The Washington state designer scored two wins in the 2022 Design Competition and chatted about what it has meant to her.
By Dianne M. Pogoda
The second time was the charm for Candace Nordquist, CMKBD.
Nordquist, Owner and Principal Designer of Candace Nordquist Interiors in Gig Harbor, Wash., has won numerous design awards from her local NKBA chapter — Puget Sound — but the 2022 competition was only the second time she entered the national contest.
“I have only entered twice,” she said. “We are our own harshest critics, so I think that held me back previously.”
But she came away with two wins last January at KBIS in Orlando, earning Best Outdoor Kitchen accolades and third-place honors for Small Contemporary Bath. Nordquist says she evaluates the needs of each client and carefully balances form, texture, color contrast and mixed use of materials to create the best fit.
“I love what I do, and I think it shows,” she said of why she chose to enter these two projects. “I lean to modern design that is livable with an edge, and both these designs showcase that.”
In her winning “Outdoor Oasis” design, she created a contemporary year-round space with a cool vibe that flows seamlessly from indoor to outdoor spaces using a NanaWall sliding glass wall system. She designed a sleek bar that can be used inside during cold or inclement weather, incorporated custom media, a dramatic fireplace as a visual anchor, heaters, smart lighting and ample food and drink storage, making it an ideal entertaining space. “I love that it’s a place to relax, sit by the fire, watch some sports or a movie, play shuffleboard or foosball, cook and eat. A lot can happen in this space at any given time.”
NKBA 2023 Design Competition is open through July 25. Click Here To Submit >
Besides earning her Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer designation, Nordquist also holds CLIPP certification and has served for years on the Puget Sound Chapter Council, having been president in 2018-2019. She also was the interior designer for the Northwest Idea House, featured in South Sound magazine.
For 2023, NKBA has pumped up the prizes for its professional Design Competition. More than $100,000 is up for grabs, and best overall kitchen and bath winners each take home a grand prize of $20,000.
Nordquist talked with NKBA about the allure of the Design Competition, and the benefits of taking home a top prize.
NKBA: What do you find most appealing about entering NKBA’s Design Competition?
CN: It supports promoting design excellence in the kitchen and bath field, and gives us an opportunity to see where we sit among other design firms on a national level.
NKBA: Has winning the NKBA Design Competition helped your business or career?
CN: Adding “national award-winning designer” is always a plus, as well as having the projects published. I think more than anything, it builds confidence and validates when speaking with customers that from concept to completion, we are doing a great job.
NKBA: How do you select which of your projects you enter in the NKBA Design Competition?
CN: I look for projects that have an interesting element or are unique in some way.
NKBA: What do you enjoy most about your design career?
CN: I most love working with so many different personalities. Each client has their own specific needs, and my job is to find the solutions that make their space feel like home to them. I also love a good space-plan challenge!
NKBA: Anything particular you are looking forward to in the next year?
CN: Yes — seeing projects come to life that I have been designing after [the impact of] the changes from COVID. For instance, more people are working at home, or have hybrid-type schedules. I have seen more requests for “Zoom” rooms, and more clients are spending more time cooking and playing at home. I feel that clients are more invested in the design of their spaces.
The NKBA Professional Design Competition is accepting entries through July 25. Winners will be honored at KBIS 2023 in Las Vegas, on Jan. 30 — the night before the expo opens. NKBA members earn a discount on entries; second and subsequent project entries also are discounted. Non-members are welcome to submit projects. For more information and to enter, go here.
