Veronika Miller and Robin Rigby Fisher explore the importance of diversified sourcing and disruptive business models for designers 

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), representing more than 55,000 North American kitchen and bath industry professionals and the owners of the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), will host a roundtable exploring the need for diversified sourcing and disruptive business models for designers and design students, reminding them to expand their knowledge and product access to include international events, fairs and business relationships to build relevant design practices.  This program will take place in the NKBA Global Connect Lounge, SL1113 at KBIS 2025 on February 26 at 1:30 pm.

Join Veronika Miller, CEO of M2 Consulting Group and founder of Designhounds, which connects design pros and brands with kitchen and bath industry manufacturers, distributors and showrooms, for the program entitled “The Bright Future of Design.” Miller will be joined by Robin Rigby Fisher, CMKBD, CAPS, CLIPPS, who is Department Chair for Interior Design at Portland Community College in Portland, Oregon, an award-winning interior designer, and principal of Robin Rigby Fisher Design.

Miller and Rigby Fisher will examine one of the most common business models for designers – that is to charge design fees and markups –  in a world that is rife with e-commerce, online and even AI based design services and purchasing options. With all this distracting competition, design pros may wonder if their opportunities are dwindling. Miller and Rigby Fisher will talk about opportunities “beyond business as usual” in design, and will host a designer-student roundtable discussion to explore the importance of diversified sourcing and disruptive business models to continue on a successful and inspiring career path.