Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JULY 2025 30 A S S O C I AT I O N [ N E W S ] A n NKBA | KBIS Award win is more than just a trophy – it's a career-elevating transformation. Just being a finalist in the NKBA | KBIS Design Competition comes with significant benefits and exposure, including prizes, a comprehensive KBIS package, media coverage, advertising opportunities, and social media recognition. CASH PRIZES Substantial cash prizes are at stake as well. The Best Overall Kitchen and Best Overall Bath awards each offer $25,000, a $5,000 increase from last year. Another new bonus this year adds an additional $25,000 if a certified NKBA designer wins either of these top awards, potentially totaling $50,000 per category. Category awards are also significant, with 1st Place receiving $5,000, 2nd Place $3,000, and 3rd Place $2,000. EXTENSIVE INDUSTRY RECOGNITION Additionally, selected finalists receive industry partner recognitions. This year, the program includes an award for Best Use of Smart Home Technology – sponsored and judged by CEDIA – awarded to the best technology integrator. This award also includes a substantial monetary prize. NKBA features winners prominently on its websites, in articles, on social media, and through media relationships, including print and email advertising. This exposure helps boost your professional visibility and credibility within the industry. TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATIONS Winners receive a complimentary trip to KBIS that includes one paid flight, three nights of hotel accommodations, two tickets to the Design Awards, two KBIS Expo passes, two tickets to The BASH party, and one three -day Voices From the Industry Conference pass. This valuable package also offers networking and professional development opportunities. EXPERIENCES FROM AWARD WINNERS Thu Trinh, Winner of Best Overall Kitchen 2025, shared that attending KBIS in Las Vegas was amazing and energizing. "Just being surrounded by so much creativity and passion was really energizing," he reports. "The NKBA took care of everything, which made it easy to focus on just enjoying the experience, connecting with other pros, and soaking in all the inspiration." The prize money also boosted her business. "It gave me room to invest in better tools and some long-overdue upgrades," she added. "It also let me take a step back and focus on planning ahead, which was huge for me and the direction of my business." Winning significantly raised her visibility within the industry, too, leading to more client inquiries and a boost in confidence. "I've connected with more designers, vendors, and potential clients, and it's opened the door to exciting conversations that weren't happening before," Trinh continued. "It's been a great way to grow my network and presence." Finally, Trinh advises entrants to "put your heart into it and tell a story with your design" and show their point of view. "Don't try to follow trends," Trinh concluded. "If you believe in the work, others will, too." Gina D'Amore Bauerle, a multi-year winner, including Best Overall Bath 2025, describes her KBIS trip as filled with opportunities to make face-to-face connections with people she would normally only talk to on the phone. "It's a very exciting feeling being able to see firsthand all the latest and greatest projects," Gina added. She also notes that the cash prize helped justify expenses like photo shoots and travel, and that the national recognition from NKBA was "priceless." Gina observed, "The exposure to the industry helps build stronger connections for future collaborations, adds prestige to your portfolio, and encourages clients to be your next winner. Sharing the news that my projects are receiving national attention also gives me more leverage when working with clients and trades." Finally, D'Amore Bauerle advises entrants to get a copy of the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Planning Guidelines and invest in architectural interiors photography: "Make sure your drawings comply – and allow your work to come through the photos!" Now, visit www.nkba.org/design-competition to win! FROM TROPHY TO TRANSFORMATION How an NKBA | KBIS Award win elevates your career

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