By Nicholas Tamarin

In this interview, we delve into Ellen’s journey, from her early inspirations to her current role as a leading voice in kitchen and bath design, exploring the experiences that have shaped her approach, fueled her success, and ultimately led to her NKBA | KBIS Certification.

What is your background?

My journey to becoming a CMKBD began when my three children were school age. Today, they are successful adults, and my husband and I enjoy being grandparents to two adorable grandsons. Currently, I run a successful design studio on Long Island where my team and I specialize in kitchens and baths. I have honed my skills to be recognized as a millwork specialist among my peers.

In addition to millwork, my services include whole-home design. I work with clients to create flow and function, ensuring effortless movement in their daily tasks. I consider all their future wants and needs before construction begins, presenting all information in a complete set of construction documents. Taking my business to this level of detail stems from learning proper documentation from the NKBA Graphics and Presentation Standards.

How did you first get into design?

Initially dreaming of a fashion career, I studied buying and merchandising at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology and worked for Charles Jourdan. However, my passion truly lay in design. I returned to FIT for textile design and worked in home furnishings, creating patterns and overseeing production. After staying home with my children, I pursued kitchen and bath design in 2006, opting for certification over another degree. I gained experience at Home Depot, an installation company, and a luxury design center before founding EL Design Studio in 2014.

Tell us about your NKBA Certification process?

For the AKBD exam, I studied with a partner through the NKBA Manhattan Chapter. We met in a Starbucks regularly for 2-3 hour study sessions with our NKBA flash cards. I earned my CKD by taking a CAD exam in Brooklyn. I achieved my CMKBD in 2020-2021 through the NKBA’s “Level Up” opportunity, completing the CBD portion remotely and submitting my experience documentation. The NKBA was so supportive throughout my journey to CMKBD.

Why did you take the time to get NKBA Certified?

Obtaining my certification enhances my professionalism and distinguishes me as a designer rather than a cabinet salesperson or decorator. Adhering to guidelines established by a professional organization and governing body ensures a standardized approach to documenting our work, facilitating effective communication with peers and trades.

How has NKBA Certification helped?

My journey, grounded in training, testing, and continuing education, instills confidence in my abilities. My affiliation with this organization and the upkeep of my certification through ongoing education are reflected in all aspects of my work. Whether providing product information or mastering the technicalities of designing kitchens, baths, and more, this foundation defines our professionalism.

If you’re interested in learning more about benefits and options, check out our NKBA Certification page.

By Nicholas Tamarin

she earned her own Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer credential in 2002. When away from the drafting board, Cailin enjoys spending time with family, teasing the family’s beloved schnauzer and tabby, and baking. She told us about her journey to NKBA Certification.

What’s your background? How about educationally?

From chasing butterflies as a kid in Ohio corn fields, I landed in suburban Atlanta for high school and later lived there. Creativity has always been a part of my life, whether it was stage acting, sewing clothes or costumes, or decorating cakes.

I was grounded in a strong work ethic, which includes showing up early, doing more than is expected, and mastering the fundamentals before doing it your own way. Berry College in Georgia (no corn fields, but plenty of cows) is my alma mater, with an undergraduate degree in home economics and a minor in interior design.

How did you first get into design?

My mother is my inspiration for going into the field of kitchen and bath design. She showed me what should be behind a beautiful façade: floor plans that function, cabinetry that lasts, and safe surroundings. She’s been a kitchen and bath designer since the early 1980s and is also a CMKBD. 

The deal was sealed when I started apprenticing under architect and CKD, Ken Thelen, who became my father-in-law. His engineer’s perspective, working in a design-build firm, the aroma of fresh framing, and with my mother’s enthusiasm are all reasons kitchen and bath design still holds me today.

Tell us about your NKBA Certification process?

Pursuing certification started during my junior year in college when my school worked with me to approve NKBA’s Bath Designer School course as credit toward my degree. Following graduation, building up knowledge and drafting practice was important while fulfilling the minimum work experience required. I became a CKD in 1992, a CBD in 1994, and arrived full circle with a CMKBD in 2002.

Why did you take the time to get NKBA Certified?

It’s an emblem of professionalism going above and beyond, and being serious about my craft.

How has NKBA Certification helped?

