Congratulations to two more of our members who Levelled up with the NKBA during the recent Level UP program. We are so proud of our members for their hard work and dedication to learning and promoting professional certification through NKBA. If you are interested in taking it to the next Level, please join us. Look for forthcoming information on our study group and how you too can become a certified professional kitchen & bath designer.

Karen Hockley, CMKBD

“I received my CKD and CBD certifications in 2007. At that time, you had to wait 10 years to receive the CMKBD. The NKBA had talked to me about gaining it early, (due to my years of training kitchen designers when I was a cabinet rep), but I was missing the number of years needed.  In 2017 I had cancer and getting the CMKBD was on my bucket list.

When the opportunity came in 2020 to level up, I immediately set forward to gain the certification. I started developing Kitchen design Classes in 2019 and developed a Sales Class for Kitchen Designers with CEU certification.  As a moderator on 3 Facebook Kitchen and Bath Design sites, I have worked towards encouraging other designers to level up and gain their certifications through the NKBA. There are many designers in our groups that took advantage of the opportunity. It’s been such a great experience to see the numbers of CMKBD’s increase.  

I operate Kitchens by Karen, LLC and love working with clients and homeowners. Kitchen and Bathroom design has enriched my life. Getting the CMKBD certification has completed my journey.

The passing of Ellen Cheever hit me hard this year. Since beginning on this career, Ellen was a mentor and I learned so much from her.

This is a great industry, where our talents enable homeowners to truly have functional and beautiful spaces. How lucky we are to make such an impact on others.”

Nikki Martin, CKBD

Nikki has been a kitchen & bath designer and project manager for 16 years and currently works in the Sales and Marketing department at Signature Custom Cabinetry, Inc. she leveled up from AKBD to CKBD.

“During my almost 20 years in the industry, I’ve gone back and forth about whether or not I wanted to make the commitment to pursue my CKBD certification. When the NKBA offered their Level UP program I knew it was time. Growth and learning is always a positive and achieving the CKBD appellation has been an experience in both areas, professionally and personally.”

By elizaBeth Marcocci CMKBD