Here are the people who chose the winning projects. BY Loren Kessell
Sustainability and waste reduction are part of Renovation Angel’s mission. The Fairfield, NJ-based company aims to give back to the community and industry while promoting responsible renovating.
The company partnered with the NKBA to create the NKBA/Renovation Angel Luxury Kitchen Recycling Awards, and the program is coming up on its third year. The winners will be announced on Wednesday, February 9, at 11:30 a.m. on the KBISNeXT Stage during KBIS 2022 in Orlando, Fla. Steve Feldman, President & CEO of Renovation Angel, Suzie Williford, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer for the NKBA, and George Oliphant, Host of “George to the Rescue,” will lead the event. Here are the judges who determined this year’s winners:
Maria Stapperfenne, CMKBD
Maria Stapperfenne, Award-Winning Designer and Manager of Tewksbury Kitchens & Baths, is a major upcycling advocate. She believes that recycling elements in the kitchen is a “win-win” situation. “To recycle a perfectly good, usable cabinet saves the earth from unnecessary waste, saves the homeowner the expense of removing and disposing, and helps the new purchaser save a lot of money,” Stapperfenne said.
Dan Nolan
Dan Nolan, National Trade Manager for Miele, USA, was instrumental in launching Renovation Angel’s “Recycle and Rebate” program in 2020. “It has been a wonderful experience partnering with Renovation Angel and offering a program that attempts to award those who choose to ‘renovate responsibly,” Nolan said. “Historically, it has been rare for a kitchen being replaced to be recycled and find a second life. Seeing the level of kitchens being donated to Renovation Angel and how designers and clients are able to maximize the potential of these repurposed items has been inspiring.”
Sandra Diaz-Velasco
Sandra Diaz-Velasco, Principal Architect for EOLO A&I Design and NKBA Award-Winning Designer, is a Sustainable LEED AP licensed architect who is passionate about sustainability. “I felt thrilled about being part of the judging panel for the 3rd Annual NKBA / Renovation Angel Luxury Kitchen Recycling Awards,” Diaz-Velasco said. “My company Eolo Design’s mission includes green building practices, so we commend Renovation Angel’s efforts and its amazing initiative to attain and incentivize Sustainable Luxury in Kitchen design.”
Traci Shemonoski
Traci Shemonoski, Director of Business Development for Royal Green Appliance, began her career seven years ago and has always had a passion for design. “Having grown up composting and always being an avid recycler, the opportunity to be a judge for the NKBA/Renovation Angel Luxury Kitchen Recycling Awards was thrilling for me,” Shemonoski said. “Bravo to the NKBA for recognizing that the more exposure for Renovation Angel in the design community will help perpetuate future recycling projects – a pursuit imperative to the health of our world.”
Dalit Dray
Dalit Dray, Owner of Dray Design Group, has more than 20 years of design experience as part of Miami’s most prestigious architecture and interior design firms. Dray established Dray Design Group in 2015 and is also the Design Director.
KBIS will be held Tuesday, February 8 to Thursday, February 10, in Orlando, Fla. at the Orange County Convention Center. Register now.
