Submissions are open until July 2, 2026, for you to propose your best products and projects and to nominate yourself or an industry peer to be considered for the People Awards.

• The KBB Product Awards honor manufacturers for superior products that fulfill market needs through technological advancement, function, aesthetic merit and innovation. If you are a manufacturer that has unveiled a new kitchen or bath product between April 2, 2025, and July 2, 2026, that has not been previously entered, you’re eligible to enter the 2026 KBB Product Awards. In addition to Kitchen and Bath Products of the Year, we will also be awarding specific categories, including Refrigeration, Faucets, Hardware, Cabinetry, Lighting and Sustainable Offerings. The early-bird competition fee is $425 per entry/product through April 30, 2026. The regular submission fee is $575 per entry/product from May 1 through July 2, 2026.
• The KBB Project Awards honor outstanding kitchen and bath design and those who create it. If you are a design professional who has completed a residential kitchen or bath within the last 12 months up until the competition ends (April 2, 2025, to July 2, 2026), you are eligible to enter the KBB Project Awards. In addition to Kitchen and Bathroom Projects of the Year, we will also include awards for 11 specific project categories, including Best Before & After, Best in Outdoor Living, Best Use of Color and Best Wellness, Sustainable, Luxury and Universal Design. The cost to submit is $150 for each entry and will cover the regular categories (Kitchen or Bath of the Year). If you wish to enter for a specialty category, you DO NOT need to pay an additional entry fee.
• The KBB People Awards honor those who are passionate, innovative and influencing the kitchen and bath industry in a positive way. We encourage you to nominate yourself or a peer who is a go-getter in our industry. There is no cost to nominate.

We are excited to announce the exciting new KBB Awards program, and we can’t wait to see what’s new in products, projects and people in our ever-changing industry.

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Every year, the kitchen and bath design industry evolves through the efforts of visionary professionals. We recently connected with the 2025 KBB Person of the Year, Sharon Sherman, alongside our eight Praiseworthy Picks, to uncover how they are reshaping residential design. What drives these leaders to push boundaries and elevate industry standards? Their collective achievements and ambitions offer practical inspiration for designers committed to advancing both craft and community.

Driving Innovation & Sustainability

Our honorees are actively redefining how we approach environmental responsibility and modern technology. Designers like Summer Jensen are adopting green business practices, such as offsetting timber use by planting trees for each project and evaluating ways to reduce material waste through smarter cabinet design. Firms are also integrating AI-driven tools for client communication and procurement, increasing transparency and efficiency. Industry leaders are prioritizing sustainable fabrication, with companies introducing low-silica quartz surfaces that support safer, eco-friendly production and lifecycle management.

Championing the Trades & Community

Giving back remains a central theme for this year’s recognized professionals. Programs launched by Tiffany Skilling and others provide apprenticeships in upholstery, drapery and wall coverings – ensuring that skilled trades continue to thrive for the next generation. Mentorship and workforce development are evident across the group, with participants actively involved in education, industry advocacy and organizing hands-on career discovery events. Meanwhile, community-driven initiatives rebuild historic homes after disaster and support local charities, leveraging design expertise to deliver lasting, positive impact.

A United Vision for Design

Person of the Year Sharon Sherman underscores the vital connection between kitchen, bath and the larger world of interior design. Her resources and coaching bridge these disciplines, equipping designers to flourish in evolving markets. By fostering collaboration and innovation, these honorees set new benchmarks for quality, inclusivity and leadership in the industry.

To hear the full conversation, listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora and other outlets.

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On our latest “From the Tap” podcast, KBB editors Chelsie Butler and Leslie Clagett provided a post-KBIS 2026 recap of the hits and highlight from the show. From striking design directions to groundbreaking products, every corner of the show promised fresh inspiration and set the stage for the next wave of industry innovation. Curious what trends and standouts are shaping the future of kitchen and bath? Read on to discover what’s making waves and get a taste of what lies ahead.

