Europe is highly data-driven and circular, with both retail and direct-to-consumer distribution and a focus on refurbishment/remanufacturing that involves upcycling, upgrading, and reusing.

The industry uses sophisticated robotics and machinery for high-volume, efficient production that maintains a high quality standard. There is a “digital product passport” that follows every product through the process. That quality, Kurth said, also extends to installation.

As far as sustainability, manufacturers source wood from sustainable forests and make products designed to be long-lasting.

Busch added that since “ecodesign” was in the session’s title, he wanted to point out that wood is 50 percent naturally captured carbon. He said the eco-focus of European manufacturing process also ties to the issue of indoor air quality, a rising concern for wellness focused consumers.

Quality Control and Modular Design

Selbach joined the conversation to discuss her company’s role more than 150-year history in ensuring that consumer products meet the standard for quality and safety. She said that TUV Rheinland LGA Products works with manufacturers in developing product and testing components “We start ensuring the safety and quality of products during sourcing and production,” she explained.

Lusk began his remarks by explaining that he started his company to bring European kitchens to the U.S., specifically to Texas , and Parcels noted that he has been designing with European kitchen furniture for the past 16 years.

A key element of these products’ appeal, moderator Busch noted, is their modular design that is very systematic for efficiency — cabinets are easy to design, install, use, and uninstall.

Selbach added that with the expansion of the ecodesign movement, manufacturers are also incorporating repairable hinges. When something breaks, she says, “consumers don’t throw it away because they can repair it instead with replacement parts.” She said that manufacturers are coming to her in the design and testing phase for evaluation of new products and their parts for durability and safety.

For Lusk, the appeal of European kitchen furniture/cabinetry is that the products are “very systematic and very well thought out.” This results in cabinets that are easy to install and easy to update functionality wise, he said.

Kurth added that these cabinets’ modular design with fixed dimensions and quality construction make it “easy to replace specific components without having to change the whole kitchen.”

Parcels concurred, noting that the cabinets he works with feature detachable fronts. “It’s easy to update the look without having to replace every single box,” he said. Parcels also cited the fact that lower cabinets feature adjustable legs, which can accommodate different heights. “These are products that improve the quality of home life through function.”

Moderator Busch wrapped up the session by lauding European kitchen furniture manufacturers for offering “sustainable systems in products that are stream-lined and energy efficient.”

By Donna Heiderstadt

A lively and informative session, called Designing for Legacy: Insights & Inspiration from the 2025 NKBA Design Council, brought together the council’s four well-known and respected interior designers and kicked off three days of programming at NKBA NEXTStage at KBIS 2025 in Las Vegas on February 25. The group—Caleb Anderson of New York–based Drake/Anderson (which is becoming /AND Design); Michel Smith Boyd of Atlanta–based Smith Boyd Interiors and MSB; Thom Filicia of New York–based Thom Filicia Inc.; and Celerie Kemble of Palm Beach, FL– and New York-based Kemble Interiors—was first introduced at KBIS 2024. This year’s session at NEXTStage, which is sponsored by Ferguson Home, was designed to highlight each member’s “origin story” and path to excelling in their chosen field.

Moderator William Hanley, Editor-in-Chief of Dwell magazine, got right to it, asking each member of the Design Council to talk about “how and why you do what you do.”

Mom Knows Best

Kemble said her origin story was predestined. “My mom is an interior designer and I was forced as a child to look at pretty houses in every town we visited,” she explained. Although Kemble decided to major in film production in college—and admits she got a C in drawing class—she later realized on the job that she was having the most fun decorating the office. “I’m a curator of the language of things,” she noted.

Lucky for her, Kemble’s mom had some projects for her daughter up her sleeve. “She unleashed me on all of the single guys I went to college with,” she recalls of her first clients who were then working at investment firms in New York and needed their apartments decorated.

Drawing Attention

Filicia recalled the moment in 5^th grade when his class had a substitute teacher and he proceeded to draw an entire house on his classroom desk—on the actual desk. While his artwork landed him in the principal’s office and he had to hand write “I will not draw on my desk” over and over, his artistic crime was photographed and ended up getting him into an advanced art class in 6^th grade.

Filicia admitted that he thought he wanted to be an architect, but by college he was also drawn to industrial and interior design. Ultimately, he discovered that he loved being in the interior design space, noting that the desire to be around beautiful things took root at an early age. “I would actually hide things in the house that I grew up in that I didn’t like,” he recalled. “You could say interior design found me.”

