The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), representing nearly 50,000 industry members and owners of the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), continues to develop programs and collaborations to connect residential design, construction and technology professionals. In addition to its participation in CEDIA Expo, the NKBA has announced a strategic partnership with The Home Technology Association (HTA).

HTA helps home design and building professionals find qualified home technology installation firms for residential construction projects by providing specifiers with an independent method to evaluate the technical competence, customer service, and reputation of home technology professionals. HTA's mission is to certify the best technology installation firms in the industry.

"Whole home integrated technology is now a household norm," said Bill Darcy, CEO of NKBA. "The NKBA has embraced the importance of smart home devices to create a custom-tailored environment that matches today's lifestyle needs. We are very pleased to partner with HTA to further educate and connect our kitchen & bath industry members with whole home technology integration services, firms and products into their projects."

Through this new partnership, HTA will provide NKBA members access to HTA's robust library of educational resources, including articles, webinars, and videos that have proven beneficial in educating, inspiring, and engaging architects, designers, and specifiers. In turn, the NKBA will work to inform and develop collaborative opportunities with design and construction members and HTA Certified home technology integrators.

To help NKBA members facilitate technology in their designs, the HTA has created a new Project Technology Assessment form that provides a listing of the type of technology that could possibly be needed in a new or remodeled home. This is available now and free for NKBA members, who are encouraged to download and use this checklist here.

"Home design and construction is at a turning point as homeowners are becoming more aware of the safety, convenience, and entertainment that modern home technology systems can provide. I am happy to announce our new collaboration with the NKBA as they are an advocate of designer – integrator collaboration," said Josh Christian, CEO of HTA. "The NKBA leadership recognizes the fact that to meet client needs effectively, determining a project's technology needs must be part of the designer's process. The goal of this collaboration is for NKBA's members to learn about home technology options, how to engage their clients on the topic, and to help them team up with design-minded technology integrators."

NKBA Kitchen Tech + Design – NKBA Live Special Episode
To kick off this strategic partnership, Josh Christian, CEO of HTA, will be moderating a panel discussion at the NKBA Live Special Kitchen Tech + Design episode on May 5 from 2 p.m. – 3 pm ET. The panel will also include two designers who have worked with millennials and have some experience with integrating technology into the kitchen. Register here for this special NKBA Live event.

NKBA.org HTA Partnership Page
The NKBA has developed a landing page on NKBA.org devoted to connecting NKBA and HTA professionals. NKBA and HTA members will be able to search the page to find potential partners as well as participate in learning programs and webinars.  The NKBA welcomes HTA members to join the NKBA and participate in regional chapter programs, national events and initiatives. Go here to view the NKBA/HTA partnership page.