April is Sustainability Month — Learn More >

Become a Member

Manhattan Chapter

Back to all news

CHAPTER MEETING RECAP

5 days ago
jamie-keel

From Cutting Stone to Cutting-Edge

By Jennifer Mirsky

NKBA’s March chapter meeting was a feast for the senses, including the cool touch of stone, the taste of delicious Argentinian wines, the aromatic smells of hors d'oeuvres, and the hubbub of design pros reconnecting.

 

NKBA Manhattan-NYC Programs Chair and kitchen designer Joan Ravasy moderated a panel with our three sponsors: Cosentino, Franz Viegener, and Custom Wood Products.

 

As host for the evening, Meghan De Praeter of Cosentino City, New York, explained how the space functions not just as a showroom but as a shop room and atelier, where designers and architects can explore, invite clients, create mood boards, and play with fabric and wood (neither of which Cosentino sells) to help clients visualize and green-light projects.

The packed room of professionals watched “The KBIS Cut,” a narrated visual experience of KBIS 2025 with trends, photos, and picks. NKBA Global President & CEO Bill Darcy made a cameo appearance on screen. View the video here!

The KBIS Cut Panel From L to R: Jeannine Price of Custom Wood Products, Meghan De Praeter of Cosentino, John Weinstein of Franz Viegener, panel moderator Joan Ravasy, and video presenter Ellen Lopez. Photo by Jeff Siegel.

The evening was not without levity, such as the moment when John Weinstein, CEO of Franz Viegener America Corporation, quoted NKBA Manhattan President Charlé-John, saying, “CJ refers to us as the Harry Winston of bath fixtures,” he should know as their international ad agency 'back-in-the-day.'

 

Jeannine Price, Regional Sales Manager, Custom Wood Products, Inc., explained how the company creates custom pieces for which a designer can choose the wood’s color and finish and increase the height. She said, “It’s like having your own millwork shop in your pocket.”

Lucky raffle winners took home prizes, including red and white wine from Catena Zapata vineyards in Argentina. Global partners of Franz Viegener, Catena Zapata was rated the #1 vineyard in the world in 2023 and the #1 ancient vineyard to visit in Mendoza, Argentina. We were told it is the oldest family-owned vineyard in the world. To view Jeff Siegel's gallery of photos from the night, click!

Noteworthy Mentions:

  • Cosentino’s Le Chic Bohème by Silestone XM was honored as a Silver Best of KBIS winner in the Sustainable Standout category, partly for its commitment to renewable energy production.
  • Franz Viegener’s new PVD (physical vapor deposition) technique makes their black-finished faucet extraordinarily durable and more chip-resistant. 
  • Custom Wood Products can ship a custom cabinet in one piece as large as 10-feet high by 46” wide.

 

  • As we enter spring and approach Earth Day, our sponsors spoke of their commitment to sustainability. Meghan De Praeter of Cosentino said it best, reminding us that “the earth is the only one that exists like it.”

NKBA Manhattan Chapter Council President Charlé-John Cafiero gives some opening remarks.

Photo by Jeff Siegel.

The packed room of professionals watched “The KBIS Cut.” Photo by Jeff Siegel.

Meghan De Praeter, explains the helpful features of Cosentino City Center. Photo by Jeff Siegel.

Toni Sabatino shows an NKBA member some of the extraordinary details of Franz Viegener luxury fixtures. Photo by Jeff Siegel.

John Weinstein of Franz Viegener tells audience about the features of their luxury bath fixtures. Photo by Jeff Siegel.

Left to right: Ellen Lopez, Charlé-John Cafiero, Joan Ravasy, Julie Schuster, Tony Monteleone, Barbara Haberman (front), Jeannine Price (rear). Toni Sabatino and Rex Aguirre holding gifts. Photo by Jeff Siegel.

John Weinstein of Franz Viegener chats with Lee Miner of Robert Miner Associates Inc. while sampling Catena Zapata wines from Argentina. Photo by Jeff Siegel.

National Kitchen & Bath Association © 2022