Artsy, Quirky Beginnings

Having grown up in a small town in Texas, Anderson described himself as “an artsy, quirky kid” who loved helping his mom design the family’s spaces at home. He also adored spending time at the home of an aunt who had a lot of beautiful things. By high school, he says he had all the magazines and books that celebrated design and he was helping his aunt redecorate the house that he had long been fascinated with.

He majored in design in college and after an internship with designer Jamie Drake in college, he launched his own firm before being asked in 2015 to join Drake as a partner in Drake/Anderson as part of a 10-year succession plan, which has now resulted in the company becoming /AND Design with Anderson as the sole principal. Anderson said that while early in his career his priority was getting press for his work, he is now “more interested in incorporating more purpose into my work.”

A Little of This and a Little of That

Smith Boyd recalled “coming alive in art class,” but also wanting to be an actor and then studying nursing in college and even working as a hair stylist for a while. “I needed every chapter along the way to be where I am now,” explained the multifaceted designer who helms his own design studio as well as having starred in several HGTV series, including “Luxe For Less.” His guiding principle, he said, has been “having a license to make something out of nothing.”

Smith Boyd said he was 28 years old when he went to design school—after hiring an interior designer when he moved to New York and questioning why the designer was charging him more for particular items. “I was the client and I didn’t understand mark-up,” he laughed.

Design Style & Breakthrough Projects

On the topic of their personal design style and the projects that put them on the map, Kemble recalled being asked by a man to design an entire house for his wife “who had great taste.” The wife turned out to be fashion designer Tory Burch, the house ended up being beautiful, and it was photographed for a top design magazine. “Being published changes your status in the design community and people will come to you wanting similar work,” she said.

“What is your style?” asked Hanley. “First of all, I do a lot of work that isn’t my style,” Kemble explained, “but when it is my style I favor an eclectic mix of fashionable and traditional,” noting her use of vintage and antique pieces as well as color and pattern. “I mix things.”

Filicia said that when he started in the business he worked for Parish-Hadley and grew to appreciate classic design with a clean modernist approach. His personal design sense, he said, “is rooted in things I am attracted to,” with a lifestyle element—a la Ralph Lauren who has been a major influence in that area—always a part of the mix. He said he views his job as helping clients connect the dots between different elements of design: architecture, location, and lifestyle. “It boils down to me telling their story,” he explained.

Anderson admitted that early in his career he was “a people pleaser,” but now he understands that his role is to “understand the essence of the client and express that through the space.” His process, he said, “is finding ways to create an environment that has those references, but in a nuanced way.”

Asked if he’s ever had to talk a client down from an idea, Smith Boyd said his solution is a subtle one. “I introduce my ideas as alternatives to their ideas,” he explained. Discussion ensues and “before long the client ends up seeing the alternative as being their idea.”

Advice for Emerging Designers

To conclude the session, Hanley asked each NKBA Design Council member what advice they would offer those just starting their design careers.

“We all imagine design is about artistry,” replied Kemble, “but it’s more about communication.” She also recommended that designers be proactive in the industry and know their sourcing.

Filicia pointed to the different approaches of younger designers, who are more apt to eagerly embrace new technologies, and established designers, who may be more set in their ways but who also have the benefit of actual practical experience. “Collaboration can create a lot of understanding,” he said. “Both sides need to respect the power of the thing they are overlooking.”

Anderson, who noted that he is hopeful about the design industry, said he would suggest that designers “infuse purpose into their work to create something that’s both purposeful and beautiful,” whether that’s using healthy materials, creating a collaboration model, or focusing on equity.

By Donna Heiderstadt

The NKBA Design + Industry Awards, which take place annually at KBIS, are known as the Oscars of the kitchen and bath industry, and it turns out that the NKBA awards have their very own Meryl Streep: Gina D’Amore Bauerle. Like the acclaimed actress with her 21 nominations and three wins, the Partner and Principal Interior Designer of Denver-based D’Amore Interiors, has been a Design Awards finalist ever since her first entry in 2021, winning seven awards in individual bath categories as well as Best Overall Bath in both 2022 and 2025. “I’ve enjoyed a nice 5-year run of wins with the NKBA Design Awards,” says Bauerle. We wanted to know the secret to her success, so after KBIS we asked her a few questions. 

