Methodology/Overview:

The NKBA Kitchen & Bathroom Planning Guidelines with Access Standards is a collection of illustrations and planning suggestions to aid professionals in the safe and effective planning of kitchens and bathrooms. These guidelines are also included in NKBA Professional Resource Library Kitchen Planning and Bath Planning volumes. Designers and those interested in becoming kitchen and bath design professionals benefit by studying the complete body of knowledge found in the NKBA Professional Resource Library.

These flexible and easy-to-understand guidelines were developed under the guidance of the NKBA by a committee of professionals. The guidelines published in this booklet reflect a composite of the historical review, current industry environment, future trends, consumer lifestyles, new research, new building codes, and current industry practices.

The purpose of the guidelines is to serve as the basis for:

  • Ensuring building code compliance
  • Recognizing the importance of consumer health, safety, and welfare in kitchen and bath design
  • Supporting sound kitchen and bath design practices
  • Testing core kitchen and bath competencies
  • Training designers in academic and educational programs

The NKBA

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a leading non-profit trade association dedicated to the advancement of the kitchen and bath industry. Since its inception 50 years ago, the NKBA has maintained its leadership status of excellence and professionalism by providing education, certification, and the tools needed for success in the industry. NKBA Professional Development and Certification are the gold standard in the kitchen and bath industry. The NKBA offers professional development courses and levels of certification for all stages of an individual’s career. The NKBA also offers networking opportunities and professional development training at over 70 chapters across North America.

NKBA Learning & Development

NKBA Learning & Development provides kitchen and bath professionals convenient educational courses to enhance their careers. The NKBA offers Professional Development opportunities through in-person courses, virtual instructor-led training, eLearning, seminars, and conferences. The NKBA courses are aligned to specific industry segments such as designers, builders, installers, manufacturers, dealers, and more. Industry professionals can easily determine which courses are appropriate for their segment by viewing the course descriptions on the NKBA website NKBA.org.

NKBA Certification

NKBA Certification is based on in-depth testing, education, and industry experience allowing consumers to know that their designer’s professional skills have been independently evaluated and tested. The NKBA certified professional members are committed to improving those skills by meeting continuing education and professional development requirements.

There are three levels of NKBA Certification for designers: Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer (AKBD ®), Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer (CKBD®) and Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer (CMKBD®).