Emerging Trends

The KBB editors noted a push toward matte-white appliances, whether smooth or textured, and paired with updated metallics like champagne bronze and copper. Manufacturers responded to calls for flexibility, debuting compact 18- and 24-inch appliances and scaled-down workstation sinks. Attention to accessibility also stood out, with ADA-compliant products seamlessly blending style and inclusivity.

Also prevalent were brand collaborations – from JennAir and Dekton’s appliance paneling to Wood-Mode and Stoll’s cabinetry with decorative metal insets. At the Cambria booth, arch-top MasterBrand cabinets were strategically placed to balance the architectural moldings and mix of edge treatments. These partnerships showcase how teamwork can spark standout creations and new customization opportunities.

Standout Products

Each year, the KBB editors choose their favorite products at KBIS, and this year did not disappoint. The Karran GD Kitchen Faucet features a glowing, built-in disposal switch – a perfect blend of safety and modern flair. P&Bhusri’s towel warmers channeled sculptural artistry, offering luxury that elevates the simplest routines. Richelieu made waves with paintable wood moldings featuring integrated LEDs, expanding the palette for creative lighting. Elsewhere, showgoers were treated to sneak peeks at specialty dishwashers, inventive sliding shower doors and sustainable laminate cabinetry.

For more on the KBB editors’ products picks, read the March/April issue of KBIS coming out at the end of March.

KBB’s Tour of New Exhibitor Booths

We took several design professionals to see 12 new-to-the-show exhibitors in the Discovery District and the West Hall on the second day of the show. We polled the attendees at the end to see which were their favorite product offerings, so listen to the full podcast to learn more about why Solarid, Puustelli Kitchens and Composer stood out.

Universal Insights & What’s Ahead

If there’s one major takeaway, it’s that universal design and accessible luxury are now the expectation. The KBB Editorial Advisory Board’s conversations echoed this, pointing to a world where design is for everyone, seamlessly combining style, inclusion and comfort.

KBIS 2027 from Feb. 2-4, 2027, in Las Vegas promises even more innovation on display. Stay tuned – the kitchen and bath world’s next big ideas are just around the corner.

To hear the full conversation, which includes commentary on booth design, the KBB 2025 Person of the Year interview and much more, listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora and other outlets.

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Join us as we interview the 2025 Person of the Year, designer Sharon L. Sherman, at KBIS 2026 on Thursday, Feb. 19 at 12/noon on the NEXT Stage at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. 

Using Media to Uplift the Design Community

One of Capra’s most defining traits is her dedication to spotlighting the work of others. Through her Miami-based weekly TV show, “Soflow Home Project,” she tours homes with designers, architects and builders, offering viewers a rare look into real-world design thinking. With more than 270 episodes filmed, the series has become both a platform for professional storytelling and a catalyst for industry connection. For Capra, celebrating peers strengthens the design community and fuels her own inspiration.

Expanding Influence Through Partnerships & Ambassadorships

Her on-camera presence and design expertise opened the door to partnerships with brands and industry organizations, including her long-running ambassadorship with Coverings and her role with Aria Stone. These collaborations deepen her understanding of materials, fabrication and installation; knowledge she eagerly shares with colleagues. Capra sees these relationships as mutually enriching and as opportunities to expose designers to innovation across every corner of the industry.

Designing With Purpose Through Philanthropy

Giving back is woven into her business model. Capra’s charitable work, including numerous room makeovers with Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, demonstrates her belief that creativity can meaningfully impact lives. Even as a boutique firm owner, she prioritizes community service, treating each project as an opportunity to use design for good.

Travel as Inspiration & Professional Growth

Global exploration continues to energize her practice. Recent trips to Germany, Italy and Mexico have expanded her understanding of materials and broadened her design perspective. She believes that travel is essential to staying relevant and equips designers to bring fresh, globally informed ideas to their clients.

A Holistic Approach to Work and Life

For Capra, balance stems from loving the work enough that professional and personal passions naturally blend. Her enthusiasm, curiosity and commitment to elevating the industry make her recognition as KBB’s 2024 Person of the Year both fitting and emblematic of where the profession is headed.

