Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JULY 2016 52 I f you've ever had a project you were particularly proud of, whether it was meeting the needs of an exceptionally picky client or solving a perplexing design challenge, then you know how rewarding good design can be. Now it's time to get the industry recognition you deserve. Every year, The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) recognizes outstanding talent in the world of kitchen and bath design in the annual NKBA Design Competition. But a winning entry is one that goes beyond just a beautiful design; entries are judged on functionality, meeting the needs of the client, life safety concerns, and kitchen and bath drawing standards, as well as the elements and principles of design. Exclusive to NKBA members, the competition allows entrants to truly showcase their expertise in the realm of kitchen and bath design. NKBA ensures that their Design Competition winners receive the recognition they deserve throughout the industry. This year's winners will be honored at an exclusive awards event during KBIS 2017 in Orlando next January. They will also receive a share of over $60,000 in cash prizes, and will be featured in various NKBA communications, such as the NKBA Magazine (Inspiration and Innovation), the weekly newsletter, collateral materials, social media, on NKBA.org and in the NKBA Booth at KBIS 2017. Many of the past winning projects have been published in other leading industry publications as well. So far, sponsors for the competition include Home Depot and 2020. The 2017 NKBA Design Competition began accepting member submissions June 1, 2016, and entries submitted between June 1, 2016 and July 1, 2016 qualified for an early bird entry fee of $75. Any entries received after that must pay the regular entry fee of $90. The deadline for all entries to be received at the NKBA Headquarters is August 5, 2016. So, how do you know if the project you'd like to enter qualifies? If you are a NKBA member and your project was installed in 2015 or 2016, it is eligible to be entered. You may enter your project in one of six main award categories as well as several specialty categories. The main categories are Small Kitchen, Medium Kitchen, and Large Kitchen; Powder Room, Small Bathroom, and Large Bathroom. There are also overall awards for Best Kitchen and Best Bath. You may choose to have your entry considered for one or more of the specialty categories as well. Specialty award categories include Best Before & After, Best Budget- Friendly, Best Green Design, and Best Universal Design. In addition, all builder/remodeler entrants will automatically be considered for the Clay Lyon Builder/Remodeler Memorial Award, in honor of Clay Lyon, CR, 2012 NKBA Secretary. To find more information on the competition including the entry process, categories, prizes, guidelines, and more, or to download the official entry packet, visit NKBA.org/Competition. You can also learn in detail about the competition's entry process and expectations by watching a four-part instructional video series on "How to Enter the NKBA Design Competition," presented by 2014/2015 Design Competition Judge Peter Albanese, CKD, CBD. If you're not already a member, you can visit NKBA.org. Join to enroll in order to be eligible for the competition. RO SHOWCASE YOUR DESIGN PROWESS IN THE 2017 NKBA DESIGN COMPETITION A S S O C I A T I O N N E W S

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