Signature Kitchen Suite has garnered nearly 50 industry awards and accolades for several innovations including the 48-inch Dual Fuel Pro Range with Sous Vide, Induction, and Gas, as well as the new 24-inch Undercounter Convertible Refrigerator/Freezer Drawers.

 

Happenings for, about and of interest to NKBA Members.

 

COMPANY NEWS

  • SKS EARNS 17TH 2021 HONOR: Luxury appliance brand Signature Kitchen Suite, a sponsor of NKBA’s Thirty Under 30 program, captured its 17th award this year, earning the 2021 AD Great Design Award for its new 24-inch undercounter convertible refrigerator/freezer drawers. Besides the AD award, the product has been honored with other notable distinctions, including the 2021 iF Design Award, Connected Design Award, TWICE VIP Award and the KBB “Product of the Year” Judges’ Pick Award. It also received Architizer A+ special recognition and was named a 2021 Green Builder Hot 50 Product.
Signature Kitchen Suite won the AD Great Design Award for its new 24-inch undercounter convertible refrigerator/freezer drawers.

 

  • PORTOBELLO TO START CONSTRUCTION IN TENNESSEE: Portobello Group, Brazil-based producer of porcelain and ceramic tile, is building a U.S. factory in Baxter, Tenn. KBB reports the new facility will be about 895,000 square feet on 92 acres in in Baxter, about 70 miles east of Nashville. Total investment is expected to reach $160 million, of which $80 million will be allocated to the construction, and the remainder will be invested in state-of-the-art tile production machinery. Construction is projected to be completed by the end of Q4 2022, and Portobello estimates the new facility will create 220 local jobs.

 

The Alibi by BT45 kitchen design won the Archiproducts Design Award 2021.

 

  • BT45’s WINNING ALIBI: BT45 German Kitchen Tailors, a manufacturer of luxury custom kitchens based in Löhne, Germany, won the Archiproducts Design Award 2021 for its contemporary kitchen design by Natasha Shtapauk, The Alibi. The Cubist design combines dark brown eucalyptus wood and polished Pietra Gris marble in a dark gray with light veins. Storage is ample but hidden, and pocket doors conceal appliances for a sleek appearance. BT45 is a part of the BauTeam family of brands and has showrooms in major North American cities, including New York, Toronto and Chicago.

 

PEOPLE NEWS

  • FRANCISCO COSENTINO HONORED BY KING OF SPAIN: King Felipe VI of Spain presented Francisco “Paco” Martínez-Cosentino, president and CEO of the Cosentino Group, with the “Kingdom of Spain” Award for his career and contribution to the nation’s economic and social development. The honor is bestowed by a group of economic business communities, including the Basques and Catalonians and the overall Spanish Business Community. José Galíndez, president of the Basques Business Community, cited Cosentino’s “effort, work and vision to turn a family and local initiative into a business and global benchmark company fully committed to its social function and respect for collective interest values.”

 

  • HANSON TO DMC: Troy Hanson has joined the Dallas Market Center as Senior Leasing Director for Design and New Business Development. He is responsible for the strategic merchandising, prospecting and leasing of the design “neighborhoods” at DMC, which include showrooms in the World Trade Center and Interior Home + Design Center. Most recently, Hanson was co-founder, principal and producer of WestEdge Design Fair, a B2B and B2C international trade show in the high-end architecture and design community, based in Santa Monica, Calif. Prior to that, he was a Director of Leasing and Producer with Merchandise Mart Properties (now The Mart).

 

  • LIEBHERR EXPANDS TEAM: Liebherr has named Jessie Escobar Regional Sales Manager, Western Territory, leading sales development from Alberta, Canada, to Southern California, supporting retailers and distributers and increasing Liebherr’s brand awareness in North America. Christian Lopez has joined the company as E-commerce Specialist for Liebherr Appliances, North America, building relationships with consumer-facing dealers for online purchases of Liebherr accessories. Sarah Gambrell has been named Liebherr’s Regional Sales Manager for Scientific Appliances, capitalizing on more than 18 years of sales experience with medical devices, capital equipment and pharmaceuticals.

 

CHAPTER NEWS

  • CHAPTER COUNCIL INDUCTIONS IN NJ: The Northern New Jersey chapter will celebrate the season and the induction of the 2022 chapter council at its annual holiday party and induction ceremonies on Dec. 14. The event is sponsored by and takes place at Atlas Marble & Granite, 225 West Commercial Avenue in Moonachie, N.J. The evening includes food, drinks, giveaways, door prizes and other surprises. Tickets for members, non-members or students are $20 by Dec. 10, and $25 after Dec. 10 or at the door. Register here, or for more info, visit the chapter website here.

 

  • HOLIDAY CHEER IN LOUISVILLE: The Kentuckiana chapter is hosting a holiday party on Dec. 9, 5:30 to 8:30 pm, at the event’s sponsor, Louisville Tile, 4520 Bishop Lane in Louisville. This complimentary event will feature food, drinks, cookie decorating and fun activities. The chapter is collecting gifts for Toys for Tots, and ask that attendees purchase a gift for a 9-to-16-year-old boy or girl and bring it to the party. For more info, click here.

 

  • SUPPORTING MILITARY FAMILIES IN Dallas: The Texas North Plains chapter is hosting its annual holiday party and silent auction to benefit Operation FINALLY HOME on Dec. 15, from
    5 to 7:30 CST, at Expressions Home Gallery in the Design District, 1500 Dragon Street, Suite B, Dallas. OFH benefits service members wounded in the line of duty and their families by providing mortgage-free homes. Texas North Plains has joined forces with the Dallas Builders Association in this effort. For more info, click here.