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Sharon L. Sherman, CKD, CID, NCIDQ, Founder of Thyme & Place Design, Wyckoff, N.J. 

For more than 20 years, Sharon L. Sherman has been a force in the interior design community. She is an award-winning designer who shares her insights through her active “Tips From the Trade” blog – which was recently ranked among Feedspot’s 2025 Top 100 Interior Design Blogs. Her Instagram handle, @thymeandplacedesign, interacts with more than 3,400 followers.

Photo (above): Alyssa Peek, Peek Photography

Sherman is an active member of the American Society of Interior Design’s New Jersey Chapter, the Interior Design Society, the National Kitchen & Bath Association and the KBB Editorial Advisory Board and serves on the Interior Design Community Board of Directors. For five years, she has been donating 40% of her initial design consultation fees to the Social Services Association of Ridgewood and Vicinity, a food security organization in her community.

Sherman launched her design firm in 2002 and has developed a myriad of CEUs over the years. Through this and countless other initiatives, our 2025 Person of the Year is well known for her support of and collaboration with the design community she has come to know so well and love so much.

In January, Sherman launched the “The Ultimate Guide to Kitchen and Bath Business Success,” a series of guides to help K&B designers successfully plan a remodeling project. She believes this is a great way to provide information and process systems for anyone to use through a free downloadable tool kit and/or a paid set of guides.

As far as the future? The sky is the limit for Sherman. Recently named a designer
ambassador for the SKS Design Collective, she plans to bring a different perspective on how designers think and develop educational materials and presentations to allow them to become more comfortable working with appliances and technology. She has designed a line of furniture based on her extensive travels that is adaptable to both interiors and kitchens and baths and hopes to find a partner to launch that soon. Sherman has no plans to slow down on her blog and article writing and conference presentations.

Congratulations, Sharon Sherman, this one is for you!

Praiseworthy Picks

Photo: Caroline Bramlett Broome

Cyndy Cantley, CKD, Principal Interior Design, Cantley & Co. Inc., Birmingham, Ala.
Cyndy Cantley believes in giving back to the kitchen and bath design community through leadership, education and advocacy. As an NKBA Global Connect Ambassador, she has traveled to Germany and Italy to learn about new innovations overseas and to represent the American design perspective on an international platform. She has had open dialogues with three universities in Alabama about design career paths and serves as the president of the ASID Alabama Chapter, where she has increased membership by 20%.

Photo: Kate Romero

Shannon Ggem, Owner, Shannon Ggem Design, Agoura Hills, Calif.
Shannon Ggem has been helping build back the Altadena community after the Eaton Fire destroyed 6,000+ homes. She led a team of interior designers to rebuild the kitchens and baths in the salvageable homes, with a focus on easing project decision fatigue, applying evidence-based design and prioritizing sustainability. As part of her involvement in this initiative, Ggem and her team have created 10 furniture, fixtures and equipment specification books for kitchen and baths for the homeowners rebuilding after the Altadena disaster.

Photo: Adahlia Cole and Colin Peck

Summer Jensen, NCIDQ, CEO & Principal Designer, Hawk & Co., Laguna Canyon, Calif.
As a Certified Green Innovator, Summer Jensen promotes the hashtag #makesustainabilitysexy and believes our industry should build more efficiently to preserve our resources. Jensen’s firm donates 50 trees through One Tree Planted for every 1,000 square feet of homes it builds to offset the timber used in its projects. Hawk & Co. recently received a Green Business Certification from the California Green Business Network, and Jensen’s latest achievement was obtaining the DNA Paris Design Award in the Interior Design/Sustainability category.

Photo: Devon Stoebe Photography

Lauren Lerner, Founder & Principal Designer of Living With Lolo, Scottsdale, Ariz.
When Lauren Lerner and her beloved team have excess inventory or pieces that can’t be used in client projects because of minor imperfections, they donate them to local charities for people in need. She has integrated AI into her client communication, project management and marketing platforms. She uses it for such tools as sending personal and intentional project updates, building an advanced procurement system to track all details and analyzing engagement and performance data.