Certification:

• Has won over clients
• Validates my skills to potential clients and peers while promoting their confidence in me
• Keeps continuing education in the forefront, leading to more-than-required learning hours earned
• Opens up other professional opportunities, such as being a panelist or design competition judge
• Advocates my professionalism

If you’re interested in learning more about benefits and options, check out our NKBA Certification page.

By Nicholas Tamarin

Kennedy actively contributes to the industry through speaking engagements, teaching, curriculum development, mentoring, and writing, focusing on creativity, innovation, technology, wellness, and inclusive design. Available through December with on-demand access, Kennedy is the host of the Voices from the Industry session “Hydrotherapy to Hydration: Enhancing Home Wellness with Water Solutions,” which delves into the transformative power of water in residential design, exploring the benefits of including whole-home filtration systems, steam, and hot- and cold-water treatments to understand how to integrate these into home environments for optimal wellness. Kennedy is a graduate of the Art Institute of Seattle with a degree in interior design and has been featured in multiple national publications. She told us about her journey to NKBA Certification.

You didn’t begin your career as a designer, how did it come about?

Design is my second career—after spending years in corporate America at Microsoft, I left feeling burnt out and yearning for a more creative life. As a third-generation entrepreneur and someone surrounded by creatives on both sides of the family, it was almost inevitable that I’d eventually follow a similar path—though I was the first to make a professional career out of creativity. 

Looking back, the signs were always there: I had more fun rearranging Barbie furniture than playing with the dolls, and when we went camping, I’d draw house plans in the dirt. I was the kid who eagerly helped my mom decorate every time we moved, and whose bedroom was always ready for a proud display, complete with a pink gingham canopy bed and tidy matching decor.

How did you get into design?

After leaving Microsoft, I enrolled at the Seattle Art Institute and graduated in 1998 with a focus on residential design. My career started at an established kitchen and bath design/build firm, but it was a product rep from Sub-Zero—who hosted my class at their local showroom—who first introduced me to the world of kitchen and bath design and to the NKBA. 

That same rep invited me to a local NKBA Chapter lunch, and I was hooked! I initially thought kitchen and bath work would be a stepping stone to full-service design, but 27 years later, I’m still in love with it. It’s become my area of deep expertise, and only recently have I begun to expand into furnishings for my clients.

What was the NKBA Certification process like for you?

Certification came through community, perseverance, and a lot of studying. I was fortunate to be part of a vibrant NKBA chapter in Seattle and joined a group of designers who were also preparing for the exam. We gathered in a little study room, sharing knowledge and encouragement. This was back when everything was done via a hardcopy binder—you mailed in your assignments for grading! I still have that binder as a reminder of the journey. A Certified member even hosted a mock exam for us. 

I was on the fast track, completing my education hours and hitting the minimum work experience right in time to sit for the exam. Back then, it was an all-day, in-person experience with both written and practical components. It was intense—but I passed on my first try. I’ll never forget the early mentors who shaped my NKBA journey—Jim Kringle, Mary Jo Peterson, Kathleen Donahue—who modeled what it means to give back to the profession. Since then, I’ve had the joy of facilitating local study groups myself. 

Why did you feel the need to be NKBA Certified?

I’ve always been a lifelong learner—it’s part of who I am. My drive to grow personally and professionally stems from a desire to better serve my clients. With so many designers in the Seattle area, I knew I needed to differentiate myself by deepening my expertise and building my credibility. Certification through NKBA was a clear step toward that goal.

How has NKBA Certification helped you as a designer and business owner?

Becoming certified has empowered me to truly stand in my expertise. It’s a credential my clients recognize and respect, giving them confidence in my ability to lead their projects. Beyond client work, the certification has opened doors for me to teach at two local colleges and to speak nationally through NKBA’s Voices of the Industry at KBIS, as well as for NKBA Chapters across the country. 

It’s been a foundational piece of my career as a speaker, educator, and designer. I’ve had the honor of serving on national NKBA committees and contributing to the latest edition of the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Guidelines. Today, I proudly hold the title of NKBA Subject Matter Expert, and I’m deeply committed to giving back to the next generation of designers. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today—professionally or personally—without the support and growth I’ve found through NKBA.