You have won multiple times for your powder room designs. What is it that you love about small bathroom spaces? 

I love designing powder rooms for so many reasons: People are more willing to be bold with them! It’s the room nearly all guests use and should be a statement. There are also fewer rules. People aren’t washing their faces or putting make up on in these rooms, so lighting can be moodier, you can compromise on countertop surface in exchange for a bolder sink or vanity choice, and you can get away with more delicate finishes or materials since they aren’t used as heavily. 

In addition, smaller spaces are easier to make dramatic without going overboard because there isn’t a lot of square footage to fill. Budgets also stretch further because you need less square footage of materials, and typically only one of each fixture. This sometimes makes the client more willing to splurge on really cool pieces that they might not normally consider if they needed larger quantities.

Is your use of natural elements—stone, crystals, burled wood, live-edge finishes—a result of your clients’ requests for these materials or your personal appreciation of them? 

This bath was 100 percent created to reflect my clients’ interests. They live in a mountain home and collect burled wood pieces, gemstones, and antique light fixtures. For example, the flooring was a solid slab of petrified wood from India that we had cut into tiles to fit the space and minimize the grout lines so it didn’t take away from the beauty of the natural patterns.

It was a very pricey selection, but we only needed 25 square feet and they absolutely fell in love with it! I have had that sample in my library for about four years, waiting for the perfect project to use it on. When they reached out asking me to redo this bath, I instantly knew that was what I was going to show them. Of course I offered them a less-expensive tile option as a back-up choice, but once they saw the petrified slab it was a done deal.

My favorite feature of this powder room, though, is the burled wood slabs and mirrored vanity wall. My husband (@willardwoodworkingco) makes a line of custom wood and epoxy surfaces that we sell exclusively through our Denver showroom, D’Amore Interiors, so the feature wall of this powder room was inspired by his creations. Instead of using epoxy, we installed mirror behind the slabs that peers through the live edges and serves as the vanity mirror. We mounted the faucet through the mirror, and backlit the live edges to bring it to life. It was a very meticulous process, but it was an enjoyable one since I got to create it with him!

You’re also not afraid of color, even deep saturated ones. How do you talk to clients whose initial vision for their space is mostly neutral to convince them to embrace a bit of color?  

The first thing I ask someone who says they want things more neutral is, ‘Is it because you love a neutral palette, or you aren’t sure how to go about using color?’ Almost every time, the answer is the latter. Also, my portfolio scares away most neutral lovers at this point!

I don’t force color on my clients, instead I feel it’s my duty to help them explore which colors make them feel good and show them how we can apply those tones in their space. My favorite colors are teals and shades of green and blue, because it reminds me of water and that makes me feel at peace. Color can have a heavy influence on your well-being and affects the way you feel in a space, so it really matters to me that it makes sense for the people living in the home to feel good. 

That said, I do have some clients that genuinely love to keep their homes more neutral, so in that case I put a heavy emphasis on the textures of materials, and create lots of contrast with light and dark tones to keep spaces from becoming flat and boring. 

Let’s talk kitchens, because you excel at those, too. What are you seeing in terms of client requests lately? Are they seeking more individuality, more flexibility/function, more sustainability, more smart technology?

Most of the clients I work with are asking for more individuality than a typical kitchen design. That usually means fun colors, specialty finishes, luxury appliances, smart technology, and all the little details that turn it into a bespoke space that accommodates their whole family. I’m also getting even more requests for specialty bars and speakeasies built into the plan, which is my other favorite space to design in the kitchen-and-bath world aside from powder rooms! 

If you could design a home for a client anywhere in the world, where would you love for it to be located and what design elements would you most enjoy incorporating?

Well, to circle back from my earlier statement about my love for teal, I would love to design some beach and lakefront properties. It wouldn’t be the worst thing to have to travel to those types of locations for work either! I really enjoy all styles of design and find that I get more diverse requests when I’m working on out-of-state projects as they are totally different environments than what I typically see in Colorado.

If I had to choose one location in particular, I’d probably say Lake Tahoe (as long as I can visit the site in the summer). I would love to design some killer outdoor kitchens, pool baths, and indoor/outdoor living spaces! We do have some of that in Colorado, of course, but it’s typically missing the waterfront element and the fun color palette you can pull off with those environments. 

