At the KBIS 2026 Luxury Lounge, design journalist Sophie Donelson’s conversation with Cathy Purple Cherry of Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors made one point clear: Human-centered design starts with honesty about how people actually live. They discussed what it really means to design for the way people live and create homes that are deeply personal and unapologetically human. It’s about shaping homes around habits, relationships, limitations, rituals and daily life.

Ask Better Questions

How do clients move through stress? What patterns define their mornings? Are they raising children, caring for a disabled family member, adjusting to retirement or trying to protect a marriage under one roof? Purple Cherry’s work is grounded in empathy, informed by her own experience with caregiving and advocacy. She uses those insights to design spaces that solve real problems rather than perform an ideal.

Design Scenarios

In primary baths, she favors shared zones that preserve connection – especially for couples raising families – while still allowing personal space at the vanity. In kitchens, she supports secondary prep spaces but warns against placing a cooktop in the back kitchen, where the cook is pushed out of the social life of the home. Support spaces should reduce clutter, not isolate the person doing the work.

Purple Cherry also pushes back on perfectionism as a design driver. Not every client needs a picture-perfect organizing system, and mess is not a moral failure. For many households, visible life is simply evidence of a full day. Good design should respond to that truth with smart storage and flexible planning.

Her broader message is one many designers will recognize: A home becomes meaningful when it reflects the people inside it. That includes aging-related decisions, neurodiverse needs, walkable layouts and the final layer of rugs, art, objects and collected pieces. In Purple Cherry’s view, those layers do more than decorate; they make a house feel human.

Click HERE to get notified when registration for KBIS 2027 opens.

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Above: Left to right – Brian Pagel, Executive Vice President Business Development, Emerald Expositions; Kerrie Kelly, NKBA Board of Directors Chair; Bill Darcy, Global President and CEO, NKBA | KBIS; Cândida Cervieri, Executive Director, ABIMÓVEL; Geraldine Morrison, Chief Partnerships Officer, Domestic & Global Brands, NKBA; Indira Ribeiro Franca, Vice President International Business Development, Emerald Expositions; and Paulo Roberto da Silva, Coordinator of Industry and Services, APEX Photo: NKBA

This exclusive NKBA international business development initiative is designed to bring the global kitchen and bath community together by exchanging market insights, information, and product development ideas. Through a network of expert advisors, exclusive research and content, the program shares go-to-market strategies to help international companies explore business opportunities in North America. NKBA Global Connect Strategic Alliance Partners agree to collaborate and cooperate on mutually beneficial programs, sharing business and market insights for the benefit of the global kitchen and bath industry. Demonstrating this collaboration and cooperation, NKBA recently visited the Brazil Pavilion at Salone del Mobile.Milano to witness the craftmanship, innovation and ambition on display and held productive discussions on how to bring this excitement to KBIS 2027.

“We are delighted to team with ABIMÓVEL, one of the Brazilian furniture sector’s most influential and prominent trade associations, and to welcome them as an NKBA Global Connect Strategic Alliance Partner,” said Geraldine Morrison, Chief Partnerships Officer, Domestic & Global Brands, for NKBA. “We believe that working with this outstanding organization will facilitate a meaningful dialogue among business entities in both our markets as highlighted by our recent conversation with ABIMÓVEL at Salone. NKBA Global Connect helps to foster a greater understanding of the nuances of conducting business internationally, particularly for global companies that wish to explore entry into the North American market. We are committed to increasing opportunities for our members to connect with international firms, and to providing the tools for companies around the world to do business here.”

ABIMÓVEL has represented Brazil’s furniture industry for nearly five decades, working to support, develop and strengthen the sector both nationally and internationally. Today, Brazil is the largest furniture producer in Latin America and the seventh largest in the world, a position that reflects the strategic relevance of a diverse, far-reaching production chain closely aligned with the transformations shaping today’s market. Throughout its history, the association has led an agenda focused on business development, competitiveness, design, sustainability, technical standardization, innovation and internationalization, supporting companies of all sizes, segments and regions across the country.

