A brand-new on-demand webinar is now available, featuring an exclusive interview with 2024 NKBA | KBIS Educator of the Year, Robin Rigby Fisher, CMKBD. In this engaging conversation, Robin shares her career journey, teaching philosophy, and passion for mentoring the next generation of kitchen and bath professionals.

Hosted by NKBA | KBIS Learning Programs Manager, Kelly Ann Ryan, the interview explores key topics including:

• Student Engagement
• Classroom Innovation
• Mentorship & Career Development
• Advice for Educators and Aspiring Educators
  

The webinar also marks the celebration of Robin as the inaugural recipient of the newly established Educator of the Year Award, created to recognize educators who make a meaningful impact in preparing students for successful careers in the industry. Selected through a nationwide nomination process last fall, Robin was formally honored at the KBIS 2025 Design & Industry Awards for her outstanding contributions to both education and professional practice.

A full-time faculty member at Portland Community College and Principal Designer at Robin Rigby Fisher Design, Robin is widely respected for her creative approach to teaching, practical industry insight, and unwavering commitment to student success.

Click here to watch.

Lehigh Carbon Community College’s designers of the future got to experience the NKBA | KBIS headquarters in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

By Nicholas Tamarin

On the night of Wednesday, March 26, NKBA | KBIS held a super fun meet and greet at its Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, headquarters for students from Lehigh Carbon Community College in nearby Schnecksville, Pennsylvania. Attendees included students from the Kitchen and Bath Design Principles class, as well as recent graduates and those graduating this semester. 

Educators Jim DePietro, Professor and Coordinator of Mechanical/Construction Technology, and Erin Piar, instructor of Kitchen & Bath Principles, were on hand as the local students were offered a deeper understanding of NKBA | KBIS and the value of association participation in their careers. Students had the opportunity to tour national headquarters and interact with NKBA | KBIS Global President and CEO Bill Darcy, who was on hand to greet the future members of the kitchen and bath industry. The event also facilitated networking with local chapter members, including honored guests such as former NKBA Board President John Petrie, CMKBD, owner at Mother Hubbard’s Custom Cabinetry and Elizabeth Marcocci, CMKBD, Kitchen and Bath Designer at Mother Hubbard’s Custom Cabinetry, who enthusiastically met with the potential future designers. Furthermore, two NKBA Specialty Badges were given away to students after a brief trivia session. The program offers a manageable credential and a pathway to further NKBA education—learn more here!

Hosted by the Northern California Chapter, the annual event provides future designers with a wealth of professional resources.

By Nicholas Tamarin

Looking to the Future

NKBA | KBIS is dedicated to supporting the next generation of student designers. A key initiative in this effort is the annual Student Design Symposium, a virtual, interactive conference designed exclusively for future kitchen and bath professionals. These events provide invaluable opportunities for students to learn from industry leaders, network with peers, and gain insights into the world of kitchen and bath design.

The NKBA Student Design Symposium and related initiatives play a crucial role in shaping the future of the kitchen and bath industry. By providing students with access to education, networking opportunities, and valuable resources, the NKBA empowers them to succeed in their design careers. These events and programs help to foster a vibrant and innovative community of future design professionals.

A Virtual Hub for Learning and Connection

The NKBA Student Design Symposium is hosted by the Northern California Chapter and supported by NKBA’s Learning Department. SDS offers a dynamic online experience, where students can register and access a wealth of resources and engaging sessions. These virtual events eliminate geographical barriers, allowing students from across the nation to participate and connect.

Interactive Sessions and Networking Opportunities

This year’s Student Design Symposium featured an impactful keynote presentation, “Designing a Business with Values and Purpose,” by Nureed Saeed, NKBA Northern California Chapter President and 2023 KBB Person of the Year. 