By Donna Heiderstadt

When she founded Thu Trinh Interiors in 2020—a Richardson, Texas–based design studio catering to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex—Thu Trinh blended a wealth of life experience in prior non-design careers, which strengthened her critical-thinking skills, with a true passion for creating beautiful spaces. Just five years later, her first entry in NKBA’s Design + Industry Awards, “Breckinridge Kitchen,” garnered a first-place finish at the awards gala at KBIS 2025 in the Small Kitchen category, as well the top prize for Best Overall Kitchen. Afterward, we asked Trinh about her design philosophy, her strategy for remodeling compact spaces, her ultimate dream commission, and more.

You worked in finance and healthcare before studying design and pursuing your true passion. What is it about interior design that made you want to pursue it?

I’ve always been drawn to the power of design to transform spaces and elevate daily life. While my background in finance and healthcare sharpened my analytical and problem-solving skills, my true passion lies in creating environments that are both beautiful and functional.

My undergraduate years at the University of Virginia—set within a UNESCO World Heritage site—had a profound influence on my design sensibilities. Being immersed in Jeffersonian architecture, with its harmonious proportions, classical columns, and timeless symmetry, deepened my appreciation for neoclassical design. That foundation continues to inform my work today, as I strive to blend historical elegance with modern livability.

Interior design allows me to merge creativity, history, and functionality—crafting homes that feel both refined and deeply personal. For me, great design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a feeling, a sense of place that resonates with the people who live there.

In your living rooms, you seem to love combining classic design elements with unexpected moments of whimsy— bold artwork or a zebra-skin rug, for instance. How does that translate into the kitchen, and what elements can make the kitchen both functional and chic?

Kitchens are the heart of the home, and because I see food as an art form, I believe the kitchen should be just as inspiring as any other creative space. Just as a beautifully plated dish balances color, texture, and composition, a well-designed kitchen should seamlessly blend aesthetics and function.

Every design choice—whether it’s a striking marble countertop, open shelving that highlights artisanal pieces, or layered lighting that enhances the ambiance—should celebrate both the artistry of cooking and the practicality of daily life. The key is ensuring that every beautiful element serves a purpose, from smart storage solutions and durable materials to a thoughtful layout that makes cooking and entertaining effortless.

Distinctive lighting is also one of your signatures. When it comes to kitchen lighting, what are some of your favorite solutions, both for functional task lighting and decorative flair?

Lighting is one of the most powerful ways to elevate a kitchen. I always layer lighting to create depth and warmth—recessed or under-cabinet lights for task lighting, pendants as a stylish focal point, and softer accent lighting to enhance the ambiance.

I love incorporating vintage-inspired fixtures or sculptural designs over an island or dining nook to make a statement, often in finishes like aged brass or textured glass for added warmth. Subtle details, such as LED strips inside glass cabinets, further enhance the space. The right lighting isn’t just about functionality—it shapes the mood, making the kitchen feel inviting, effortless, and elegant.

Your winning entry was in the Small Kitchen category. What are the biggest challenges when designing in a compact space, especially in an older home? How do you balance functionality and aesthetics?

Older homes often present unique challenges, from structural quirks to awkward layouts and limited storage. In a small kitchen, every inch matters, so I focus on maximizing vertical space with custom cabinetry, incorporating smart storage solutions like pull-out toe kick drawers, and using reflective surfaces to create a sense of openness.

I also prioritize high-quality, timeless materials that elevate the space, regardless of its size. Thoughtful design choices—like optimizing natural light, using a cohesive color palette, and integrating multifunctional elements—help ensure that even the smallest kitchen feels both stylish and highly functional.

If you could design a home for a client anywhere in the world, where would you love for it to be located, and what design elements would you most enjoy incorporating?

If I could design a home anywhere in the world, it would be an apartment in either Paris or Rome— two cities steeped in history, architecture, and classical influence. There’s something incredibly inspiring about their timeless elegance, from the grand Haussmannian apartments of Paris to the historic palazzos of Rome.

I’d incorporate luxurious materials like marble for the kitchen and bathrooms, intricate wrought-iron and brass railings for character and craftsmanship, and dramatic statement doors to create a sense of arrival in each space. High ceilings, tall windows, and carefully curated lighting would enhance the natural grandeur, while a mix of antique and contemporary furnishings would bring balance—making the space feel both sophisticated and livable. My goal would be to honor the classical beauty of these cities while creating a home that feels effortlessly modern and inviting.