If you’re interested in learning more about benefits and options, check out our NKBA Certification page.

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.

This design coordinator talks about her career, the challenges of earning her CKBD, and the perseverance that got her there.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

Andrea Melkowski, CKBD, is proof that you can study for NKBA certification just about anywhere, at any time. A design coordinator with Lombardo Homes of St. Louis, a semi-custom builder in the O’Fallon, MO, area, she is also a hunter, and during downtime in the woods, often perched in a tree stand, she’d be on her phone studying for the exam.

She credits her dad for giving her career direction. “My interest in interior design began in high school, when I took an “Intro to Interior Design” class, which touched on color schemes and space planning. I’d always had a love for art and rearranging the furniture, and this class brought all those things from hobbies to an occupation. My father recognized the passion that I had and encouraged me to follow that interest. I received my Bachelor’s degree in interior design with a minor in architecture from Southeast Missouri State University in 2014 and have been designing ever since.”

She has been in the business for about 11 years and currently works in the architecture department at Lombardo. “From plan origination, review, and permitting to cabinet layouts and more, it’s great to be a part of the entire building process, to see how all the parts and pieces really work, and how to keep the wheels turning,” she said.

She started her career with an internship as a K&B designer at Buchheit, a local farm/lumber store, and then went full-time until joining Lombardo in early 2020. “I was with Lombardo, in a completely new role, for a couple of weeks when COVID-19 shut everything down and sent us all to work from home,” she recalled. “It was interesting, to say the least, and a huge learning curve to get more involved in the whole home process compared to the small niche of only kitchens and baths that I was used to. Almost five years later, I’ve taken on more responsibilities and I’m still learning every day.”

Melkowski talked about her drive to keep learning and aiming for certification.

What was your primary reason for pursuing your NKBA certification?

My primary reason to pursue the CKBD was to continue my education and broaden my horizons. I’ve always been eager to learn new things, especially anything that affects me every day. I actually began this entire process looking into receiving the NCIDQ certification. While discussing with one of my best friends from college, she asked if I had looked into receiving my CKBD instead. Knowing that we participated in the NKBA Student program and that I had been in the field since college, she suggested the NKBA certification would be a great first step.

Talk about the process… Would you do it again?

This process wasn’t easy, that’s for sure. I hadn’t spent a lot of dedicated study time on anything since graduating from college 10 years ago. It’s crazy how it seemed I had so much time back then compared to now. On multiple occasions, I fell asleep with my laptop or phone in hand while reading through the study materials! The most convenient part of it all was that I was studying for the exam portion during Missouri’s early bow season, which gave me a lot of down time. Much of my study time was accomplished on my phone while in a tree stand or blind, waiting for a big buck to stroll by.

It’s hard to say if I would do this again. It would definitely depend on where I am in life, and the time I had available to dedicate to it. I pursued this certification on my own account, not through my already 55+ hour job, so I sacrificed a lot of my usual time with friends and family that might not be possible if I was in a different place in life.

What was the most challenging part of the process?

The most challenging part of this process was understanding the requirements of and developing the portfolio to meet the NKBA standards. While I am involved in many aspects of the home and create detailed plans every day, my company doesn’t utilize the NKBA format. The software that I use in my daily kitchen and bath process does not offer the right tools and format that would qualify for the portfolio, so not only was I learning the NKBA way, but I was also learning a new CAD software, which was a huge obstacle for me. Luckily, I had help from a coworker who is a true AutoCAD wiz, and she stayed on call for my late nights and weekends throughout the entire process. Without her, I truly would not have made it through the portfolio portion of this certification.

What are some benefits of becoming certified?

I pursued the CKBD as a personal goal. I hope to get more involved in the local NKBA Chapter events, begin networking, and continue to learn all that I can about this industry, and hopefully this new achievement paves a great path for my career’s future. Right now, I am applying what I’ve learned in this process to my day-to-day designs. I hope to integrate more of the NKBA guidelines into our standard design practices to offer more universal spaces to our current clients.

What advice would you give designers who are considering certification?

