August Brings Sunshine, Smart Homes, and Strong Community--Plus Everything You Need to Get Ready for EDU Day (And Real Shoes).

CJ with Betty the Miniature Bull Terrier

Photo by Careen Sutch

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

Welcome to the dog days of summer—when iced coffee becomes a food group, the sidewalks shimmer, and even the most ambitious among us are tempted to trade our calendars for cabana time. While the term might conjure images of sunbathing pups (and let’s face it, we’ve earned that visual), its roots are celestial. Ancient stargazers named this sultry stretch after Sirius, the “Dog Star,” which rises with the sun in late summer. It’s hot, it’s hazy, and it’s the perfect time to kick back… just long enough to gear up.

For our NKBA Manhattan-NYC Chapter, this time of year is anything but lazy. August is when we gather for our annual Board Dinner, a special evening to honor our stellar volunteers and loyal sponsors—those who make our programs possible month after month. It's our heartfelt (and delicious) way of saying thank you.

It’s also the month we get all our ducks (and dogs) in a row for our biggest event of the year—Education & Membership Day—coming up on October 16th at the A&D Building on 58th Street. This 4th annual EduDay celebrates Kitchen & Bath Month and the grand finale of our 25th anniversary year. Expect CEUs, networking, a keynote luncheon, and an evening cocktail bash you won’t want to miss. Open to all design-build professionals, this event is also our semi-annual membership drive—sign up between August 15th and October 16th, and you’ll be entered to win the Franz Viegener Raffle Prize, a Harry Winston–worthy jewel for your kitchen or bath.

It’s also time to book your trip to Denver for CEDIA Expo 2025, September 3–6. With three NKBA-NYC members speaking and our CEO Bill Darcy sharing the stage with CEDIA President Daryl Friedman, this year’s event highlights just how vital technology has become to kitchen and bath design.

As smart homes evolve into energy-efficient ecosystems, the kitchen is now the brain of the home, and our industry needs to be in sync with tech integrators. That’s why we’re proud to support CEDIA Expo: a space where our industries meet, collaborate, and shape the future of intelligent, beautiful living.

Summer Slowdown… Kind Of

As we enjoy some well-earned vacation time—whether you're poolside, “down the shore,” or venturing farther afield—don’t miss my latest piece: “Confessions of a Reluctant Reader: 12 Books I Didn’t Expect to Like (But Might Actually Read).” Spoiler alert: Unless a book involves SEO trends or smart home integration, it rarely ends up on my nightstand.

Proof that even top dogs know when it’s time to float and when it’s time to hustle—EduDay prep starts now!

Mark Your Calendar

While you're unwinding, take a moment to check our chapter calendar and plan ahead for August and the fall season. This month’s newsletter features an insightful article from Ellen Lopez, “The Power of Certification: What It Means to Be a Certified Designer,”—a must-read for our emerging professionals.

Other important August deadlines include:

• NKBA Design Competition – submission window extended
• Thirty Under 30 Nominations – due August 31
• CEU Webinars: “Check This Out” column, trending virtual workshops from NKBA National

Community in Action

Also in this issue: our Newsletter team has put together a collection of our members' memorable moments with a photo recap of our chapter’s participation in the NY Design Coalition’s Summer Social—images captured by our photographer/ videographer, Jeff Siegel. We’re proud to share that the event raised a generous donation for Nazareth Housing, a nonprofit supporting families in crisis.

And a Special Welcome to Our New Sponsors

Our sponsors are the backbone of this chapter, and we are deeply grateful for their support, innovation, and partnership. Please join us in warmly welcoming: Houzz, The Galley, and Fabuwood—we’re thrilled to have you in our community.

Community Starts With You — Be Part of What’s Next

If you’ve ever thought about getting more involved, now is the time. Volunteering is one of the most impactful ways to connect—not just with the chapter, but with a community that thrives on shared purpose. Whether you're helping at an event, lending your voice to the newsletter, or joining a committee, your involvement makes a real difference.

In times of uncertainty and rapid change, community becomes more than a network—it becomes a lifeline. Volunteering transforms your membership into a meaningful partnership, strengthening your professional ties, opening unexpected doors, and supporting both personal and business growth in lasting ways. Reach out to any of our subcommittee chairs and find the space where your voice, your time, and your talents matter most.

Summer’s Not Over, But We’re Already Thinking EduDay

As we ride out the last stretch of summer (with SPF in one hand and a to-do list in the other), let’s not forget what makes this chapter so special—you. Whether you're floating through August or already sketching out fall plans, we hope this newsletter leaves you feeling inspired, connected, and maybe even a little more ready for what’s next. Big thanks to our members, sponsors, and volunteers—because without you, we’d just be a bunch of design-build professionals talking to ourselves. See you at EduDay!

Wishing you cool drinks, bold ideas, and a smooth transition into fall.

☀️🍹📐

Warmly, 

Charlé-John

President, NKBA-NYC Chapter

charle@cjcstrategists.com