By Donna Heiderstadt

“Sparking joy” was at the heart of a panel discussion called Selective Luxury: The Art of Intentional Design that jump-started NEXTStage programming on Feb. 26 at KBIS 2025 and explored how designers work with clients to create bespoke spaces that express personal style. Attendees were welcomed by author and design journalist Sophie Donelson — the Day 2 host at NEXTStage, which is sponsored by Ferguson Home — who introduced Amber Peterson, Design Manager for Ferguson Home and one of the session’s three panelists.

Peterson was joined onstage by Taniya Nayak, Founder of Boston-based Taniya Nayak Design Inc. and a designer/host on several HGTV, Food Network and ABC shows, and the panel’s moderator, Andrea Lillo, Executive Editor of Designers Today and the panel’s moderator.

Defining intentional luxury

Lillo kicked off the session by asking the panel “How do you define selective luxury?”  Nayak jumped right in, noting that she herself wasn’t certain what it meant, so she asked her design team and they, too, were stumped. So she then asked them, “What is luxury to you?” quickly realizing that the answers ranged from “a vacation on a yacht” to a space that’s “simple, quiet, and peaceful.” Translation: Luxury means different things to different people.

“As a designer, you have to listen to the client about what luxury means to them,” she said, adding that it’s then possible to add “layers of selective luxury to customize a design and create a tasteful, bespoke space just for them.”

Peterson concurred, noting that “luxury is in the details” and that Ferguson Home “caters to those looking to tailor a space to their needs.”

Talking about customization, Nayak pointed to the varying moods of the rooms she designed for a New York client with a 1,000-square-foot apartment overlooking Central Park, which were being shown on the screen. While the living space was colorful, bold, and modern and the bathroom featured dramatically veined marble, the clients requested that the bedroom be a neutral, quiet retreat. “Customization is so important and we can do that with artwork, custom wallpaper, and other details,” she said, noting that the rise of custom wall coverings allows designers to create truly unique spaces for their clients.

Other customization buzzwords

Peterson also addressed another aspect of customization: comfort. “We’re seeing a push for comfort that is personal and elevated,” she said. This goes hand in hand with a wellness-at- home trend that has clients requesting spa-like amenities designed to soothe and relax in comfort and privacy.

Nayak also pointed to the trend of “color drenching” in which a space’s design focuses on a single color from floor to ceiling. She’s also seeing demand for it in kitchens, where appliances are now available in a a variety of colosr. “I think people are accepting that when it comes to design, they can go big,” she said. “It’s all about what sparks joy — if it does that it’s luxury.”

How to get clients to express what luxury means to them

Nayak suggested that after first asking clients about their needs relevant to their everyday life at home to then ask them “what they dream about, where was their best vacation, and what is their favorite restaurant.” She said she even opens their closets and looks at their clothes to get a sense of their personal style. “Then, as designers, we get to exaggerate that a little more,” she said, adding that being able to do that is all a matter of having the client trust you. “You know you have the right client when they really trust you,” she said.

Storytelling through design

Both Nayak and Peterson said they see storytelling as integral to selective luxury. Nayak recalled a client who inherited her mother’s condo and wanted to incorporate her love of reading into the design — so the living room features a focal-point built-in bookshelves with an artistic selection of books and other objects. “The space doesn’t let go of the soul,” she explained of designs with a story behind them.

Peterson also pointed out that manufacturers often tell her that having a story to tell helps sell a product.

Asked to impart advice to designers who are relatively new to the kitchen-and-bath sector and are looking to embrace selective luxury, Nayak had a suggestion. Rather than looking to showcase their talents by pushing their own personal design style, designers should truly listen to what their clients want and need. “Then give a little, take a little, and build that trust,”  she said.

What does luxury mean to you?

The session concluded with Nayak asking members of the audience to say what luxury means to them. Answers included “comfort and security,” “a place to come home to unwind…a sanctuary,” “the place I want to be,” and “being  authentic to yourself and the space rather than going with a trend or modernizing just to modernize.”

Nayak then returned to the role customization, from personalized wall coverings to playing with color, has in creating a sense of selective luxury. “We now live in a world where we can do anything we want to.”

By Donna Heiderstadt

As part of the JENNAIR-sponsored technology track at KBIS 2025’s NEXTStage, the chief executives of two key organizations in the kitchen-and-bath and home building and renovation space sat down for a chat called CEO Perspectives—Designing New Synergies in Smart Home Design. The goal was to take a look at ongoing and proposed initiatives to connect designers and integrators in the process of choosing and installing smart home technology.