Originally developed and directed by Sharon Washington, CKBD, of Eclexis Design, the Student Design Symposium includes concurrent sessions led by leading professionals in the field from across the U.S., Canada, and France. Washington, Northern California Chapter’s previous Programs Chair and Volunteer of the Year, expressed that it is an honor to lead the SDS program. “The speakers at SDS 2025 were fantastic and shared their values and professional expertise in such an accessible manner. Their passion for design and working with clients is contagious, and NKBA student members always appreciate and benefit from the opportunity SDS provides every year to interact with the speakers, as well as network and connect with peers and other industry professionals,” Washington said. Door prizes and sponsor giveaways added an element of excitement and fun to the event.

The SDS 2025 sessions included the following topics and speakers:

• Your Design Biz Starter Kit: The 5 Essentials + Your Design Website Roadmap

Rebecca West, Seriously Happy Coaching & Consulting 

•  Building Great Design Portfolios Through Story Telling

Andrea Tru, TruConcepts 

• Adaptive Design: Molding Environments for A Neurodiverse Community

Cory Chaisson, NCIDQ, ASID, Professor of Interior Design, Collin College, Designer, COCO Design | Build

• Lighting in Unexpected Places

Kelly Inglis, Educator/Consultant, Lighting, Education, Design

• Appliances: What’s Hot, What’s Cool, What to Know

Steven Stafford, Trade Partner Lead and Senior Sales Associate, Airport Home Appliance 

•  Working with General Contractors: Insights for Successful Projects

Anna Janke, NCIDQ, WRID, Peridot Design Group, Waukesha County Technical College

Supporting Student Development

The NKBA’s commitment to student development extends beyond the symposium. The organization offers a range of benefits to student members, including:

• The NKBA | KBIS Student Newsletter, a quarterly e-newsletter featuring interviews with industry professionals, coverage of emerging design trends, and career development tips.
• Free membership for students from any post-secondary school, thanks to the support of Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove.
• Discounts on educational resources.
• Access to scholarships.
• Eligibility to enter the NKBA Student Design Competition, sponsored by Fisher & Paykel.
• Free webinars covering relevant industry topics.
• Access to the latest NKBA research reports.
• Participation in a local NKBA Chapter.
• A free expo pass for KBIS.

By Nicholas Tamarin

The National Kitchen and Bath Association is now accepting applications for the prestigious Ellen Cheever Award. This award provides invaluable resources and opportunities to aspiring kitchen and bath professionals who are current NKBA student members.

What is the Ellen Cheever Award?

The Ellen Cheever Award supports students in the kitchen and bath industry by providing essential NKBA resources and a chance to earn an NKBA Specialty Badge credential at no cost. The award package includes a one-year NKBA Knowledge Base subscription, a spiral-bound copy of the NKBA Kitchen & Bathroom Planning Guidelines (4th edition) with free shipping in the US and Canada, and complimentary access to earn one NKBA Specialty Badge credential.

Who Was Ellen Cheever?

Ellen Cheever, CMKBD, ASID, CAPS, CLIPP, was a highly influential figure in the kitchen and bath industry for nearly 50 years. A dedicated NKBA member, she was renowned as a designer, author, educator, and researcher. The NKBA honors her memory with this award, which helps students access the resources she valued.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must be NKBA student members with at least one semester remaining until graduation. The application requires completing an online form, submitting an essay, and answering required questions. The deadline to apply is May 14, 2025. Award winners may be featured in NKBA marketing materials.

Why Apply?

The Ellen Cheever Award provides valuable resources that are often required for coursework in kitchen and bath programs. The award helps students gain access to these resources free of charge, enhancing their education and professional development. Recipients also have the opportunity to earn an NKBA Specialty Badge, further boosting their credentials and career prospects.

Past Recipients and Their Experiences

Last year’s recipients have highlighted the award’s impact on their careers. Kayden Smith sees the pursuit of NKBA Certification and badges as an ideal next step in the achievement of professional goals. “Pursuing NKBA certifications and badges aligns seamlessly with my academic and career goals,” Smith says. “These credentials will not only validate my expertise, but also provide me with access to a network of industry professionals and resources that will facilitate my professional growth and advancement.”

