The fourth edition was updated to meet increasing demands on design professionals. By Loren Kessell

The NKBA released its fully revised fourth edition of the Planning Guidelines. It was written, illustrated and prepared by a group of NKBA’s Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designers, registered architects, and educators. 

Here are five important changes:

Organization

The overall organization of the planning guidelines changed to adapt to new ways of working. This includes dedicated sections for mechanical systems, interior environment and egress and passage.

New Outdoor Kitchen and Outdoor Bath Sections

Long awaited guidance on outdoor spaces is included that will assist kitchen and bath designers with code compliance and planning.

Support Spaces

Designers work in all sorts of areas, and there is increased work occurring in home offices, home gyms and more.

Accessibility

Barrier-free, accessible design, inclusive design and universal design are all intermingled. The updates focus on one approach, and that is regardless of physical or cognitive ability, age, or gender, kitchen, bath and support spaces are used by everyone at all stages in life, recovery periods and abilities.

Professionalism

This publication supports the professionalism expected of and put into practice by NKBA’s certified members.

These guidelines serve as a technical manual and essential reference for kitchen and bath design professionals when planning kitchens, bathrooms, closets, outdoor kitchens and baths and other interior environment spaces. The new version includes 270 pages, 100 illustrations and 66 guidelines.

To learn more about the planning guidelines, go here.