The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), the authority on all things residential kitchen and bath, has restructured its annual professional Design Competition to benefit all industry designers and construction professionals, regardless of their membership status with the NKBA. This year's competition makes entering projects quick, easy and open to all. NKBA members' first entry is free if submitted by June 15.

The professional Design Competition offers a chance to compete for thousands of dollars in prizes in 10 kitchen and bath categories plus the Clay Lyon Builder/Remodeler award. Among other perks, the top two overall winners will be featured in a spread in Luxe Interior + Design magazine and will meet privately with Cindy Allen, editor-in -chief of Interior Design magazine and chief content officer of Sandow Media, parent of Interior Design and Luxe.  

Design categories include large and small contemporary kitchen, large and small contemporary bath, large and small traditional kitchen, large and small traditional bath, outdoor kitchen and design for Living In Place.

To be eligible, a project must have been installed between Jan. 1, 2018, and July 11, 2019.

All entry packets must be received at NKBA Headquarters by Thursday, July 11, 2019, 11:59 p.m. EDT.

The winners will be revealed on Jan. 20, 2020, the eve of the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), which takes place Jan. 21-23, 2020, in Las Vegas.

The renamed NKBA Kitchen & Bath Design + Industry Awards, which will continue to precede the Opening Night Gala in the Encore Ballroom at the Encore Hotel, now encompasses the professional Design Competition, the Innovative Showroom Awards, the Hall of Fame honoree induction, the Chairman's Award as well as recognition of student design competition winners and NKBA members marking 50 years of membership or certification.

"The NKBA strives to be an all-industry authority on the residential kitchen and bath market," said Suzie Williford, chief strategy officer and executive vice president, industry relations, NKBA. "We are proud to open the NKBA award competitions to include all industry participants and we anticipate more diverse projects and more interest and support of the Association overall."

Design Competition Structure

First-round entries will submit two high-resolution (300 dpi) photographs, a completed entry form and fee.

Designers whose projects are selected to move into Round 2 of judging will be notified on July 29 and asked to upload additional materials to their submission folder. This will include up to 10 more high-res photos; a detailed design statement; drawings (construction, floorplans, elevations, mechanical); specifications form; client property and photographer release forms; a business owner form; a headshot; and a brief biography.

As a continued benefit, NKBA members' first entry is free if submitted by June 15, and for subsequent entries or entries after the early period, members enjoy a discounted rate per entry of $129. The entry fee for non-members is $199.

The 2020 NKBA Design Competition Entry Packet provides comprehensive information on the entry process as well as competition rules and requirements. More information can be found on the NKBA website. 

The 2020 Hall of Fame Nominations

Nominations for 2020 Hall of Fame honors will be held in the month of September. Each year, the NKBA looks to recognize professionals who have made a significant and enduring contribution to the development of the kitchen and bath industry, either in service to industry organizations including but not limited to the NKBA, or having changed the industry by developing an innovative product or manufacturing process. They must have a long history in the business and an impeccable record of integrity and respect, demonstrating leadership and corporate citizenship. For more information or to nominate an individual for Hall of Fame consideration, click, or visit www.nkba.org for details.