Participation in student activities, such as NKBA Student Chapters, is another way that students can enhance their professional growth. Campus involvement has played an important role in Madeleine Clune’s academic career as a Residential Environment & Design major. “On campus I am currently involved in two organizations related to my major. The first is the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Ambassador Program. I get to talk to prospective RED students and students who have been accepted into the RED department” said Clune. “The second organization I am involved in is Home Design at Virginia Tech (HDVT). I joined last fall and this coming fall I will be the President. Through this club I attended KBIS as well.” 

As members of NKBA, students are encouraged to get involved with their local, professional chapter. Fanny Cartujano took this involvement one step further by innovating a new chapter program as a Student Representative for the NKBA|KBIS Georgia Chapter. “As a Student Representative, I took the initiative to create and manage the NKBA Student Shadowing program for our Georgia Chapter” said Cartuano. “This program, which allowed students to shadow a Kitchen and Bath Design professional for a day to a week, was a testament to my commitment to fostering a stronger, more knowledgeable kitchen and bath industry community.” 

Don’t Miss This Opportunity

The Ellen Cheever Award is a fantastic opportunity for NKBA student members to gain valuable resources, enhance their credentials, and connect with the kitchen and bath industry. Students are encouraged to apply by the May 14, 2025 deadline.

For more information about NKBA | KBIS Affiliated Schools and student resources, visit https://nkba.org/learning/ or contact Kelly Ann Ryan, Learning Programs Manager, at kryan@nkba.org.

As one of six winners of the annual competition open exclusively to NKBA | KBIS student members, the burgeoning designer was awarded a scholarship.

By Nicholas Tamarin

NKBA | KBIS honors the top kitchen and bath projects by the industry’s most innovative and influential designers at the annual Kitchen & Bath Design + Industry Awards. Each year, that includes the six winners of the Student Design Competition, generously sponsored by Fisher & Paykel, which awards scholarships, in both kitchen and bath categories, of $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second, and $1,000 for third. This year, the students will be honored at the awards on Monday, February 24, 2025 in the Lafite Ballroom at Wynn Las Vegas during KBIS 2025. ​​In the coming weeks, we’ll also be revealing details about the remaining finalists of the Student Design Competition.

“Nostalgic Nouveau” by Cassandra Jerrems of Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, California, was awarded second place honors in the 2023-2024 Student Design Competition kitchen category for balancing the G-shape of its kitchen effectively and incorporating a practical approach to seating. Paying homage to NKBA | KBIS’s 60th anniversary, the 2023-2024 competition scenario featured a mid-century home with architectural elements common to the 1960’s. Students were tasked with updating the home’s kitchen and primary bathroom to make them more modern and functional for an active family of four. Competition participants were challenged by the small square footage of the rooms and the expectation to incorporate a mix of vintage style and touches of modern art into the finished designs.

“A mix of sophistication while incorporating elements of the past create a space of ‘Nostalgia Nouveau,’” Jerrems says. “Streamlined shapes and natural textures form a stylistic sanctuary to prepare meals and make memories.” Both entryways feature arches and wood paneling that nod to midcentury architecture while Fireclay ceramic tile in Feldspar used on the backsplash complements the neutral color scheme found in various art pieces throughout the kitchen. Caesarstone quartz in Aterra Blanca featuring brown veins was sourced for countertops to further match the wood tones of the cabinetry. Terrazzo from Cemento Collection in Levanzo Cream was cited for the elegant flooring lying beneath light fixtures from Cedar & Moss that add illuminative fun to the space.

NKBA student members have the option to enter the upcoming kitchen competition, the bath competition, or both, crafting their designs around client requests and provided plans. Winning this prestigious competition enhances industry visibility and provides invaluable publicity and networking opportunities in addition to a complimentary KBIS registration, hotel accommodations, and round-trip airfare to attend KBIS 2026 in Orlando. Entry is free and the deadline is June 6, 2025. Submit today.

Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove underwrite the Student Chapter and Students of the Industry membership programs. Judges were Paula Smith, AKBD, the former Design Engagement Director for Fisher & Paykel; Mark Haddad, CMKBD, founder and president of Interiology in Watertown, MA; Mac Junker, CKBD, a senior designer at Chess Kitchens in Durham, NC; Rebecca Sutton, CMKBD, a residential kitchen designer at Kitchen Design Concepts in Dallas; and Jenni Russel, CMKBD, the owner of Design in Perspective in Colorado Springs, CO. 

The burgeoning designer was one of six winners of the annual competition open exclusively to NKBA | KBIS student members.

By Nicholas Tamarin

NKBA | KBIS honors the top kitchen and bath projects by the industry’s most innovative and influential designers at the annual Kitchen & Bath Design + Industry Awards. Each year, that includes the six winners of the Student Design Competition, generously sponsored by Fisher & Paykel, which awards scholarships, in both kitchen and bath categories, of $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second, and $1,000 for third. This year, the students will be honored at the awards on Monday, February 24, 2025 in the Lafite Ballroom at Wynn Las Vegas during KBIS 2025. ​​In the coming weeks, we’ll also be revealing details about the other five finalists of the Student Design Competition.

“Connect Four” by Meghan King of Lakeland College in Vermilion, Alberta, was awarded third place honors in the 2023-2024 Student Design Competition Kitchen Category for its excellent cooktop placement and focus on technology. Paying homage to NKBA | KBIS’s 60th anniversary, the 2023-2024 competition scenario featured a mid-century home with architectural elements common to the 1960’s. Students were tasked with updating the home’s kitchen and primary bathroom to make them more modern and functional for an active family of four. Competition participants were challenged by the small square footage of the rooms and the expectation to incorporate a mix of vintage style and touches of modern art into the finished designs.

“Connect Four” renderings, completed in SketchUp with V-Ray, feature a peninsula that opens up the counter space while also adding seating. Additional counter space at the entry includes a command center–showcasing the Control4 Smart Home automation system, a Google Home Nest Mini, and a Google Nest Thermostat E– to aid the family in managing their home and busy schedules. Meal preparation is easy and effortless using a Fisher & Paykel professional-style induction range and the manufacturer’s wall range hood with pyramid chimney. Introducing a Wolf 24-inch transitional drawer microwave within the base cabinet next to the range provides increased function and ease of use. And next to Kohler’s prolific 29-inch undermount workstation sink is Fisher & Paykel’s integrated double dishwasher drawer, which allows for two cycles to run together seamlessly. The functions of this home and its smart appliances and features will enable a family to focus more on being connected and less on the hassles of cleaning and cooking.

NKBA student members have the option to enter the upcoming kitchen competition, the bath competition, or both, crafting their designs around client requests and provided plans. Winning this prestigious competition enhances industry visibility and provides invaluable publicity and networking opportunities in addition to a complimentary KBIS registration, hotel accommodations, and round-trip airfare to attend KBIS 2026 in Orlando. Entry is free and the deadline is June 6, 2025. Submit today.

Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove underwrite the Student Chapter and Students of the Industry membership programs. Judges were Paula Smith, AKBD, the former Design Engagement Director for Fisher & Paykel; Mark Haddad, CMKBD, founder and president of Interiology in Watertown, MA; Mac Junker, CKBD, a senior designer at Chess Kitchens in Durham, NC; Rebecca Sutton, CMKBD, a residential kitchen designer at Kitchen Design Concepts in Dallas; and Jenni Russel, CMKBD, the owner of Design in Perspective in Colorado Springs, CO. 

Nominate an outstanding educator by November 1, 2024

By NKBA Staff

In conjunction with Education Appreciation Week, NKBA | KBIS invites members to nominate an Educator of the Year. New for 2024, this award recognizes an outstanding individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing the knowledge and skills of students within the kitchen and bath industry.

