September 2026 New Member Breakfast

We wrapped up September with our Annual New Member Breakfast at the beautiful Facets showroom! New NKBA members, those considering membership, and several students joined us for a morning of connection, conversation, and learning more about all that NKBA has to offer. Attendees learned about the many benefits and resources available through NKBA nationally, as well as the opportunities right here within the Texas North Plains Chapter—from education and professional development to networking, leadership, industry connections, and getting involved with our local design community. A special thank you to Facets for welcoming us into their beautiful showroom and to Southwest Sales for providing breakfast! We loved spending the morning with both familiar and new faces and look forward to seeing our newest members become an active part of the NKBA Texas North Plains Chapter!

September 2026 Student Symposium - Designer Roundup

Designer Round Up: NKBA + ASID Student Symposium The future of the design industry was front and center during our two-day NKBA + ASID Student Symposium, bringing students and industry professionals together for education, connection, showroom experiences, and plenty of fun! Day 1 – Kick Your Boots Off Block Party The symposium kicked off at Kichler with a high-energy block party and multi-showroom scavenger hunt. Students made their way through Kichler, Truett Carpet & Rugs, Pedini, OFS, RoCo&Xander, Inspired Closets, and Hawa Sliding Solutions, completing the scavenger hunt along the way for a chance to win prizes. It was a fun way to get students into the showrooms, introduce them to different products and resources, and encourage interaction with industry professionals. The evening also included food sponsored by Reece Bath & Kitchen and KitchenAid, drinks courtesy of Kichler, and line dancing sponsored by Milton & King. With over 100 attendees, the evening was a great way for students to experience our local design community in a relaxed, welcoming environment while making valuable industry connections. Day 2 – Designer Round Up The learning continued at Dallas Market Center, where over 100 attendees, including an incredible 84 students, gathered for a full day focused on helping the next generation of designers prepare to enter the industry. Students participated in panel discussions with industry professionals, toured Feizy, Visual Comfort, and C Maddox & Co, enjoyed Networking Bingo, and received professional headshots courtesy of ComwareAV. Feizy provided breakfast, ASID sponsored lunch, and NKBA supported the day's AV and marketing. More than an educational event, the Student Symposium gave emerging designers an opportunity to ask questions, build relationships, explore industry resources, and connect face-to-face with the professionals and organizations that will become part of their careers. A huge thank-you to NKBA, ASID, our hosts, participating showrooms, sponsors, volunteers, industry professionals, and everyone who helped make these two days possible. Investing in students means investing in the future of our industry—and with this talented group coming up, the legacy of design looks bright!

August 2026 Sponsor Appreciation at TK's

Celebrating the Sponsors Who Make It All Possible! In August, the NKBA Texas North Plains Chapter took an evening to celebrate the incredible sponsors whose support makes our events, programs, and chapter activities possible throughout the year. We gathered at TK’s Comedy Club, where the evening kicked off downstairs in the speakeasy with finger foods, drinks, and plenty of time to network and connect. Then it was time for the main event—a one-hour comedy show filled with crowd work! Our comedian had a little trouble wrapping his head around exactly what NKBA is and what we all do, which quickly became part of the entertainment. No one was safe, but President Samantha, Past President Andrew, Victor Raynes, and James Rivera received a little extra attention and gave the rest of us plenty to laugh about! After the show, the fun continued with a pizza party and more networking. It was a lighthearted evening filled with laughter, great company, and, most importantly, appreciation. We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors for investing in the NKBA Texas North Plains Chapter. Your continued support allows us to create memorable events, provide valuable education, strengthen industry connections, and build an even stronger design community. Thank you to our sponsors for helping make it all possible!

August 2026 Fire & Ice

Fire & Ice Fiesta NKBA Chapter Meeting brought the heat—and kept things cool! 🔥🧊🌶️ It was a fantastic evening filled with great flavors, creative demonstrations, and even better company from our local kitchen & bath industry community. 🔥 Fire Demonstration FBS Chef Johnny turned up the heat with a fire-roasted habanero salsa and live dish demonstration. 🧊 Ice Demonstration La Familia Bartending showed us how to create classic and infused simple syrups while serving up their delicious homemade margaritas. 🍹 🌶️ Salsa Off Guests tasted their way through a salsa bar featuring homemade creations from industry peers, then cast their votes for their favorite! Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the Fire & Ice Fiesta such a fun and flavorful NKBA Chapter Meeting. We loved connecting, learning, tasting, and celebrating with our industry community!

