Columbia River Chapter
Nation Recognition: Catching Up With Columbia River Chapter
We're incredibly honored to see the Columbia River Chapter featured on NKBA's national page. Being recognized for our "One Night in Milan" event is a proud moment that reflects the creativity, collaboration, and passion of our members and industry partners. From bringing global design inspiration to Portland to creating meaningful opportunities for education and connection, this feature showcases the energy and innovation that make our chapter so special.
This recognition means more than just being featured. It highlights the strength of our chapter community and the impact we can make when we come together to share ideas, support one another, and elevate the design industry. We're grateful to everyone who attended, participated, and helped make this event a success, and we're excited to continue creating memorable experiences that inspire our members and represent the Columbia River Chapter on a national stage.
See the article here published on Aug 31, 2026 by NKBA Staff:
An Evening of Milanese Culture and Global Design
Not everyone can visit Design Week in Milan, so our Columbia River Chapter decided to bring it home to Portland.
57 people showed up for “One Night in Milan” hosted at the Z Collection luxury tile showroom founded by NKBA member Zee Coleman.
Located in Portland’s NW district where tile showrooms abound, Z Collection stands out because of its large, wide-open space. “It’s such a perfect event venue,” said Chapter Communications Chair Bethany Broussard.
Guests mingled while sipping aperitivos and enjoying caprese sandwiches before sitting down to a presentation by freelance design journalist and creative director, Damon Johnstun.
Damon, who has been reporting on Milan Design Week for two decades, spent over an hour diving into his “best in show” from Milan–including the Rosa Levanto red marble that is currently sweeping Italy.
“Damon’s taste was everything from 70’s Scandinavian to Japanese minimalist,” said Bethany. “My favorite part was seeing the reactions to his picks. Sometimes he’d be talking about a piece of furniture, and you could see some designers agree with him, and others turning to each other and shaking their heads ‘no way’!”
The event doubled as a membership drive. NKBA members who brought non-members received a Milan-inspired tote bag with Italian wine, a wine cork, pasta, pesto, cocktail napkins, and a chocolate sampler.