The Brazilian Furniture Project is the platform through which ABIMÓVEL, in partnership with ApexBrasil – the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency – structures the international presence of Brazil’s furniture industry. Bringing together companies, designers, suppliers and buyers from key global markets, the initiative combines trade promotion, networking and strategic brand positioning, thereby generating business opportunities while projecting the country’s image across the sector’s leading hubs and events.

“We are proud to join NKBA in exploring and expanding opportunities for our members in the North American kitchen and bath market,” said Cândida Cervieri, Executive Director of ABIMÓVEL. “Our primary mission is to strengthen the competitiveness of our companies and advance the internationalization of Brazil’s wood and furniture production chain in a strategic and assertive way. Supporting this sector, which plays a fundamental role in our country’s economy, will always remain our main priority. We look forward to working with NKBA toward these goals in a way that benefits both industries and nations.”

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Designing Light Panel

Any designer who has ever tried to retrofit lighting to an existing space knows that great lighting is a foundational design element—not an afterthought. Lighting has a critical impact on how people experience spaces, and this panel focused on how designers can use lighting to elevate their projects.

When should we talk about lighting with clients? Immediately, agreed the panel, while noting that education is key—as clients are often surprised by the cost of quality lighting and may at first be resistant to investing in a lighting specialist. “It will cost more money, but it will save money in the end,” said Kim Scodoro, “because you’ll avoid costly mistakes.”

Technology is a more recent consideration for those early client conversations. “Smart lighting has gone from being a gimmick to something people want—it’s expected,” noted Kristina Christopher.

Becca Ryan advises clients to consider how they want to experience their home throughout the entire day: “How do they want a space to feel at 7am versus noon versus after hours?”

Aside from ambient lighting, task lighting and decorative spotlighting, lighting strategy can surprise and delight clients by anticipating their needs—through details such as lighting over kitchen countertops as well as inside closets and bars.

Color should always be planned in tandem with lighting, as clients can fall in love with a paint color without realizing the effect of light. On that note, layering light is key. “Always layer, always dim,” emphasized Kristina. “Never have just one source of light.”

And again, bring in your specialist. “The most important thing I’ve learned is to stay in your lane, “emphasized Kim. “You don’t know everything. Don’t try to wear too many hats.”

For more on NKBA’s panels at the 2026 High Point Spring Market, click HERE.

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At the Luxury Lounge during KBIS 2026, journalist and author Sophie Donelson had a chat with Mandy Cheng, an interior designer from Los Angeles. They touched on several topics, central to which are interior design, Cheng’s career journey and personal experiences and a glimpse into her home renovation projects.

Cheng embodies design that balances elegant aesthetics with day-to-day practicality. She shared how a well-curated environment can help individuals focus and thrive, demonstrating that beauty and function work best together.

Professional Journey

Cheng’s path from production design in film to interiors has strongly influenced her approach. Her film background honed her resourcefulness, spatial storytelling and fast decision-making – skills that now help her create homes tailored to routines and personal needs. Her transition highlights how creative skills can cross industries and inspire new perspectives.

Design for Real Life

The designer’s personal experience renovating her home gave her firsthand insight into the real-life challenges clients face. Managing a limited budget meant making difficult choices – opting for creative solutions over luxury splurges when necessary. This process deepened her empathy for clients and reinforced her belief that restraint, not excess, often leads to the most satisfying designs.

Cheng’s acknowledges that being in Los Angeles provides access to unique opportunities and exposure but credits her growth to a realistic design process and clarity of vision. Despite her success, she shares a grounded perspective on budgeting, acknowledging the financial surprises that come with personal projects compared to client work.

Personal Philosophy

Through her career and projects, Cheng offers valuable lessons: Prioritize spaces that work for real life, use every professional experience as a steppingstone, embrace creative constraints and recognize that acclaim comes from steady, intentional work. Her story reminds designers and creatives that strong results stem from adaptability, authenticity and a deep understanding of both the practical and aspirational sides of home.

Click HERE to learn more about the 2026 Luxury Lounge at KBIS.