Following an introduction by Anthony Pastrick, Senior Brand Manager for JENNAIR, Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA | KBIS, was joined by Daryl Friedman, Global President & CEO of CEDIA, the Association for Smart Home Professionals, to delve into the synergy between residential design and smart home technology. The goal: Offering actionable insights for those in attendance and sparking further ideas for collaboration between the two organizations. The session was moderated by Crystal Watts, Director of Marketing at NKBA | KBIS, who has previously held positions in the smart-technology industry.

A smart-technology convergence

Watts kicked off the session by asking Darcy and Friedman to discuss how kitchen-and-bath design and smart home technology are converging. “There’s a lot of technology around this show,” Darcy observed, noting that when the NKBA talks to consumers about what they want in their home they’re really excited about the future of smart technology.

Friedman noted that “smart home installers and designers are figuring out the best ways to integrate technology into the home.” Darcy then added that homeowners want the technology to be invisible—to not interrupt the look and design of their home—so it’s important for tech brands to demonstrate how these products have evolved.

Darcy also acknowledged that NKBA is looking to acquire knowledge it can impart to its members, noting that millennial homebuyers know about smart technology and “our collaboration with CEDIA is vital to that learning process.”

Friedman asserted that the opportunity for designers “is a happier client…because when consumers find out about technology, they want it.” At the same time, countered Darcy, because things in the smart-home realm are advancing so quickly, consumers are also questioning  whether they should invest in what is currently available and take a risk that it won’t change. “The key for consumers,” he said, “is to be informed about what is about to be revolutionized.”

The need to develop a trust level between integrators and designers

That’s where trust comes in—with integrators and manufacturers’ expertise shared with designers who can pass that along to their clients. “Designers and integrators need to have a trust level,” Friedman explained. “Often the two sides don’t know each other and we need to get these two to talk to each other.”

Darcy also noted that it’s also vital to balance what is most important to the consumer with information about the costs of various smart technologies and what is available.

This is where certification can come into play. Friedman noted that CEDIA offers various certification programs in integrating smart technology, leading Darcy to acknowledge that NKBA “needs to find a better way to use CEDIA’s resources — maybe a badge, a curriculum for learning.” He asked, “How can NKBA and CEDIA members collaborate more closely?”

He then suggested that NKBA members find a local smart-technology mentor and build a relationship. “Bring a CEDIA member to an NKBA chapter meeting,” he said.

Friedman added that the idea of having a badge or credential that can be earned would definitely “build synergy” between the two organizations’ members.

What does the future hold?

Looking to the future, Friedman said that there are so many technologies for the home that go beyond the kitchen and bath, especially when it comes to lighting.

Darcy added that two major trends—sustainability and wellness—factor into the smart home equation as well. He used shade control for keeping homes cool and saving energy as “helping to solve the problem of how to establish a healthy space.”

When it was the audience’s turn to ask a question, the first one was about how designers can learn more about smart home technology. Friedman replied that there are several ways: Attending CEDIA Expo in Denver in September and going to CEDIA.org to check out new content and continuing education opportunities for designers. The website also has a list of integrators that is searchable by zip code.

Concluded Darcy, “Designers need to go into this thinking ‘I need to know about this’.” 

Friedman’s parting words were: “My advice is to bring an integrator in early in the project.”

Other suggestions from both the panel and audience:

• Visit CEDIA.org to “learn what can be.”

• “Date your integrator,” meaning treat them as a potential partner for life since they need to be someone you can work with and trust.

• The integrator’s job is to “know the tech,” so both integrators and designers should respect their areas of expertise.

• “Finding the right integrator will make your clients extremely happy—an integrator should be an important part of your team.”

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Marc Gilbert, Managing Director & Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group, at this year’s NKBA Executive Forum at KBIS. The session was titled “10 Forces Driving the Global Business Landscape in 2025.”

Given the tremendous uncertainty around changing federal policies at home and extremely fluid global political and economic dynamics, Marc’s insights provided much-needed perspective.