Photo: LX Hausys

Mike Morici, Senior Director of Surfaces, LX Hausys America
As host of the 2025 Atlanta Stadium Series Showcase at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium earlier this year, Mike Morici was pivotal in highlighting the brand’s range of offerings and educating attendees on the company’s sustainability initiatives. He is passionate about employee training, professional workforce development and domestic manufacturing. He is also an advocate for low-silica surface technologies for safer, sustainable fabrication. The company now offers a low-silica quartz product, and its HIMACS products can be recycled into new applications or refurbished.

Photo: Christina Kramer Photos

Rose Ott, AKBD, Owner & Principal Designer, Rose Ott Design, Long Beach, N.Y.
As the advocacy chair for the NKBA Manhattan Chapter Board, Rose Ott was awarded a grant to help host The Skilled Labor Career Day: Career Connections. The initiative connected high school students with industry professionals to educate them about how rewarding a career can be in the skilled labor trades. This year, the designer also launched her LB Soul wallpaper and fabric collection, which was inspired by the cherished landmarks of her town of Long Beach, N.Y.

Photo: Sarah Shields

Tiffany Skilling, Founder & Principal Designer, Tiffany Skilling Interiors, Indianapolis
Tiffany Skilling has launched the TSI Apprenticeship Program to inspire the next generation of skilled tradespeople. With an in-house workroom staffed by professional upholsterers and seamstresses, her goal is to preserve traditional craftsmanship while opening new opportunities for artisans. Skilling believes quality, hand-made goods are a cornerstone of sustainable design and lasting beauty. Deeply committed to the community, she and her firm support Habitat for Humanity Women Build, Women for Riley and countless other local organizations that focus on direct impact.

Photo: Jenna Anderson

Tyler Swartzmiller, CEO & Principal Designer, Haus Studio Designs, Columbus, Ohio
Tyler Swartzmiller founded Curated Columbus, a collaborative environment for local designers to foster mentorship and learning. His goal was to provide a dedicated space for interior designers to connect with and support one another. Swartzmiller has also launched the “Curated Coffee Chat,” where young designers meet with seasoned professionals in an intimate setting of less than 10 participants. His “Designing Dreams in the Haus” podcast helps homeowners learn about the design-build process through interviews with tradespeople, architects and product experts.

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Here’s a look at last year’s esteemed winners!

2024 KBB Person of the Year

Alena Capra, CMKBD, Founder of Alena Capra Designs LLC

Alena Capra said her goal for 2024 was to truly engage herself in as many different facets of the K&B industry as possible, which she achieved with flying colors. She believes in always furthering her education and sharing her knowledge with homeowners and industry professionals, as well as spotlighting the work of others. The designer has divided her time among many ventures, including hosting the weekly TV show, SoFlo Home Project; writing a monthly design column for Aventura Magazine; serving as a judge for the DPHA Product of the Year Awards; keynoting the Greater Orlando Builder’s Association’s Woman’s Alliance Group event; being a Robern Brand Ambassador; and hosting innovative programming on the NEXTStage during KBIS 2024.

2024 Praiseworthy Picks 

Amanda George, CKBD, ASID Associate, Owner, Amanda George Interior Design LLC & AMG Design+Build, Seattle

Amanda George is an advocate for the next generation of design professionals. As a representative of student membership on the NKBA’s Puget Sound Chapter Council, she developed the Student Innovation Summit in collaboration with BLUM and Canyon Creek. The summit provided an immersive experience, giving students a deeper understanding of the challenges and needs of those who are aging in place.

Jessica Davis, Allied ASID, Founder, Atelier Davis & Founder & Creative Director, Nest Studio

Jessica Davis was recognized in Elle Décor’s annual A-List Awards as one of the most impressive interior design talents of the year. She was also honored by the 2024 Wallpaper* USA 400 in the Community Builders category as a co-founder of the Asian American Pacific Islander Design Alliance, an organization that engages, promotes and empowers Asians and Asian Americans working in our industry.

Jennifer Hutton, Creative Director & Principal Designer, Grau Design Studio, Durham, N.C.

Jennifer Hutton was awarded a spot on the Triangle Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2024 and has been accepted as an Allied ASID member. She also launched The Grau Studio Showroom as a venue in which to inspire her clients and provide a style they can relate to. Hutton started an annual “Fill-a-Van” food drive in 2021 to benefit local food banks, and 2023 was the most successful year.

Elizabeth Lord-Levitt, CMKBD, CLIPP, Principal Designer, Elizabeth P. Lord Residential Design LLC, Denver 

After 20 years as a residential designer, Elizabeth Lord-Levitt created the Built4Design Residential Academy, which provides construction education curated specifically for interior designers through workshops and eCourses. As vice president of the Interior Design Society Denver Chapter, Lord-Levitt has helped increase membership more than 100% in the last year through engaging and innovative events.

Lauren Schulte, President & Principal Designer, Monarch Kitchen Design Studio, North Tonawanda, N.Y.

Lauren Schulte was the president of the Oliver Street Merchants Association for the last four years. Over her term, the association achieved 501c3 status, which allowed it to acquire a $12,000+ grant to beautify the community. Schulte has also collaborated with local politicians to help local business owners obtain facade grants they can use to improve their building exteriors.

Jake Slatnik, CEO, FreePower, Phoenix

Jake Slatnik is the creator of game-changing, wireless charging technology for our industry. FreePower for Countertop, which was launched at this year’s KBIS, has won a number of awards, including Best of KBIS 2024 for Best in Show. The new offering also won Kitchen Product of the Year and the Smart Technology category in KBB’s 2024 Product Awards.

Megan Thompson, Principal Designer, Spark Interiors, Denver

Megan Thompson launched her Interior Design greenList platform, which  offers an interactive sustainable vendor directory for those design professionals interested in achieving eco-friendly projects, as well as accredited continuing education units. At KBIS 2024, she participated in the “Low Impact Is a Good Thing” panel.

Rosa Santiago Zimmerman, Founder & CEO of RSZ Design + Development, Freeport, Fla.

Rosa Santiago Zimmerman has created the Build with Rosa YouTube channel to educate her audience on what she calls the reality – the good, bad and ugly – of renovation projects – while providing some entertainment along the way. The Build with Rosa YouTube channel takes viewers on an unfiltered journey through the entire process.

The post The KBB 2025 Person of the Year Open for Nominations appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Business.

Attendees at KBIS 2025 in Las Vegas had many opportunities to spot Alena Capra, CMKBD. The founder and principal of Fort Lauderdale-based Alena Capra Designs was the host of the NKBA Design + Industry Awards that kicked off KBIS on Feb. 24, she served as a judge for Best of KBIS, and on Feb. 27 she sat down for a one-on-one interview on NEXTStage as KBB Person of the Year. Through it all, Capra retained her polished, professional demeanor – and her trademark high heels.

Chelsie Butler, Executive Editor of Kitchen & Bath Business (KBB), had 30 minutes to delve into what motivates and inspires Capra as a designer, TV host and advocate for local charities. Here’s what they talked about in their session on NEXTStage, sponsored by Ferguson Home.

The Importance of Certification & Supporting the Design Community

Butler kicked things off by noting that Capra has been involved with the NKBA for 21 years and achieved her Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer (CMKBD) certification. “I love to talk about certification,” said Capra. “I know that there’s so much value in knowing that you are designing a safe space for your client.” She also noted that it gives a designer weight in the industry as an expert. “We do panels and we speak as experts, so it’s important to have that designation after your name,” she said.

When Butler pointed out that Capra is also an advocate of supporting other designers with her “So Flo Home Project,” a series that airs on Sundays at 11am on local ABC affiliate WPLG 10 and takes viewers on home tours with area designers and builders. “I think it’s important for designers to keep communication open,” she explained of the show, which has shot 270 episodes over 5.5 years. “It’s not a competition…we boost each other up.”