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Above photo: Armac Martin’s Highbury Collection is made from lost wax castings using molds formed from real lemons and inspired by the tactility of honeycomb. The cabinet knobs and handles, cup pulls and finger pulls feature intricate surface textures. Available in silicon bronze or white bronze.

Favorite KBIS 2026 Products From the KBB Editors

A versatile alternative to heavy slabs, Canvastone from Buca Interior Solutions is a textured wallcovering made of 100% recycled marble dust on a canvas backing. The flexible stone veneer is offered in 38 standard patterns and can also be custom printed. bucastore.com

Shelving, sink and kitchen island bases, pot racks, mirrors and closet systems from Worthen Custom Iron & Brass are hand-crafted of iron and brass to add a heritage look to spaces throughout the home.

The SKS Hidden Induction Island System integrates a powerful induction cooktop seamlessly under the surface of the kitchen island, delivering a minimalist aesthetic without compromising cooking performance. A concealed downdraft vent keeps the look clean.

TOTO’s Aurora Toilet features the Integravity System, a new gravity-driven flush engine that precisely balances powerful flushing with enhanced bowl-cleaning performance. Using a dual-tank, dual-valve architecture, it sequences rim wash and siphon jet for controlled, efficient results at just 1.28 GPF. totousa.com

For more information on KBIS and to receive an alert when registration for the 2027 show opens, click HERE.

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Sherman, who has been in the industry for 43 years and in her own business for 24, shared advice from her “Tips from the Trade” blog on her Thyme & Place website. Her overarching message was to continue learning about all facets of the industry and to capitalize on available resources to grow volume and profitability in a proprietary business.

“I try to provide info that’s good for manufacturers and designers,” said Sherman, “and to provide a full-bodied read that’s fun — and you learn something from it.”

Butler asked Sherman to share key strategies that will help designers improve their processes.

Value Your Work

Sherman said one of the key things designers must recognize is their value to the remodeling process. She always charges a consultation fee but donates 40 to 50% of it to a local social services organization in Ridgewood, NJ.

“Things that have no value are given no value; think about what ‘free design’ means,” she said. “This is a business, and if someone is not willing to invest in me, I’m not benefiting. So, I started collecting a consultation fee, and if they don’t use me, I donate it to the community. My clients and potential clients like knowing that up front. I believe that what you put out into the universe, you get back. It’s a win-win.”

Use Available Resources & Learn from Other People’s Mistakes

As part of her own journey, Sherman wrote three “Guidebooks” that share useful information, strategic advice and missteps to avoid.

“You learn from your mistakes, but you also lose money,” she acknowledged. “I created a series of guidebooks to help people learn from my mistakes. When I started, I had no idea about the business side of things – and no one helped me. So, I feel a responsibility to share my mistakes and what I learned from them, help others and to train the next generation and set them on a path for success. It’s a ‘pay-it-forward’ approach.”

The guidebooks detail several key topics:

• How to interview clients to help them discover what they want
• Project and timeline checklists
• Real contracts that protect profits and that include critical clauses
• How to determine budgets
• Systems to help prevent mistakes
• Creating a lasting client experience that results in referrals

The Guidebooks may be purchased on Sherman’s Thyme & Place Design website and are segmented into three phases of a project: 1. Design Phase: Foundation for Success; 2. Procurement Phase: Systems That Scale; and 3. Job Completion Phase: Creating Lifelong Clients. She said she plans to continue the guidebook series and start a podcast in the year ahead.

Pay Close Attention to Contracts

“Make sure you have an attorney review your standard contract who knows our business,” she stressed. “Make sure your contract includes start and stop dates, covers your responsibility – and spells it all out in detail. This includes what you’re doing and what you’re not doing.”

The contract also needs to set boundaries for the client, such as what they need to do and what they may not do, that they must be respectful of the designers’ time and how communication is handled – for instance, a timeframe within which a client may expect an email reply, or not to call on a Sunday.

The contract should also specify how products must be stored. The designer can’t be held responsible if the client leaves materials out in the elements if they are delivered to the job site but are not yet ready for installation.