July 2026 NKBA Texas North Plains Chapter Celebrates 25 Years

The NKBA Texas North Plains Chapter marked an incredible milestone—25 years of serving the North Texas design community—with a spectacular anniversary celebration hosted in KIVA Stone's stunning new showroom. Founded in 1963, the National Kitchen & Bath Association has long been dedicated to education, professional growth, and strengthening the kitchen and bath industry. Our local chapter has proudly carried that mission forward for the past 25 years, building lasting friendships, supporting industry professionals, and creating unforgettable experiences along the way. The evening was filled with nostalgia as the showroom showcased photographs highlighting chapter members, memorable events, and milestones throughout the years. Many of these treasured photos were available for members to take home—a meaningful reminder of the relationships and memories that have shaped our chapter. KIVA Stone transformed the showroom into an interactive global experience with six beautifully curated tables featuring natural stones from around the world. Each destination paired fascinating information and hands-on activities with a dessert inspired by that country's cuisine, creating a fun and engaging way to explore the beauty and diversity of natural stone. Guests also enjoyed a truly unique experience with Amir Oud of Richardson, where a master perfumer helped each attendee create a personalized fragrance. Everyone left with a custom travel-size perfume, making the evening even more memorable. A stunning champagne wall, exceptional food, and wonderful conversation provided the perfect backdrop as longtime members reunited, new members connected, and everyone celebrated the rich history and exciting future of the NKBA Texas North Plains Chapter. Here's to the next 25 years of education, inspiration, networking, and friendships!

June 2026 NKBA Scores Big with MSI's FIFA Watch Party!

With Dallas taking center stage as one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup, the NKBA Texas North Plains Chapter was thrilled to celebrate the excitement with an unforgettable FIFA Watch Party hosted by our incredible friends at MSI. Members enjoyed an evening packed with friendly competition, delicious food, and plenty of soccer spirit. Party favorites, fresh gelato, and popcorn kept everyone fueled while activities like pool soccer, foosball soccer, cornhole, and a World Cup word search brought out everyone’s playful and competitive side. MSI went above and beyond with fantastic FIFA-themed prizes, including official posters, hats, scarves, and even one unforgettable grand prize—a soccer ball-shaped bottle of tequila! Beyond the games and giveaways, the evening was another wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow designers, industry partners, and friends while celebrating the excitement surrounding the world's most popular sport. As Dallas prepares to welcome fans from around the globe, our chapter was proud to join MSI in kicking off the festivities with an evening full of laughter, networking, and community. A huge thank you to MSI for your incredible hospitality and for creating such a memorable event. We can't wait to see what the next chapter event has in store!

May 2026 Dogs & Design

The NKBA Dogs & Design meeting confirmed what we already knew: great design takes vision, collaboration… and at least one dog acting like they own the joint. Huge thanks to Daltile for hosting us in their beautiful showroom, where we earned a CEU learning how to thoughtfully design for dogs from our incredible panel of three designers, along with creative ideas and practical material tips. We also loved hearing from our fourth panelist, a professional dog trainer, who shared valuable advice on interacting with dogs in our clients’ homes. We were inspired by Dallas Animal Services, collected donations for the shelter, and enjoyed viewing images of chapter members’ beautifully designed projects created with their clients’ pets in mind. Between the amazing artist sketching our pups, building LEGO pets, delicious eats from Uncle Julio’s, and networking with friends and colleagues, it was truly a paw-fect evening of learning, creativity, community, and connection.