My best advice for a designer studying for certification would be to research as much as you can about the process prior to submitting the application. Be prepared with the required documentation, photos at different stages of the build, for projects … I think the most difficult timeframe for me was the portfolio deadline right after the test. I had focused solely on preparing for the test, and when I got to the portfolio section, I did not have all of the documentation required. While we do have photos and paperwork on past and present projects, we did not have the necessary specifics. It was tough to find spaces that met the requirements along with a timeline that would allow for rough plumbing and electric photos and finish photos all prior to submission. Reach out to the NKBA team, ask questions, and understand as much as you can before submitting the application. This will only set you up for success.

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NKBA currently offers two levels of certification: The first is the CKBD (Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer), and the highest level is CMKBD (Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer). These prestigious appellations communicate expert knowledge, skills, training, and experience in kitchen and bath design. They help distinguish you as a professional and give you a competitive edge. To learn more about the Certification programs, click here.

This self-taught young designer was motivated to learn as much as possible about the kitchen-and-bath industry, making a commitment to NKBA programs that earned her CKBD certification and Thirty Under 30 honors as she grew her Rhode Island-based interior design business.

By Donna Heiderstadt

Since founding her design firm, Lyndsey has served as the lead designer and specifier for new homes in a multimillion dollar residential development, completed numerous remodeling jobs and taken on larger commercial design projects. Lyndsey has also juggled her career launch with motherhood, as she and her husband, Devan, welcomed their son, Boden, in April 2022.

Lyndsey’s current favorite project is a master bathroom she recently completed for a client in Providence, RI, that required the complete gutting of the bathroom in a third-story residence — a challenging project because the 15-18 inches of concrete between each unit required incredibly precise saw-cutting to redirect the plumbing. “Everything was upgraded, from a high-tech toilet to Kohler’s new Statement and Anthem collection in the shower,” she says. “The client now has a modern, walk-in curbless shower, with tiles that are 36×72 in size across the entire floor. This project stands out to me for both the technical challenges and the beautiful, modern results.”

We asked Lyndsey to offer insights into how her involvement with NKBA — in addition to achieving CKBD certification, she was also named a member of the Thirty Under 30 Class of 2024 — has helped her establish credibility and grow her business.

What inspired you to achieve CKBD certification from the NKBA so early in your design career?

When I switched career paths from nursing to design, I promised myself I would immerse myself fully in this field. I discovered the CKBD certification as an opportunity to learn as much as possible. The study guides and flashcards were great tools for learning and refreshing my knowledge, and they helped me identify areas where I could grow. Achieving my CKBD certification is something I’m incredibly proud of, and it feels like a major milestone in my career.

How has CKBD certification helped you in developing your design business? What advice do you have for other young designers considering certification?

The design world is vast, and consumers appreciate seeing that you’re involved and knowledgeable. Since I’m self-taught, gaining the CKBD certification has been invaluable. It’s a fantastic resource, and I believe it gave me credibility in a field where I didn’t have formal education. My advice for young designers is to go for it. Certification helps you grow your knowledge, and clients see it as a mark of professionalism.

How has your business and homeowner requests for kitchen and bath projects changed since you founded your design company in 2021?

Since starting my business post-COVID, I’ve noticed a shift in what homeowners are requesting for their kitchen and bath projects. Clients are spending more time thinking about how their homes serve them after being inside so much. Many now emphasize wanting their homes, particularly their kitchens, to feel welcoming and functional. There’s a focus on organic, clean and elegant designs that can stand the test of time.

I’ve also had to adapt my style to fit the diverse range of projects I’ve taken on between SDC and House of LT with co-founder Talia Formicola, from colorful beach investment properties and new builds in Narragansett to old-charm homes in Newport, to finishing entire logo cabin homes in the woods. Each project has pushed me to evolve my approach based on both the environment and what each client truly needs.

My business has come a long way since I first started. What began with smaller-scale flip homes has grown into managing multi-million-dollar projects, working on historic properties, and fully furnishing homes. It’s been an exciting journey of growth and change!

What do you enjoy most about your job, and what are currently the biggest challenges?

What I enjoy most about my job is the final reveal — seeing the clients’ reactions when they first experience their new space. It’s incredibly rewarding, especially knowing how much they’ve invested emotionally and financially. The best part is when they send me photos of family gatherings in their redesigned space months later; that’s when I know the work truly made an impact.