Students, peers, and colleagues can submit letters of recommendation attesting to the educator’s impact and effectiveness through the online nomination form. The nomination period is open now and will close on November 1, 2024.

Letters of recommendation should address the following:

• Innovative Teaching Methods
• Impact on Students and Professionals
• Industry Contribution
• Professionalism and Dedication
• Leadership and Collaboration
• Community and Industry Engagement

A panel of NKBA representatives will review nominations. The selection process will involve evaluating each nominee based on the outlined criteria, focusing on their overall impact and contributions to the field.

The NKBA | KBIS Educator of the Year will be honored at KBIS 2025. The award recipient will enjoy complimentary roundtrip airfare, KBIS registration, and hotel accommodations for the event, which will take place from February 24-27, 2025, in Las Vegas, NV.

Nominate an Educator Today!

By NKBA Staff

NKBA | KBIS is excited to announce the 2023 – 2024 Student Design Competition winners. The annual competition, open exclusively to NKBA | KBIS student members, features top prizes of $5000 and travel packages to KBIS 2025 in Las Vegas.

Paying homage to NKBA’s 60^th anniversary, the 2023-2024 competition scenario featured a mid-century home with architectural elements common to the 1960s. Students were tasked with updating the home’s kitchen and primary bathroom to make them more modern and functional for an active family of four. Competition participants were challenged by the small square footage of the rooms and the expectation to incorporate a mix of vintage style and touches of modern art into the finished designs.

The NKBA | KBIS Student Design Competition is generously sponsored by Fisher & Paykel. Winners in both the kitchen and bath categories receive scholarships in the following amounts:

First Place: $5000

Second Place: $2500

Third Place: $1000

Kitchen Design Winners

First Place

Kerry Lombard, Century College

Project Name: A MCM Culinary Revival

Judges appreciated Kerry’s creative integration of storage space and admired her creativity and decision to break up the room’s linear feel.

Second Place 

Cassandra Jerrems, Saddleback College

Project Name: Nostalgic Nouveau

In her design, Cassandra balanced the G-shape of the kitchen effectively and incorporated a practical approach to seating.

Third Place

Meghan King, Lakeland College

Project Name: Connect Four

Meghan’s design featured excellent placement of the cooktop and placed a good amount of focus on technology.

Bath Design Winners

First Place

Alexander Drozdovitch, Montgomery College

Project Name: Bathing in Light

Judges admired the integration of two entrances and noted Alexander’s excellent use of appliances. The design featured a creative layout and good attention to detail.

Second Place

Kateryna Ponomarova, Montgomery College

Project Name: Springtime Sunrise

Standout details of Kateryna’s entry include a bright design and a welcome incorporation of a wet room.

Third Place

Mamie Granger, Lakeland College

Project Name: Modern Contrasting Cohesion

Judges complimented Mamie’s use of the room’s existing footprint for her design and her balanced approach. They also appreciated the integration of appliances such as a cool drawer.

By NKBA Staff

NKBA | KBIS is thrilled to announce a new initiative set to launch in 2025. To enhance educational opportunities, NKBA | KBIS will offer free on-demand access to the Voices from the Industry (VFTI) Conference for student members.

The VFTI Conference, a cornerstone of KBIS, features a range of industry leaders and experts sharing valuable insights, trends, and innovations. Providing free on-demand access to VFTI supports educational growth and helps students build a strong foundation for their future careers. This forward-thinking approach ensures that emerging professionals are well-equipped with the latest insights and trends, positioning them for success in the ever-evolving kitchen and bath industry.

Students will benefit from accessing VFTI content at their convenience, staying abreast of industry developments, and enriching their academic experience. On-demand access for VFTI will be available to all NKBA | KBIS student members on February 27, 2025.

Current students can join NKBA for free thanks to the generosity of Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove.