Our local chapter in Georgia meets monthly (generally the 3rd Thursday of the month) at the variety of kitchen and bath showrooms throughout metro Atlanta to share our knowledge, learn together and support one another. Currently we are about 1,550 members strong and consist of professional designers, remodelers, vendors and students. Join our newsletter to stay informed with all our events and local news by clicking here.
Why join NKBA Georgia Chapter? First and foremost, we are a welcoming group that loves to have fun while collaborating and supporting one another and sharing knowledge on a monthly basis. Where else will you receive the best food (and drink) at the most up-to-date showrooms in the metro Atlanta area?
Additionally, the NKBA Georgia Chapter celebrates the talent of its design community with an annual award celebration each October – the Designs of Distinction Awards. The Georgia Chapter also reveals the latest in showroom design each December at our annual Holiday Progressive Dinner and it kicks off each year learning from one of the premier architects sharing his/her inspiration and work. We value our members and look forward to a Membership Appreciation celebration each May.
So what are you waiting for…come join us today and start meeting new people who share your passion and creativity for the Kitchen and Bath Community.
Want more information on how to join our chapter? Please email our membership chair, Maria Szeglowski, CKD; mszeglowski@richelieu.com
In the late 1970's, the Georgia Chapter was formed by Harry Hurt and Ken Thelen, CKD. Initially, they gathered with a small group of kitchen dealers, suppliers, and others meeting in a run-down motel to discuss what would be involved to start a Georgia chapter of the American Institute of Kitchen Dealers (AIKD). Our official founding date is January 1, 1978.
Change is a constant and in 1983, AIKD became NKBA. NKBA writes, “The AIKDs coined a new name to address the interests of the burgeoning bathroom industry, and in 1983 the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) was born. That same year, the NKBA created the Ambassadors’ Club to recognize members who have dedicated themselves to growing the Association by recruiting new members.”
From a small group of “instigators”, the AIKD chapter grew into the NKBA GA/AL/TN Chapter, and in the 1990's, it became the NKBA GA/TN Chapter. In 2026, we are the NKBA Georgia Chapter - vibrant and stronger than ever.
We’re continuing to fact-check and gather more information to round out our chapter’s history. Please email Cailin Thelen, CMKBD; cailin@thelendesigns.com, with note-worthy items.