Currently, my biggest challenge is time management. We’re finally looking to hire someone new at the firm, but it’s proving to be tough in today’s market. Balancing being a mom and running my own business is a constant challenge, and I’m learning that it’s okay to have dedicated family time and to prioritize work when needed. Finding that balance is key.

What message would you like to send to other young designers about joining the NKBA, attending KBIS and applying to programs like Thirty Under 30?

My message to young designers is simple: network, network, network! I wish I had started doing this earlier in my career. Through the NKBA, I’ve built connections all over the country, and even abroad. These relationships allow us to bounce ideas off each other, share product recommendations and support each other through the challenges of the industry.

Being part of NKBA’s Thirty Under 30 has been a special achievement — something I promised my younger self I would reach. I highly encourage young designers to get involved in the NKBA, attend KBIS and apply to programs like Thirty Under 30. It’s incredibly rewarding, so never give up and always strive for growth!

An accomplished designer and project manager discusses his journey to certification.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

He joined kYd in 2015 as a designer and has evolved to project director, combining design skills, space-planning prowess, and management expertise to integrate function and beauty. He is adept at 3D modeling, generating realistic renderings, and manipulating working models in real-time during design meetings to help clients visualize design concepts.

While earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the Art Institute of Philadelphia’s CIDA-accredited interior design program, his student work earned recognition in NKBA’s student awards program. Zaater began his career working with regional kitchen and bath design-build firms, informing his understanding of custom cabinetry, appreciation for fine craftsmanship, and ability to effectively budget and manage construction.

“Becoming certified was a way for me to not only sharpen those skills,” he said, “but also a way to let our clients know they were in good hands beyond interior design for aesthetic purposes.”

Besides holding his CKBD, Zaater is Allied ASID (American Society of Interior Designers), and a member of the Designer Society of America, through which he earned the Residential Interior Design Qualifying Certification (RIDQC). He recently spoke about his certification journey.

What was your primary reason for pursuing your NKBA certification? Would you do it again?

Pursuing the NKBA certification has been a goal of mine since my first kitchen and bath class in design school. As a residential interior designer, I recognized the importance of functionality in those spaces was critical in shaping the way we live our lives — from how we start our day, gathering with family around meals, taking care of our bodies, or even just crafting how we feel during our daily routines in those spaces.

What are the major benefits of becoming certified?

Gaining the knowledge and understanding required to become certified helped me become a better designer. It involves a level of technical understanding of everything from building mechanics and interior systems to life safety, and coordination across all involved trades that is well beyond what most think of when designing a kitchen or bathroom.  It also has helped solidify my role as a professional in the industry, defining the level of expertise across other areas of the design trade.

How does it help you in your business and marketing endeavors?

The NKBA has an extremely wide network across several areas of the design industry. The CKBD certification presents opportunities for utilizing those resources and opportunities to get in front of potential clients, as well as staying up to date on the latest trends, products, and information.

What was the most challenging part of the process?

I started taking the exam and refining my portfolio after over 10 years in the industry. During that time, I adapted to other methods of design and documentation that the various companies executed in their processes, from design/build firms to architecture studios. It took a bit of time to revisit the specifics of the NKBA standards and procedures.  

The NKBA had also recently revamped the exam process to be more thorough (thus a bit more difficult) as they paired it down to only the CKBD and CMKBD options to make it more exclusive, so there was less room for error and interpretation. 

Besides the learning aspects, I was raising a newborn during this time, house hunting, and trying to be a great husband — so, needless to say, life was coming at me pretty fast. There were times I needed to put it on hold when life got in the way, or I simply felt discouraged, but I’m glad I persisted.

What advice would you give designers who are considering certification?

Take your time. As much as it’s best to focus on areas of weakness, you really do need to know everything, so make sure you do. Revisit the old things that you think you’ve been doing right for years. There’s a chance you haven’t been, or that things have changed. 

Find ways to enjoy the process. Studying for written/multiple choice exams was never really one of my strengths — that’s why I went to art/design school! So, hitting the books was something I hadn’t done to that level in a long time. I enjoyed refining my portfolio for the drawing portion of the exam, so I would use that to break things up when I was feeling exhausted as a way to keep progressing. Lastly, keep your eye on the end goal. As someone finally on the other side, it’s well worth it!