A Love for Charity Initiatives & Trade Shows

Asked about one of her other passions – charitable initiatives – Capra acknowledged that they are a big part of her business. “I have a talent that I can share with others,” she said, noting that she regularly works with the Make a Wish Foundation in South Florida and completed six room makeovers during the pandemic. “I love partnering with brands and getting a big team together,” she added.

She said she was particularly proud of a football-field-themed accessible bathroom she designed as a charitable project in partnership with a mosaic artist to “think outside the box” and “do something cool and fun.”

Another passion is being a design ambassador for more than a decade for Coverings, the largest tile and stone trade show in North America, which she said has “really opened my eyes” to the possibilities of working with tile and stone.

She is also a brand ambassador for Robern and Florida spokesperson for Armina Stone and says she loves partnerships and working with friends.

Capra said she also values attending important tradeshows, such as KBIS, High Point and Marmomac, a marble show in Italy. “It’s important for me to be able to bring new things to the clients we work with,” she explained.

Achieving Work/Life Balance, Enjoying Free Time & Being Inspired by Travel

Seemingly always on the go, Capra was asked about how she juggles it all. “Work/life is never at a full equilibrium,” she admitted, “so we need to keep adjusting, but I really love what I do — being able to connect with people — and that makes me happy.”

In her free time, Capra revealed that she’s “a big reader” and loves gifting books to friends and family. She also loves to get outside and walk by the beach in Fort Lauderdale.

Capra also spoke about “always being inspired by travel” and having recently visited two hotels in Mexico to appreciate their use of locally made products and a stone quarry in Italy to see the manufacturing process for the very first time. “Nothing prepares you for the grand scale of the mountain, the rock and the machinery,” she said.

Writing Her “By Design” Column & a Future in Product Design

Capra has expanded into connecting directly with consumers via her monthly By Design column in Aventura Magazine. “Writing it puts me into a space where I am asking myself, “How can I share this information about fresh new trends?’” she said. “I enjoy coming up with topics and pulling it all together. It’s just as fun to me as designing.”

Asked if she would consider trying product design, Capra said she’s “open to whatever comes my way” and “it’s something many designers aspire to do at some point.”

Looking Ahead to 2025

After having accomplished so much in 2024, Capra was asked by Butler what lies ahead in 2025. “I have a lot of things coming up that I can’t share just yet,” she said, “including projects that we are installing now that I can’t wait to see finished.”

Originally posted on NKBA.org here.

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On our most recent From the Tap podcast, we spoke to Jason McGraw, who is the KBIS show director. We took an in-depth look at all exciting things the 2025 show – which takes place from Feb. 25-27, 2025, has to offer.

KBIS is a not-to-miss event for the design and construction industry, and it has co-located with the International Builders’ Show as part of Design & Construction Week for the last 10 years. Your KBIS badge will get you in to see all the IBS exhibitors as well. It’s your ticket to the entire Las Vegas Convention Center.

“KBIS has become much more design centric in focus, and the exhibits are so magnificent; it’s a great opportunity to start off the year,” said McGraw. “You will see all the latest products, find out about the hottest trends and enjoy the serendipity of meeting with other design professionals at the show. It’s a can’t-miss opportunity.”

KBIS 2025 Hits & Highlights

The NKBA’s annual Voices from the Industry conference will feature 75 sessions this year, covering a variety of topics on different tracks, including business and sustainability. Show floor programming will also take place on the NEXTStage, at the Luxury Lounge and at the GlobalConnect Lounge, which will be located among the German, Italian, Brazilian and UK pavilions.

KBIS will feature some of the largest, well-known kitchen and bath brands, but take some time to visit some new exhibitors and see what they have to offer as well. The Discovery District in the South Hall is the perfect place for this. KBB will also host a tour of new-to-KBIS exhibitors in the South Hall.

