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RETAILOBSERVER.COM JULY 2024 22 A S S O C I AT I O N [ N E W S ] N KBA|KBIS celebrates the achievements and outstanding talents of kitchen and bath designers and remodelers each year at the Kitchen & Bath Design + Industry Awards, the gala that kicks off the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. In 2025, the event will take place February 24 in Las Vegas, just ahead of the opening of KBIS and Design & Construction Week (DCW), February 25 to 27. In recent years, NKBA|KBIS has streamlined the competition and significantly increased the prize money. This prestigious professional competition draws hundreds of applicants, who vie for a total of $100,000 in cash prizes in three kitchen and three bath categories. The association is accepting entries for the competition through July 26. Designers may enter projects in the following kitchen categories: Small Kitchen (under 300 square feet), Large Kitchen (over 300 square feet) and Specialty Kitchen, such as an outdoor, guest house, Kosher, scullery or "dirty" kitchen. Among the bath categories, prizes will be awarded for Primary Bath, Secondary Bath and Powder Room (no shower or tub). The first-place winner in each category will receive a cash prize of $5,000. Second-place winners each will take home $3,000 and all third-place honorees will be awarded $2,000. Additionally, one Best Overall Bath and one Best Overall Kitchen will be selected from among the first-place winners in all categories, and those designers will win another $20,000 apiece. "NKBA|KBIS is home to so many talented designers and remodelers, and we are thrilled to recognize them in a grand celebration," said Bill Darcy, Global President and CEO of the association. "It's an exciting night for our industry, and an exciting time in design for kitchens and bath spaces. We can't wait to see what this year's competition brings." Besides the cash prizes, finalists also receive tickets to the Design Awards gala, and their projects will be featured in multiple print and digital media outlets. The Design Awards and Opening Night Party is a can't-miss celebratory kick-off featuring a buffet dinner, open bar and entertainment. KBIS 2025 registration will open in September. The 2024 show drew the largest attendance in its 60-year history, with more than 55,500 registered for KBIS alone and over 117,000 visitors for all DCW. SCORING AND JUDGING The competition entries will be scored based on six core areas, including creativity, presentation, design planning, elements and principles of design, safety and ergonomics, and adherence to the NKBA Planning Guidelines (4th Edition). Judges will evaluate the entries over two rounds, the first of which will be based on creativity, innovation and the "Wow Factor." Entries moving on to Round 2 will be notified in early August. In the second phase of judging, NKBA-certified designers will take a deeper dive into technical aspects of the projects. NKBA expects to announce finalists in September. Entrants must complete the entry form and submit up to 10 photos, floorplans, elevations and construction drawings, as well as a detailed design statement highlighting special features, smart-home and other technology, how client needs were met and how challenges were solved, and any other notable design elements that set the project apart. WHO CAN ENTER? Entering is fully digital, with easy-to-follow instructions online at nkba.org/design-competition. Entries and all fees must be received by July 26, 2024, 11:59 PM (Eastern). The individual designer of record may credit up to two co-designers for any given project. Non-NKBA members are welcome to participate, but NKBA members save significantly on entry fees. Members may enter their first project for $175, second project for $150, and subsequent projects for $100 per entry. Non-member pricing is $225 for the first project, $200 for the second entry and $175 for each additional project. Please visit www.nkba.org/signup to learn more about the benefits of membership and to join the association. Please visit www.nkba.org/design-competition for additional details and an entry packet . NKBA'S DESIGN COMPETITION SHOWCASES EXTRAORDINARY TALENT Enter for a chance to win cash prizes totaling $100,000 and kudos at KBIS 2025

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