Getting to Know Chapter Leadership Committee member Ellen Lopez, CMKBD. By Steven Campeau

The purpose of the Chapter Leadership Committee is to provide a link between the grassroots of the Association, its chapters and NKBA National. They are charged with monitoring member needs and wants at the chapter level and conveying these needs to NKBA Staff. This important national volunteer committee is composed of 5 individuals who serve 3-year terms. This national election cycle, now open through September 30th, will include 1 open position for the CLC. If interested in applying during the election cycle, the applications can be found here. Today’s “5 questions with…” is with Ellen Lopez, CMKBD, owner of EL Design Studio.

How did you get your start in the kitchen and bath industry and/or NKBA?

While looking for a new career in the design industry I learned about becoming a Certified Kitchen Designer, through the NKBA, and decided to carefully plot a path to earn my certification efficiently.  In 2005 Home Depot was offering a training program that provided the necessary credits to sit for the certification exam, once my apprenticeship was complete. I trained and worked there for a year earned my credits, and gained experience. Then I was hired by Home Depots installation company, there I was taught everything about the kitchen installation process, to my surprise this was the most valuable training of my career, this knowledge made me a better designer. I then paved a path into luxury design, opened my own firm in 2014, by 2021 I reached the level of CMKBD. It is with great pride I display this appellation. 

What National Committee are you currently on and why did you want to volunteer for it? 

I am in my second term serving on the Chapter Leadership Committee. I decided to volunteer at the National Level  to gain better insight and understanding of this organization, help others learn form my experiences and form better connections with those I serve with.  

What is your favorite part of being an NKBA member and/or national volunteer?

My favorite part of being an NKBA member is that I have access to  the best and most current resources and training this industry has to offer. As well, I have met the most interesting, like minded people from all aspects of the industry that I can now call friends. 

Where is your favorite vacation spot and does that influence your home decor? 

We are all influenced by what we see in our travels, from interesting design elements in the hotels we stay at, to colors and patterns and textures from new and exotic locations. But it is how we incorporate these experiences and new ways to express ourselves in our homes that documents our experiences. I love a home to tell they story of its inhabitants. 

What are you most looking forward to this year, personally or professionally? (or both!)

Last year was such an exciting time in my families life. Our oldest daughter Bianca married her high school sweetheart Alex! If a New York style wedding wasn’t enough, we renovated our Kitchen and added a swimming pool. to our yard.  As we all know, no one- not even a professional should take on such a projects before a big event! But the over achiever I am, I did! Thank goodness everything went off without a hitch- and the end results were all spectacular! 

This year you will find me resting poolside with cocktail in hand. 

Bonus Question:

What topic or area are you most passionate about in the kitchen and bath industry?

I am most passionate about redefining and designing space. Life for most families have become so complex and overwhelming, I find joy and satisfaction in helping them have a better functioning home and lifestyle through good space planning. Then I love capturing their personalities and elevating their experiences through interesting design and unique selectins. All to result in a change of habits that will lead to a beautiful well organized home.   

About Ellen Lopez, CMKBD

Ellen began her career in the home furnishing space as a Textile Designer working for a large textile converting company. There her passion for color, design and creating for lifestyles, came together and made way for her future as a Certified Kitchen Designer. From Colorist to Fabric Designer and Stylist, to stay at home mother of 3, Ellen transitioned to Kitchen Designer in 2005, and found her true calling.

As a self-taught Kitchen Designer, she elevated her skill and talent and achieved the level of CKD from the National Kitchen and Bath Association in 2009. After working for others, in 2014 Ellen opened EL Design Studio Inc., where she currently excels at designing unique, creative, well organized kitchens that reflect her clients’ personalities, satisfies their needs and elevates their lifestyle. Her works has been recognized by NARI and the NKBA and featured on the cover of HOUSE Magazine.