Here are some of the key take-aways from our conversation that I believe are most relevant to our NKBA I KBIS members:

The Impact of Tariffs

A core element of the new administration’s “America First” approach relates to trade policy. The expansion of tariffs, most prominently with our top trade partners in Mexico, Canada and China, has both economic and statecraft goals. Marc believes that, despite the new tariffs, trade between and among the U.S., Mexico and Canada will remain strong, even as trade between China and the West slows while that nation pivots to address its own economic and demographic challenges.

Evolving Global Conflict

Geopolitics are dominated by a range of complex global conflicts with changing dynamics. Marc believes that “conflict has transformed into a multidimensional source of risk.” Conflicts are taking unprecedented forms – some made possible by emerging technologies – and in unprecedented places, from the Arctic Circle to Earth’s orbit and even the moon. He also highlighted how the growing number of economic sanctions has made doing business  increasingly complex in more and more countries.

Climate “Refuses to be Ignored”

Marc told the gathered C-suite executives that while the U.S. may be de-prioritizing climate policy and investment, the global trend toward the pursuit of clean energy is unlikely to be significantly impacted. In short, investment in clean energy is still flowing, with China and the European Union continuing to lead the way. He noted, as our own research has indicated, that American consumers are less likely than those in countries like Germany to be willing to spend more on “green” products and services.

How Companies Can Prepare

Marc offered several key insights about how companies can prepare to meet these challenges, and better protect themselves. For example, he recommends that companies invest in supply chain resilience and focus on identifying investment and growth opportunities. He also highlighted the benefits of structuring companies with differentiations that can be protective in our increasingly  fragmented world. Finally, he stressed the importance of understanding and identifying risks – and opportunities – associated with quickly-evolving technology and the “AI Race.”

There is, without a doubt, a lot of uncertainty in our world right now. Some of it seems daunting, but I share Marc’s view that there is also plenty of opportunity to be seized. Now, more than ever, it’s important to stay informed so that you can make the best possible decisions for your K&B business and its future.

Honored at KBIS 2025, Fisher is recipient of the inaugural NKBA | KBIS Educator of the Year Award.

By Nicholas Tamarin

The first year for the NKBA | KBIS Educator of the Year Award generated significant enthusiasm. Nominations poured in from current students, former students, colleagues, and college administrators, showcasing the widespread recognition of those who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to advancing the knowledge and skills of students within the kitchen and bath industry.

Robin Rigby Fisher, CMKBD, a full-time faculty member at Portland Community College and Principal Designer at Robin Rigby Fisher Design, was selected as the winner of the award that includes complimentary roundtrip airfare, KBIS registration, and hotel accommodations for the event. Fisher is known for inspiring students to embrace creativity and authenticity. She prepares students for real-world challenges, advocates for their success, and connects them to meaningful careers. Her dedication empowers the next generation of kitchen and bath professionals and benefits the broader professional community.

Honorable Mentions

Two individuals received honorable mentions:

• Rochelle Horne, CKBD, Program Head/Faculty Interior Design Technology & NKBA Education
• Jim Baynton, CKD, Master Designer at Ideal Cabinets and Virginia Tech Board of Design, Student Internship Supervisor

Robin Rigby Fisher

Robin Rigby Fisher is an award-winning designer, educator, and industry innovator. Since 1989, she has founded a residential design-build remodeling company and an independent residential design firm. She was named a Top 50 Innovator by KBDN in 2017.

Fisher has been shaping designers at Portland Community College since 2003 and became the Department Chair of the Interior Design Department in 2021. She is a subject matter expert contributor to the 2023 NKBA Guidelines for Kitchen and Bath Design and co-authored Sustainable Design for the Kitchen and Bath Designer. Fisher also mentors design professionals across the U.S. and Canada.

Known as the “Fairy Job Mother,” Fisher is dedicated to supporting students and graduates, connecting them with industry contacts and career opportunities. She is a champion of sustainable and accessible design.

Award Information

The NKBA Educator of the Year Award honors educators who significantly contribute to the kitchen and bath industry through innovative teaching, curriculum development, and dedication to fostering the next generation of industry leaders.

The selection process involves evaluating nominees based on the outlined criteria, with a focus on their overall impact and contributions to the field. The award celebrates those who advance education within the kitchen and bath industry. 

Criteria and Selection

Nominations are reviewed by a panel of NKBA representatives based on criteria including:

• Innovative teaching methods
• Impact on students and professionals
• Industry contribution
• Professionalism and dedication
• Leadership and collaboration
• Community and industry engagement

By Donna Heiderstadt

The Best of KBIS awards program puts the spotlight on kitchen-and-bath innovation by acknowledging the visionary companies that are pushing boundaries when it comes to product development, technology, and the latest trends. Gold and Silver winners in six categories and a Best in Show Gold winner were celebrated on February 26 at KBIS 2025 for having cutting-edge products that are redefining the future of design.

The Best of KBIS awards ceremony, sponsored by Luxe Interiors + Design and hosted by its Senior Market Editor, Sarah Shelton, featured a total of 50 finalists in seven categories. Their products were reviewed by a panel of six judges: Alena Capra, CMKBD, Principal of Alena Capra Designs; Jeanne Chung, Creative Director of Cozy Stylish Chic; Kara Cox, Principal of Kara Cox Interiors; Brooke and Brice Gilliam, Owners of Deep South Modern; Julee Ireland, Founder of Home Renovation School and Tile Mart University; and Jerel Lake, Principal Designer of Jerel Lake. The judging committee narrowed down all entries to the 50 finalists and did their final judging onsite during booth visits at KBIS 2025.

Author and design journalist Sophie Donelson, Day 2 NEXTStage host, took to the stage to introduce NKBA’s Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Heather Shannon. “The energy this week has been incredible,” Shannon told the overflow crowd. “I hope you feel as inspired as we do on the NKBA side.” Noting that the competition this year was extremely competitive, she thanked Luxe Interiors + Design for their sponsorship and said NKBA was proud to recognize the finalists and congratulate the Gold and Silver winners.

Shelton then kicked off the ceremony by saying that after walking the show floor, “my feet are hurting but my camera is filled with photos of incredible products—and I don’t envy the judges for having had to choose the winners.”

And the Winners Are…

Wellness Trailblazer

Kara Cox had the honor of presenting the awards for Wellness Trailblazer, noting that “wellness is one of the fastest growing categories and, while it started as a buzzword, it has become a way of life.”

Gold: Kohler x Remedy Place Ice Bath by Kohler

Silver: Hot/Cold Plunge Indoor Tub by Empava

The other finalists were AIRMADA Drying Solutions, Brizo, Elkay, Fotile, and LAUFEN.

Game-Changing Innovation

Brice Gilliam announced the Game Changing Innovation winners, noting that innovation is, by nature, an exciting category that allows manufacturers to “think outside the box while still maintaining a focus on functionality.”

Gold: VIBE by LifeValet

Silver: Ceran Luminoir TFT by Schott

The other finalists were Blum, FreePower, Hettich, Karran USA, and Richelieu Hardware Ltd.

Most Functional Find

Jeanne Chung presented the awards in the Most Functional Find category, noting that “durability, longevity, and user friendliness are all key elements of functional design.”

Gold: Space Step by Blum

Silver: Hettich FurnSpin

The other finalists were Century Components, Delta Faucet, Hafele America, and Robern.

Sustainable Standout

Before she announced the Sustainable Standout winners, Julee Ireland noted that “sustainability is essential to our industry as homeowner demand for these products continues to grow.”

Gold: Landshapes Tile by Kohler WasteLAB x Daniel Arsham

Silver: Cosentino’s Le Chic Bohème by Silestone XM

The other finalists were Caesarstone, Daltile, Laminam, Neolith, and Richelieu Hardware Ltd.

Style Statement: Bath

As she revealed the Style Statement: Bath winners, Alena Capra reminded the audience that “for most design professionals, style is what first attracted us to this career.”

Gold: James Martin Vanities x Cosentino x FreePower Collaboration

Silver: Guise Collection by Kallista

The other finalists were Cartisan Design, Infinity Drain, Native Trails, and Robern.

Style Statement: Kitchen

“The kitchen remains the heart of the home and one of the first places homeowners choose to update,” said Jerel Lake as he announced the Style Statement: Kitchen winners.

Gold: Vera Deluxe Workstation Kitchen Sink by TopZero

Silver: Billet Kitchen Faucet Collection by Kohler

The other finalists were BLANCO, Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens, Cosentino, Elkay, House of Rohl, and Richelieu Hardware Ltd.

Best in Show

Brooke Gilliam had the honor of revealing the final award: the Best in Show Gold winner.

Gold: Aladdin by EFFE Perfect Wellness

The other finalists were Brizo, EGGER Wood Products, JennAir, Kallista, Signature Kitchen Suite, and SMEG.