April 2026 Spring into Color

The NKBA Texas North Plains Chapter kicked off Q2 in style with an unforgettable April meeting—proof of just how energizing it is to be part of such an active and engaged community. Hosted by Kitchen Design Concepts in their stunning new showroom, the “Spring Into Color” event brought together creativity, connection, and a whole lot of fun. The evening began with a unique, personalized color analysis experience led by Karen Dvorkin of Color Birdies, giving attendees fresh insight into how color can enhance both design and personal style. While some guests enjoyed their one-on-one color sessions, others explored hands-on experiences throughout the showroom. Creativity took center stage with a flower-smashing activity that encouraged artistic expression, while Chef Michelle, owner of Infused Oil and Vinegars, delighted guests with an interactive balsamic tasting that was nothing short of a flavor explosion. From inspiration to interaction, the evening captured everything that makes this chapter so special—innovation, collaboration, and a shared passion for design.

March 2026 KBIS Insights, Big Celebrations & Creative Fun

Our March meeting was one to remember! Hosted at the beautiful Gold Star Collective Showroom, our chapter council officers shared an exciting recap of their experiences at KBIS. Each officer highlighted standout products, emerging trends, and key takeaways from the show floor. We also celebrated some incredible achievements within our chapter, including two of our members serving as judges for the national awards and recognizing our very own 30 Under 30 inductee, Hayden Bolin. In honor of a major milestone, we proudly celebrated the 25th anniversary of our chapter—what an incredible legacy! After the recap, the fun continued with a festive St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Members enjoyed themed props and got creative with over 200 samples, designing unique and inspiring flat lays. A perfect blend of inspiration, recognition, and fun—we’re so grateful for our amazing community!

February 2026 Mardi Gras Magic: A Collaborative Celebration with Reece & Industry Partners

What happens when Reece teams up with NKBA, ASID, IDS, NARI, and the Fort Worth Builders Association? A Mardi Gras celebration for the books! More than 200 guests gathered for an unforgettable evening filled with festive flair, fantastic food, and incredible industry camaraderie. From the moment attendees arrived, they were immersed in true Mardi Gras spirit — beads draped around necks, masks and boas adding flair, and king cake bringing a sweet taste of New Orleans tradition. NKBA elevated the celebration with fun swag and a lively step-and-repeat backdrop, keeping the cameras flashing all night long. The photo moments alone captured the energy and excitement of the evening! With a crowd reminiscent of the real Mardi Gras, the event was more than a party — it was a vibrant celebration of collaboration within our design and building community. Industry professionals came together to connect, celebrate, and strengthen relationships in a setting that perfectly blended business and fun. Here’s to partnerships that bring people together — and to many more celebrations ahead!

February 2026 Design Competition Confidence, KABA Launch, and February Fun

Our February NKBA event, graciously hosted by Sardone McClain, was the perfect blend of fun, flavor, and professional growth! The evening kicked off with an incredible spread of Mexican cuisine — delicious tacos, chips, and all the fixings — paired with a wide array of beverages for everyone to enjoy. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, a sweet treat was served to top off the festive atmosphere. Following the festivities, we had the pleasure of welcoming Stacy McCarthy, National Speaker and Principal of Stacy McCarthy Design. She delivered an engaging and insightful CEU presentation: Design Competition Ready: Best Practices for Design Competition Confidence. Attendees walked away with valuable strategies and practical tips for entering and excelling in design competitions. One of our favorite takeaways? The design criteria are just the bare minimum — going above and beyond is what truly sets submissions apart! To celebrate the month of February and show our appreciation for our wonderful members, each attendee created a beautiful heart-shaped bouquet of flowers to take home — a thoughtful and creative way to share the love. It was an evening filled with connection, learning, and plenty of fun. We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us and made the night such a success!

February 2026 Texas North Plains NKBA Shines at KBIS 2026 in Orlando

The Texas North Plains Chapter of the NKBA was proud to be part of the excitement at KBIS 2026, held in Orlando alongside the International Builders’ Show (IBS). This year’s show did not disappoint! KBIS kicked off in style with Nationals hosting the highly anticipated awards programs on Monday night. Winners were selected by award-winning judges — including two CMKBDs from our very own Texas North Plains Chapter. We were especially thrilled to celebrate a CMKBD from the South Plains who walked away with more than $50,000 in prize winnings for her award-winning project. What an incredible achievement for our region! We also had the honor of celebrating our chapter’s very own Thirty Under 30 inductee, Hayden Bolin of Tracy’s Custom Homes. Being recognized at the national level is a tremendous accomplishment, and we are so proud to see one of our own making such an impact in the industry. Throughout the show, our chapter members explored the expansive exhibits to discover the latest innovations and emerging trends in kitchen and bath design. From cutting-edge technology and sustainable materials to bold finishes and functional design solutions, KBIS delivered inspiration at every turn. Don’t miss our March chapter meeting, where we’ll recap everything we saw at KBIS — top trends, favorite finds, and key takeaways you can bring into your own projects. It’s going to be a great one!