“Protect yourself, your project, your workers and your client.”

Don’t Be Afraid of AI

“AI is not going away, but it’s not replacing us, either,” said Sherman. “It’s just like when computer-aided design came on the scene. It’s a tool, we learn how to use it, and it evolves.

“But don’t let AI represent your work,” she cautioned. “Use it as a tool to help you, to shorten the design cycle and to fill in the blank of a skill you might not have.”

Talk the Talk

Sherman advised designers to learn to speak the language of construction professionals. “Understanding ‘construction talk’ allows designers to communicate with contractors knowledgeably and ensures mutual respect,” she said.

Don’t Limit Yourself to K&B

“There’s an intersection between the kitchen and bath sector and overall interior design,” said Sherman, noting that attending an event like High Point Spring Market (April 25-29 in High Point, N.C.) presents an extraordinary opportunity to see and learn from this growing convergence. “I think of myself as a design professional who specializes in kitchen and bath because my clients expect more. As K&B designers, our superpower is all the technical knowledge we have, about everything that goes on behind the walls. It goes deeper than colors and material choices.”

Sherman added that the industry is at the forefront of the health and wellness movement in residential design and that kitchen and bath are the most important centers of influence on the well-being of the people living in that space.

“We can be the ‘one call’ – a singular design vision for the full space,” she added. “This is why we should come together, not in competition but in collaboration, and blend the two disciplines…because kitchen and bath drive the whole design concept of the house.”

She concluded that designers should not be obsessed with chasing “likes” on the Internet. “That’s fleeting,” she said. “Create a strategic plan and develop your own design philosophy.

Read the original article HERE.

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The post Getting to Know the KBIS 2026 Innovation Hour Winners appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Business.

On our most recent From the Tap podcast, KBB had a chance to speak to reps from the KBIS 2026 Innovation Hour winners on what makes their winning products stand out in terms of audience need, aesthetics and technological advancements.

LG’s SIGNATURE 21-cubic-foot Counter-Depth with Zero Clearance 4-Door French Door Refrigerator with Thin Door Design won the “I’d Spec That Tomorrow” category; Caesarstone Icon won the “Most Innovative” category; and MAGPPIE Silverstone won the “Most Unexpected” category.

 These standouts are changing the direction of home design – each raising the bar for performance, health, and aesthetics.

LG SIGNATURE: Redefining Seamless Integration

This year’s “I’d Spec That Tomorrow” winner, the LG SIGNATURE 21-cubic-foot Counter-Depth Refrigerator, creates a seamless built-in look with the flexibility of a freestanding appliance. Key features include Zero-Clearance doors (designed for truly flush installation), a Craft Ice maker crafting slow-melting ice spheres and a Full Convert Drawer with four different temperature zones. Elegant gold accents and a minimalist profile add a sophisticated touch, while LG’s innovative design solves the classic challenge of integrated refrigeration: doors that open fully, even next to cabinetry. For those craving refined design with smart performance, this is the new standard.

Caesarstone Icon: Rethinking the Surface

Caesarstone’s “Most Innovative” win belongs to Icon, their trailblazing surface made without crystalline silica – a major milestone for health and sustainability. Inspired by nature’s colors and the play of light in stone and water, Icon challenges expectations with rich, warm tones and striking depth. This launch appeals to designers and homeowners who want surfaces that make a statement and support evolving wellness standards. Ready to see the kitchen in a new light? Icon might be your answer.

MAGPPIE Silverstone: Wellness Meets Wow

Meet the “Most Unexpected” winner, MAGPPIE’s Silverstone. Silver is infused directly into the stone, yielding a surface that’s naturally mold- and bacteria-resistant. The innovation extends beyond countertops – think cabinetry and floors with the look of marble and none of the toxicity of traditional glues or resins. For homeowners valuing hygiene, resilience and uncompromising beauty, Silverstone is the next chapter in kitchen materials. Imagine a kitchen that looks remarkable and works as hard as you do.

Want a preview of tomorrow’s kitchens and baths? These KBIS Innovation Hour winners offer a glimpse: seamless integration, material innovation and design that prioritizes both beauty and wellbeing.

The post Meet the KBIS 2026 Innovation Hour Winners appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Business.

This April, the NKBA introduces “The Spring Edit at High Point Market,” an immersive showroom featuring the next evolution in kitchen and bath design. Building on the successful debut of the NKBA Design Hub last fall, the programming will bring leading designers, editors and brands together to explore the ideas, materials and technologies shaping the future of the home.

“Kitchen and bath have become central to how designers think about the style and functionality of the entire home, ” said Bill Darcy, global president and CEO of NKBA | KBIS. “High Point Market offers an incredible opportunity to bring the design community together around these conversations, and we’re thrilled to continue the momentum sparked by our fall debut.”

To refresh the space for Spring Market, the NKBA Design Hub terrace will be transformed into a garden-party-inspired setting, where elevated food and beverage offerings will accompany a series of panel discussions, creating a welcoming destination to learn from industry leaders while connecting with peers and brand partners. Indoors, curated vignettes and in-booth displays throughout the space will bring new introductions and styles to life, offering an immersive experience for attendees.

“Broad Hall has quickly become a must-visit destination for designers looking for inspiration and ideas on how to expand and elevate their business through kitchen and bath design,” said Patty Dominguez, vice president of business development for Cosentino Americas. “We’re proud to partner with NKBA to create a space where designers can engage directly with brands and explore what’s next for the home.”

The Spring Market showing builds on the inspiring kitchen and bath vignettes introduced in the fall, featuring 15 brand partners: Cosentino, Kichler, James Martin Vanities, Ferguson Home, Sherwin-Williams, Fabuwood, BlueStar, Signature Hardware, Miele, Urban Bonfire, Lutron, FreePower, Blanco, Feeney and Azenco.

Each day offers an opportunity to engage with leading designers alongside editors from top design publications and industry experts. The full schedule at Broad Hall includes:

Saturday, April 25

9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Showroom Open to Market Attendees

10 – 11 a.m.
Brunch & Panel – Designing with Light: Layering, Materials and the Architecture of Illumination, moderated by Kaitlin Petersen, editor in chief, Business of Home, in conversation with Jaque Bethke, Jaque Bethke Design; Jerel Lake, Lake Haus Designs; Kim Scodro, Kim Scodro Interiors; Kristina Christopher, chief marketing offcer, Kichler Lighting; and Becca Ryan, senior sales manager, Lutron. On the menu: morning bites, prosecco and coffee bar.

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch & Panel – Invisible Luxury: How Hidden Technology and Premium Materials Are Redefining the Bath, moderated by Carisha Swanson, director of editorial special projects, House Beautiful, in conversation with Mikel Welch, Mikel Welch Interiors + Lifestyle; Kelly Collier Clark, House of Clark Interiors; Pam Durkin, president, James Martin Vanities; and Jake Slatnick, founder & CEO, FreePower, with special thanks to Cosentino. On the menu: seasonal lunch, spritz cart and iced tea station.

4 – 5 p.m.
What’s Next in Design – Presented by Jaye Anna Mize, vice president at Future Snoops. This session explores the cultural, climate and technology shifts reshaping how clients want to live and what interior designers should consider as kitchens, baths and the broader home evolve toward greater resilience, adaptability and everyday relevance.

5:30 – 7 p.m.
Bubbles, Bites & Blooms: NKBA “The Spring Edit” Reception. Join the National Kitchen & Bath Association, Cosentino, and 14 leading kitchen and bath brands as they toast to Spring Market. Hosted on the newly refreshed outdoor terrace, guests can enjoy cocktails and refreshments.

Sunday, April 26

9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Showroom Open to Market Attendees

10 – 11 a.m.
Brunch & Panel – Open-Air Living: Designing the Ultimate Outdoor Experience, moderated by Andrea Lillo, executive editor, Designers Today, in conversation with Alena Capra, Alena Capra Designs; Daniel Keeley, DK Design; Stephanie Larsen, Stephanie Larsen Interior Design; Lisa Mende, Lisa Mende Design; and Ashley Smith, director of architect & designer partnerships, Urban Bonfire, with special thanks to Feeney and Azenco. On the menu: morning bites, prosecco and coffee bar.

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch & Panel – The Power of Palette & Material: Designing Spaces That Feel Intentional, moderated by Mel Studach, senior editor, ADPro, in conversation with Ashley Gilbreath, Ashley Gilbreath Interior Design; Anita Yokota, Anita Yokota Design; Johnathan Sanders, president, Signature Hardware; and Sue Wadden, director of color marketing, Global Architecture Group, Sherwin-Williams. On the menu: seasonal lunch, spritz cart and sweet treats.

3 – 4 p.m.
NKBA Reveals Top Trends in Luxury Design, hosted by NKBA’s Tricia Zach, director of research, and Blair Loftspring, director of brand partnership programs, who will share new findings from NKBA’s latest research report, all about what homeowners are looking for in luxury design.

Monday, April 27

9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Showroom Open to Market Attendees

10 – 11 a.m.
Brunch & Panel – The New Luxury: Designing for Daily Wellness, moderated by Sarah Shelton, senior market editor, Luxe Interiors + Design, in conversation with Arianne Bellizaire, Arianne Bellizaire Interiors; Matt French, French & French Interiors; Emery Murphy, design manager, Miele; and Caroline Danielson, senior director of showrooms, Ferguson Home. On the menu: wellness brunch and coffee bar.

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch & Panel – The Custom Kitchen Conversation: Designing Kitchens as Personal Statements, moderated by Chandler Pibl, interiors market editor, Modern Luxury Interiors, in conversation with Nikki Levy, Nikki Levy Interiors; Megan Siason, M Studio Interior Design; Jaque Bethke, Jaque Bethke Design; and Ann Muth, vice president of marketing, BlueStar, with special thanks to Fabuwood. On the menu: seasonal lunch, spritz cart and sweet treats.

Tuesday, April 28 – Wednesday, April 29

9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Showroom Open to Market Attendees

The post NKBA Unveils Broad Hall High Point Spring Market Programming appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Business.

The results, weighted by number of votes, were shared across participants’ social platforms and Designhounds social media channels and reflect the most compelling innovations, designs, and emerging trends shaping the kitchen and bath industry in 2026.

Designhounds Top Selected Brands & Favorite Finds

Modern Matter Cabinet Hardware
Modern Matter emerged as the top-selected brand among Designhounds participants. The company’s jewelry-inspired hardware is hand-crafted from solid brass with striking applied finishes and semi-precious stones. Participants praised the brand’s customization options and its ability to transform cabinetry into a statement of luxury and personal expression. Standouts included the Dogwood Collection and the Serpentine Pull, as well as a collaboration with Benjamin Moore featuring the brand’s Color of the Year.

“Modern Matter crafts jewelry inspired pulls, backplates and knobs for cabinetry. Their hand-crafted pieces forged from solid brass with striking applied finishes and glittering semi-precious stones provide the bling that simply makes a cabinet sing.” – Kimberly Kerl, Kerl Design

Kohler Co.
Kohler claimed the second spot with a diverse array of products spanning smart toilet technology, wellness innovation and sustainability. Highlights included the Kohler x Studio McGee Claude Toilet, praised as a first-of-its-kind traditional smart toilet, the Cinq Filtered Showerhead with its built-in water filtration system, Dekoda Kohler Health technology powered by advanced optical sensors, and the Kohler x Remedy Place Ice Bath, which brings programmable cold plunge and warm soak capabilities into the home.

“Kohler Health technology is powered by advanced optical sensors and spectroscopy, which effortlessly observe how light interacts with your waste, thereby translating what your body leaves behind into real-time data for healthy living.” – Lori Carpenter, Lori Carpenter Designs / The 3rd Phase

EcoDomo | Hendel & Hendel
EcoDomo and Hendel & Hendel, who tied for top selection honors, are celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship and elevated material applications. EcoDomo’s leather-wrapped cabinetry panels, available in a wide range of textures, colors, and applications, were lauded for bringing warmth, tactility, and sustainability to interior spaces. Hendel & Hendel’s exquisite cabinetry hardware was described by participants as true jewelry for the home.

“EcoDomo’s craftsmanship and innovation in leather-wrapped cabinetry completely redefine what custom millwork can be. Every detail feels intentional, tactile, and timeless.” – Mariana Loya, LIT Design Co.

James Martin Vanities | FreePower | Empava
Also tied for the final top selection recognition were three brands advancing the intersection of design and technology. James Martin Vanities impressed with integrated wireless charging built into Cosentino countertops via FreePower’s Wipe-to-Wake Undercounter Charging Stations, a quiet luxury feature reducing cord clutter without sacrificing power. Empava’s dual cold plunge and soaking hot tub, as well as its standalone cold plunge tub with an integrated chilling system capable of reaching 34°F, spoke to the surging demand for at-home wellness solutions with a sophisticated design footprint.

For more of the Designhounds’ favorite finds at KBIS 2026, click through the gallery.

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Above photo: Members of the California Capital Chapter participated in Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build Day in Sacramento.
Photo by Yvonne Harty, CKBD; courtesy of NKBA.

Building Hope With California Capital

In March, members of the NKBA California Capital Chapter stepped away from their desks and design studios to participate in Sacramento Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build Day. Ten NKBA volunteers worked on homes under construction, performing hands-on tasks such as painting and installing siding.

Working together outside a traditional professional setting fostered teamwork, connection and pride, while reinforcing the natural alignment between NKBA’s focus on building better living spaces and Habitat’s life-changing mission.

More than a volunteer day, the event strengthened the chapter itself by building camaraderie, deepening member engagement and enhancing the chapter’s visibility as a group of design professionals dedicated to social responsibility.

Designing With Purpose in Metro New York

In April, the NKBA Metro New York Chapter transformed the Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove showroom in Roslyn Heights into a fundraising space for Paws of War. More than 70 members of the design community gathered to support the nonprofit that rescues dogs and trains them as service companions for veterans and first responders.

The evening’s highlights included a lively raffle featuring 26 donated prizes and a performance by David Frank, the magician for the New York Mets and New York Islanders, sponsored by Dawn Weill.

The fundraiser’s success was driven by months of thoughtful planning. Special recognition goes to Marilyn Rose, whose passion and personal connection to Paws of War inspired the event. She organized raffle baskets, donated a private tour of Citi Field with Mets tickets and helped set a tone of purpose and heart.

The evening strengthened member relationships, elevated NKBA’s visibility and reinforced the chapter’s identity as a community-driven organization that designs with purpose.

Celebrating the Season of Giving in Northern New England

NKBA’s Northern New England Chapter blended seasonal celebration with heartfelt generosity at its annual holiday party, hosted at Cosentino in Canton, Mass. The evening brought together music, creativity and community in support of Rosie’s Place, a women’s shelter that provides safety and life-changing support services.

Food Network star and Top Chef Stephen Coe elevated the experience with exceptional food service, while a hands-on craft project allowed attendees to create something meaningful to take home.

At the heart of the celebration was the chapter’s long-standing commitment to Rosie’s Place. Guests were encouraged to donate goods and clothing, and all admission fees were donated to the shelter. Chapter President Merry LeClerc shared, “NKBA’s Northern New England Chapter has supported Rosie’s Place for many years. It’s a very worthy cause, especially around the holidays.”

By transforming a joyful gathering into an opportunity to uplift women seeking safety, dignity and hope, the Northern New England Chapter reaffirmed its commitment to service, inclusivity and community engagement.

A Shared Mission, A Lasting Impact

Though each event was unique, all three chapters shared a common purpose: using their platform, skills and creativity to give back. Whether building homes, supporting veterans or uplifting women in need, these events exemplify the heart of NKBA  – designing not just spaces but stronger communities.

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