Who couldn’t use more storage? The more stuff people have, the more places they need to keep it, and clever solutions to stowing all of life’s essentials are a high priority for most homeowners. A savvy designer takes into account current as well as future needs of clients when embarking on a renovation, whether a major overhaul or a smaller update.
NKBA has a slate of learning opportunities on tap for the month of August, centered around storage and cabinetry, from aesthetics to design solutions to new products. All three sessions are free, and are introductory-level courses.
Kicking off the series at 12 noon (EDT) on Aug. 1 is a one-hour session on “How to Sell the Value of Closet Design.” In this webinar, Butchko and Co.’s Denise Butchko — a certified closet designer and author of two books on the subject — will cover the latest trends in closet design; key market factors driving the value and importance of good design in these spaces; what makes a good, functional design versus a bad, uninformed design in closets, and more. This session counts toward one continuing education unit (CEU) in maintaining NKBA certification.
Next on the docket is “Organization & Storage for Living in Place,” Aug. 7 at 12 noon (EDT). This session is presented by Louie Delaware and Erik Listou, founders of the Living In Place Institute, which aims to provide accessible, comfortable and safe homes for people of all ages and physical conditions. Topics include examining and comparing different types of storage that best suit clients’ needs, the best options for general clients and for specific-needs clients, and integrating “Living In Place” with storage. This session counts toward one CEU.
The final program, “Cabinetry Across North America: Trends for Profitability,” takes place on Aug. 29 at 12 noon (EDT) and counts toward one CEU. In this seminar, Jeffrey Holloway, CMKBD, of Holloway Home Improvement Center in Marmora, N.J., defines the nuances of cabinetry styles and finishes from a plethora of manufacturers in North America. Holloway will teach designers to better serve clients, whether they want full renovations with new cabinets or if they want to refurbish existing ones.
NKBA’s online courses are designed to help designers and remodelers expand their expertise in an array of disciplines within the field — and they are a key way to add to continuing education units and education hours, keeping certification up to date. Registration closes two hours prior to the start of each webinar, and attendees must complete a minimum amount of the session or sessions to receive CEU credit. Details are on the web site.
DEADLINE IS FRIDAY!
Are you (or do you know) the industry’s next rising star? Nominations for NKBA’s prestigious “Thirty Under 30” program, class of 2018, are only open until Friday, July 28.
This coveted honor recognizes emerging stars in design, remodeling, retail and other areas of the kitchen and bath business. To nominate an accomplished young professional with high cred, born on or after Jan. 12, 1988, visit NKBA.org for details.
Winners receive a free trip to KBIS 2018 in Orlando, the industry’s premier trade show, where they’ll be seen as influencers and get an insider’s look at key trends impacting the future of the business. This award provides tremendous networking opportunities, collaboration with key sponsors, recognition throughout the year and access to industry leaders. It’s an instant boost to credibility and status in the business, puts a young star on the fast-track to building a career and provides membership in an elite circle of peers.
Don’t miss this fleeting opportunity! Submissions are due by Friday, July 28 at 11:59pm EST.
Calling All Competitors
Think you’ve got the design chops to stand out from your peers? Don’t miss the Aug. 4 deadline for NKBA’s 2018 Professional Design Competition.
Entries will compete for cash prizes — first place, $3,000; second place, $2,000; third place, $1,000 — in the following categories: small kitchen, medium kitchen, large kitchen, powder room, small bathroom, large bathroom.
Additionally, five specialty awards include Best Kitchen and Best Bath, ($10,000 each); Before and After Kitchen and Bath ($2,000 each); Budget-Friendly Kitchen or Bath ($2,000); Outdoor Kitchen ($2,000), and Universal Design Kitchen or Bath ($2,000).
Winners will gain national media attention and be honored during a special ceremony at KBIS 2018 in Orlando. Their designs will be featured in NKBA Magazine, on NKBA.org, and in NKBA’s booth at KBIS.
To qualify, your project must have been installed between Jan. 1, 2016 and Aug. 4, 2017. Entry requirements include clear photos, a concise design statement, elevations and a floor plan to scale, along with a completed entry form. For comprehensive information on the entry process as well as competition rules and requirements, click on The 2018 NKBA Design Competition Entry Packet.
Entry into this highly regarded competition is restricted to NKBA members. If you are interested in participating but are not yet a member, visit www.nkba.org to join today.