January 2026 Celebrating Excellence: January’s Certified Designer Luncheon

Our first gathering of the year was a dedicated celebration of the talent, dedication, and expertise within our Texas North Plains Chapter. Hosted by Kitchen Bath & Home, this exclusive luncheon brought together our community of certified designers for an afternoon of professional camaraderie and forward-thinking dialogue. The event wasn't just about looking back at our achievements, but about setting the stage for a successful 2026. A Feast for the Senses The atmosphere was as delightful as the company. We enjoyed: Gourmet Bites: Beautifully curated charcuterie lunches from Graze Craze, perfect for a sophisticated mid-day gathering. Sweet Success: A delicious assortment of "Bundtinis" from Nothing Bundt Cakes provided the perfect finishing touch to our meal. Shaping the Future The heart of the luncheon was an open-forum discussion. We moved beyond small talk to dive deep into the current state of our craft. Guided by pertinent industry questions, the group shared insights on: Current Market Trends: What we are collectively experiencing on the front lines of design in North Texas. Chapter Evolution: Candid feedback on what our members want to see from association meetings and programming in the coming months. Peer Support: Strengthening the bonds between our certified professionals to foster a more collaborative local industry. "There is a unique energy that happens when certified professionals get in one room. It’s about more than just aesthetics; it’s about the technical standards and leadership that drive our industry forward." Thank You to Our Host A special thank you to Kitchen Bath & Home for providing the beautiful space and hosting this essential gathering. It was the perfect environment to celebrate the credentials that set our members apart.

December 2025 A Night of Glamour and Giving: NKBA Holiday Celebration

The holiday season officially kicked off in style, as our NKBA Texas North Plains Chapter gathered at The Jarrell Company for an unforgettable evening of "Speakeasy Glam." From the moment the doors opened at 5 PM, the atmosphere was electric. Our members and guests fully embraced the theme, bringing a touch of vintage sophistication and holiday cheer to Dallas. The Highlights Speakeasy Vibes: Guests enjoyed a curated selection of luscious specialty cocktails and delectable small bites, all set to the backdrop of festive live music. A Surprise Guest: Even Santa Claus took a break from his busy schedule to swing by! He spent the evening checking his list and spreading joy throughout the showroom. Industry Connection: It was wonderful to see our local design community come together to celebrate our collective successes over the past year. The Heart of the Event: Giving Back While the glitz and glamour made for a beautiful evening, the true highlight was our annual Silent Auction. We are thrilled to announce that the almost $6000 in funds raised were donated to Operation Finally Home. By participating in the auction, our members are helping provide mortgage-free homes to wounded military heroes and their families. We are incredibly proud of our chapter's commitment to making a lasting, meaningful impact on those who have served our country. Special Thanks A huge thank you to The Jarrell Company for hosting us in their stunning space, and to all our sponsors and volunteers who worked behind the scenes to make this "Speakeasy Glam" night a reality. Most importantly, thank you to our members. Your presence and generosity turned a holiday party into a powerful night of giving back. We look forward to seeing what we can achieve together in the New Year!