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NKBA currently offers two levels of certification: The first is the CKBD, and the highest level is CMKBD (Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer). These prestigious appellations communicate expert knowledge, skills, training, and experience in kitchen and bath design. They help distinguish you as a professional and give you a competitive edge. To learn more about the Certification programs, click here.

A K&B designer for The Home Depot parlayed her own renovation journey into a career, and is among a handful of NKBA members to earn all eight NKBA Specialty Badges.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design in 2007. She found a job as an associate design technician at Peoples Natural Gas, handling permitting, applications, and some drafting/design work when needed — but it still wasn’t her passion. Then a friend told her about an opening at The Home Depot for a kitchen designer, so she went for it.

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After living on her own for 10 years and working for the gas company, she bought her first home in 2017, and spent the next two-and-a-half years renovating it.

“It was a foreclosure and needed a complete gut job, which I knew when I bought it,” she recalled.  New electrical, new plumbing, new roof, new heating system, insulation — new everything. It was the first time since I graduated with my interior design degree that I really put my education to full use.”

Granted, she was the go-to person for friends looking to rearrange rooms and pick out paint colors, she said, but the renovation helped her learn how to maximize space planning, figure out where light switches, outlets and plumbing would go, what flooring was best, budgeting for a budget, how to work with contractors, schedule trades, adjust the floor plan, deal with delays — everything she needed to succeed in real-life client  situations.

“You learn about different products that you maybe otherwise wouldn’t have heard of,” she added. “It’s important in the kitchen and bath industry — or any profession, really — to know that you aren’t going to have the answer to every question and every problem that arises. You need to lean on others and welcome their expertise throughout a project. And that’s OK.  And perhaps that also helped reignite that spark when I walked into The Home Depot in search of a change.”

The Pennsylvania native, who is a member of NKBA’s Pittsburgh Tri State Chapter and also coaches high school tennis, spoke with NKBA about her journey and motivation in earning all eight Specialty Badges.

What are your specific job responsibilities?

I really am involved in the entire project from start to finish — consultation, design, sales, and in some cases, the install. Some customers want stock cabinets, while others are looking more for a semi-custom to custom look. Really getting to know your customer’s needs is so important. Some already have an idea of layout and just want to replace what’s there. Others need help with making a few subtle changes and seeing the visual, while others need help with a whole makeover that involves moving appliances, plumbing, and electrical.

The follow-up to any project is equally as important. Allowing your customer to give you feedback on all aspects of the project lets them feel that they are important to you as a client, and their project is more than just a sale to meet monthly numbers.

I love that every project is different. This is my first retail job, and though some days are very taxing, seeing the finished project and hearing from your customer how much they love their new space makes it all worthwhile. With some projects, it takes a couple of revisions to really get what the customer wants. Much like a tennis match, that ball can go back and forth several times before you accomplish the task at hand. It’s important to never give up, continue listening to your customer, and make changes until you get exactly what they’re after.

What drove you to earn all eight badges?

Our industry changes constantly. Once I started at The Home Depot, the one training course I was required to take mentioned the NKBA and the badge program, so I looked into it. It seemed like a great refresher on industry topics, so I thought, ‘Why not?” I would gain better knowledge of this industry, in which I hadn’t been active in almost 15 years. I spoke to my management, told them what I wanted to do — on my own time — and they were grateful that I was taking the initiative to further my knowledge, so The Home Depot reimbursed me for the cost of the badges.

What were the easiest and toughest badges to earn?

The toughest badge for me was Sustainability. Being green wasn’t nearly as important 2007 as it is now…so there was a lot of information I never knew. The easiest was either Color or Remodeling. I have always loved color and am forever amazed at the number of shades and tones of each color. Remodeling was easy because I have always been a hands-on learner. I helped my dad remodel the bathrooms and kitchen in our family home, and of course, there’s the full remodel of my own home.

What advice do you have for anyone else thinking about earning all the badges? Absolutely do it!  You can do them on your own time (I literally did one at 1 in the morning because I couldn’t sleep!) and you get to expand your knowledge for a fraction of the cost of college courses. Why wouldn’t you do it? And if you’re looking to maybe take the CKBD exam, but have been out of studying and coursework for a while, what better way to use the badge program as a stepping stone?

What’s next for you professionally?

I am currently studying for NKBA’s Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer exam.  For right now, I am happy at The Home Depot.  Once I get through the Certification, we’ll see how life shakes out. It has a funny way of surprising us sometimes!

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Just 34 NKBA | KBIS members have earned six or more Specialty Badges, with an elite six members earning all eight. Current badges include Floor Plans & Specifications, Lighting, Cabinetry, Sales & Marketing, Sustainability, Remodeling, Universal Design, and Color. Badges cost $199 apiece for the study materials and testing, and NKBA periodically offers special promotions that give members discounts. For more information about the badges, visit NKBA.org.

The designer, a member of the Thirty Under 30 Class of 2018, discusses the advantages of certification.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

After graduating and starting work as a young designer, Klevan continued to be inspired by her aunt, so she explored the value of going through the certification process — from Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer to Certified K&B Designer to Certified Master K&B Designer. Within a few years, she advanced through all levels and recently earned her CMKBD.

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“I quickly realized earning a certification would expand my knowledge as a designer, assist in knowing how to better serve my clients and set myself apart from others in the industry,” she said. “Looking back at the opportunities and value those certifications have brought me, I would absolutely do it again.”

Klevan spoke about the practical application and benefits of her certification.

What are the major benefits of becoming certified?

The certifications I’ve received have taught me so much and helped me to implement better drafting standards and expand my knowledge of design components, including construction details, clearance requirements, and ADA standards. It has also given me an immense amount of credibility and I have used the knowledge I’ve obtained while studying for these certifications many times throughout my professional career. To me, it’s important to continue to grow and learn and becoming certified has played a big role in enhancing the quality of my designs and drawings.

What is the biggest leap from CKBD to CMKBD?

The biggest leap from the CKBD to CMKBD is the professional experience requirements as well as the drawing portfolio. You need fundamental knowledge and drafting skills for the CKBD, but the CMKBD is where you truly prove yourself as a professional known for your experience, achievements, and positive impact on your community. Your experience plays a huge role in qualifying for the certification. In addition, the portfolio review is significantly more in-depth than what was required for the CKBD. Instead of being given a scenario for which you have to create a floor plan, you take real-life projects and detail them into full-on construction document sets for six different types of projects you have designed and executed in real life.

How does it help you in your business and marketing endeavors?

Having a certification is one more thing you can use to set yourself apart from others, prove credibility, and show why clients should work with you. At Beyond Kitchens, we specialize in kitchen and bath design, so when clients hire us, they know they are getting the best of the best and someone who has been through all the extra training possible to be able to provide them with the best design possible. Showing clients that I’m not afraid to go the extra mile and have worked hard to earn this level of certification proves I am willing to go above and beyond to make sure their projects are successful as well.

What was the most challenging part of the process?

The most challenging part of the process is going to be different for everyone. For me, I was just coming off maternity leave, knowing I had a year to complete my certification and a lot of work ahead of me. The professional experience was there, but learning everything I needed to put together for the portfolio review was daunting at first. I tried to be as organized about the process as possible and gave myself small deadlines along the way to stay on track. Most people use Chief Architect, but I use 2020 Design Live, which requires a bit more manipulation to get drawings to accurately represent NKBA standards. Because I know the ins and outs of the program so well, I knew I could make it work even though that would mean it took longer to complete each drawing. Once I completed the first drawing set and had my drafting templates created, the remaining sets were not as daunting. I had to keep up with my day-to-day design work, so I spent many evenings at home after my kids went to bed working on drawings —sometimes falling asleep at my computer!

What advice would you give designers who are considering certification?

Don’t let the work that’s ahead of you intimidate you. It’s a huge accomplishment and honor to have a certification that will be something you can use and promote for years to come. You won’t regret it! Take it in small increments if you can, and try to map out a plan for completing the work. On top of being able to market yourself as a certified designer, you will grow professionally and obtain new practices to implement into your business to add significant value.

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NKBA currently offers two levels of certification: The first is the CKBD (Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer), and the highest level is CMKBD (Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer). These prestigious appellations communicate expert knowledge, skills, training, and experience in kitchen and bath design. They help distinguish you as a professional and give you a competitive edge. To learn more about the Certification programs, click here.