In the heart of Hershey, Pennsylvania, amid the sweet scent of success and innovation, the NKBA Susquehanna Valley Chapter hosted its prestigious 2023 Design Awards Gala. The Englewood served as the elegant backdrop for an evening dedicated to honoring the creativity, talent, and dedication of design professionals in the region. Let's delve into the highlights of this remarkable event that celebrated the best in kitchen and bath design.

Chapter Sponsors and Design Awards Supporters

The success of the gala was made possible by the generous support of sponsors who believe in nurturing excellence in design. A special acknowledgment goes to our 2023 Chapter Sponsors which included, Gold Sponsor - Martin Appliance and Silver Sponsors - Cosentino and Kountry Kraft for their invaluable contributions. Additionally, the event received significant backing from Hafele, Lezzer Lumber, Grabill, and Susquehanna Style.

Design Awards Committee and Judges

Behind the scenes, a dedicated team worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth execution of the awards. The Design Awards Committee, comprised of Jason Artus, Jaime Atkins, Brittany Loeffler, Elizabeth Marcocci, Lisa Martin, Julie McCrary, Brian Miller, and Denise Newcomer, played a pivotal role in coordinating the event. Their commitment to excellence and attention to detail set the stage for a memorable evening.

The judging panel, consisting of esteemed NKBA members Georgia Economakis, Crystal Hackl, Elle H-Millard, Kim Morrison Race, and Karen Sedwick, brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the evaluation process. Their discerning eye and keen insights helped to recognize the most exceptional designs among the submissions.

Celebrating Excellence: The Winners

The pinnacle of the gala was the announcement of the winners across various categories, each representing the epitome of design excellence. Let's take a closer look at the outstanding achievements:

Primary Bath

• 1st Place: Henrietta Heisler, Henrietta Heisler Interiors
• 2nd Place: Brian Miller, CMKBD, Excel Remodeling
• 3rd Place: Alicia Goyette, AKBD, Excel Remodeling

Recreation Space

• 1st Place: Heather Rineer, NCIDQ, Rineer Design
• 2nd Place: elizaBethMarcocci, CMKBD, Mother Hubbard’s Custom Cabinetry, and John Petrie, CMKBD, Mother Hubbard’s Custom Cabinetry
• 3rd Place: Alicia Goyette, AKBD, Excel Remodeling

Utility Space

• 1st Place: Henrietta Heisler, Henrietta Heisler Interiors
• 2nd Place: Brian Miller, CMKBD, Excel Remodeling

Best Before & After

• 1st Place: Heather Rineer, NCIDQ, Rineer Design
• 2nd Place: John Petrie, CMKBD, Mother Hubbard’s Custom Cabinetry
• 3rd Place: Valerie S.B.Kissinger, CKD, Dimensional Designs Unlimited

Kitchen (Less than $75,000)

• 1st Place: elizaBethMarcocci, CMKBD, Mother Hubbard’s Custom Cabinetry
• 2nd Place: Denise Newcomer, CKBD, LezzerLumber
• 3rd Place: Allison Ong Shreffler, Allison Ong Shreffler Architecture + Designer

Kitchen ($75,001-$150,000)

• 1st Place: Heather Rineer, NCIDQ, Rineer Design
• 2nd Place: Henrietta Heisler, Henrietta Heisler Interiors
• 3rd Place: John Petrie, CMKBD, Mother Hubbard’s Custom Cabinetry

Judges Choice

• "HILLSIDE HOME RESORT" by Heather Rineer, NCIDQ, Rineer Design

Each winning entry showcased not only exceptional design skills but also a deep understanding of client needs, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. These projects serve as inspirations for aspiring designers and reaffirm the importance of creativity and innovation in the field of kitchen and bath design.

Innovate and Inspire

The NKBA Susquehanna Valley 2023 Design Awards Gala was more than just an event; it was a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and collaboration. As we applaud the winners and participants, we also extend our gratitude to everyone involved in making this gala a resounding success. With each passing year, the bar for excellence is raised higher, driving designers to push boundaries and redefine what's possible in kitchen and bath design. Here's to another year of innovation, inspiration, and unparalleled design excellence!