November 2025 A Night of Sizzle and Skill: The NKBA Battle of the Chefs

The heat was on at the FBS Dallas showroom as the NKBA hosted its highly anticipated Battle of the Chefs. It was an evening defined by high-stakes creativity, incredible aromas, and the kind of friendly professional rivalry that keeps our industry vibrant. Two local culinary heavyweights, Chef Dan and Chef Johnny, went head-to-head in a live cook-off that pushed their skills to the limit. Attendees had a front-row seat to the action, witnessing firsthand how professional-grade kitchen design meets world-class culinary execution. The Verdict After a grueling round of cooking and plating, the judges faced the difficult task of scoring the dishes based on flavor, presentation, and technique. While both chefs delivered masterclass performances, Chef Dan ultimately claimed the title of Battle of the Chefs Champion! The Expert Panel A huge thank you to our distinguished panel of judges who lent their expertise and discerning palates to the evening: Andrew Risinger, CMKBD – Kitchen Bath and Home & NKBA Chapter President Victor Raynes – Nicole Anthony Designs Faye Nielsen – The Nielsen Collection Kelli Parker, CKD, CBD – Elite Remodeling Carrell Stahala – FBS Showroom Manager Event Highlights The Showdown: Watching Chef Dan and Chef Johnny navigate the kitchen with precision and speed. The Atmosphere: A packed house at FBS Dallas filled with designers, industry partners, and food enthusiasts. The Inspiration: Seeing the latest kitchen technology put to the ultimate test in a real-world competitive environment. We want to thank everyone who joined us for making this night of "flavor and fun" such a resounding success. Events like these remind us that the heart of every great home is a kitchen built for performance.

October 2025 Kitchen and Bath Month CEU Day, Tablescapes and KABA Awards

13th Annual NKBA Texas North Plains Kitchen & Bath Month Event + KABA Awards What a killer day from start to finish! The celebration began with two amazing CEU sessions — one diving deep into lighting design and another on how to diversify your design business — with a wonderful lunch between sessions that gave everyone a chance to connect, recharge, and get inspired. As evening fell, the fun turned frightfully fabulous with our “Scream” theme, channeling the charm of old scary movies. Nearly 200 attendees gathered at the stunning Sub-Zero Showroom to celebrate design, creativity, and community. Guests enjoyed fantastic food inspired by famous film moments, explored Designer Personal Choice Boards, admired creative tablescapes, and cheered for this year’s Kitchen and Bath Award winners. The showroom’s transformation set the perfect eerie-but-elegant backdrop — and the only thing scary was how good the designs were! Entertainment by Goga was once again amazing, and our raffles kept the excitement going all night long. Between the laughter, applause, and a few playful screams, it’s safe to say everyone had a spooktacular time. Huge thanks to Sub-Zero for hosting us in their incredible showroom, and to all our designers, sponsors, and guests who made the 13th Annual NKBA Texas North Plains Kitchen & Bath Month Event and KABA Awards one to remember. Until next year… stay inspired (and maybe keep the lights on)!

September 2025 Student Symposium

The two-day Interior Design Symposium, presented in partnership with ASID, offered students an immersive look into the heart of Dallas’s design scene. Participants explored the Dallas Design District and the Dallas World Trade Center, gaining firsthand exposure to premier showrooms and industry resources. Throughout the event, multiple panel conversations with prominent designers provided invaluable insights on launching and growing a successful design career. From practical advice on internships and networking to candid discussions about creativity and business strategy, the symposium connected aspiring designers with the people and places shaping the future of the profession. A heartfelt thank-you goes to ASID for their incredible partnership and support in making this transformative event possible.

August 2025 Trivia Night

A Night of Learning, Laughter, and Light Bulbs Our recent trivia night, hosted at the stunning Kichler showroom, was an absolute success! The evening was a perfect mix of professional development, friendly competition, and community building. The night began with two engaging CEUs (Continuing Education Units). We dove into the "Fundamentals of Lighting" with the experts from Kichler, followed by an insightful "Lead Generation Blueprint for Interior Designers" led by Prototype. Both sessions were held in Kichler's fantastic classroom, and the information was immediately applicable to our work. Afterward, it was time to put our knowledge to the test. Our very own Programs Chair, Samantha Vogt, created a challenging and entertaining trivia game with 50 questions. The questions covered everything from the CEU presentations to a fun mix of pop culture, and it wasn't just about getting the right answer—speed was key! The energy in the room was electric as teams battled it out for bragging rights. The fun didn't stop there. Kichler graciously treated everyone to a delicious dinner, giving us all a chance to relax, network, and connect. It was a wonderful way to cap off a fantastic evening of learning and camaraderie. A big thank you to Kichler for hosting us in their beautiful showroom and for the wonderful dinner. And a special shout-out to Samantha Vogt for organizing such a memorable and fun event!