In terms of networking events, the sky is the limit at KBIS 2025. The NKBA will host its Design + Industry Awards Monday evening before KBIS opens, and The Bash is the place to see and be seen on Wednesday evening.

On the NEXTStage, I will be interviewing the KBB 2024 Person of the Year – Alena Capra – at noon on Thursday, so do not miss that! The stage is also home to a host of awards programs, including DesignBites and Best of KBIS.

Navigating KBIS 2025

McGraw suggests downloading the mobile app before the show to preview the floor plans, schedules of events and exhibitors. It’s important to map out a plan because there is a lot of ground to cover. The KBB editors also shared their tips for making the most of three exhibit halls over three days.

Traversing three halls absolutely calls for comfortable shoes and clothing. You might want to bring along some snacks and a water bottle, but food service areas will also be open throughout the exhibit halls to ensure you are well fed during the show.

An underground Loop offers Tesla cars that can take to and from the exhibit halls, and it even covers some of the local hotels. So hurry up and book your flights and your hotel and join us at the not-to-miss industry event for design and construction professionals.

To find out more about KBIS 2025 and Design & Construction Week – including a celebrity appearance – listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora and other outlets.

The post All Attendees Need to Know About KBIS 2025 appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Business.

Alena Capra, CMKBD, Founder of Alena Capra Designs LLC

Alena Capra said her goal for this past year was to truly engage herself in as many different facets of the K&B industry as possible, which she achieved with flying colors. She believes in always furthering her education and sharing her knowledge with homeowners and industry professionals, as well as spotlighting the work of others.

Above photo: Capra is behind the scenes at a video shoot at the Armina Stone gallery in Miami showcasing Blue Cristallo quartzite. Photo credit: Armina Stone

The designer has divided her time among many ventures, including hosting the weekly TV show, SoFlo Home Project; writing a monthly design column for Aventura Magazine; serving as a judge for the DPHA Product of the Year Awards; keynoting the Greater Orlando Builder’s Association’s Woman’s Alliance Group event; being a Robern Brand Ambassador; and hosting innovative programming on the NEXTStage during KBIS 2024.

“I was the host on the day the 2023 KBB Person of the Year was interviewed at KBIS last year, and I was so inspired by the discussion with Nureed Saeed,” said Capra. “Winning this award has been a full-circle moment for me. I have been involved with NKBA for 21 years – my entire career – and it was really special to have that role at KBIS 2024.”

In 2024, Capra also returned as the Coverings Ambassador for the 10^th year, began a new position as a spokesperson for Armina Stone’s new Miami location and was selected as a member of Milestone’s Designer Advisory Council.

Read on to learn more about this industry go-getter, her latest endeavor and why we felt she was highly deserving of the coveted title of the 2024 Person of the Year.

Photo credit: Darryl Nobles

Charity Participation

Capra says donating her time to organizations and people in need is important to her because she believes our talents as human beings should be shared and used as a resource. When these opportunities arise, she approaches them like she would a design makeover show, planning the designs and orders in advance and setting an installation date of two days. This allows her to fit these projects into her tight schedule, and her favorite part are the reveals. Capra features these projects prominently on her website so visitors can learn what her firm is about and what some of her passions are.

Plans Today & Tomorrow

When we did our interview for the Person of the Year, Capra was attending Design Edge in Nashville. She and some fellow designers are on a mission to bring the concept of full interior design to kitchen and bath designers – and vice versa – and they developed a panel discussion on the topic. As for the designer’s future plans, she intends to keep learning, immersing and connecting. She also wants to continue to hone her craft in designing, speaking and writing.

Praiseworthy Picks

Photo credit: Sophia Kozo Photography

Amanda George, CKBD, ASID Associate, Owner, Amanda George Interior Design LLC & AMG Design+Build, Seattle

Amanda George is an advocate for the next generation of design professionals. As a representative of student membership on the NKBA’s Puget Sound Chapter Council, she developed the Student Innovation Summit in collaboration with BLUM and Canyon Creek. The summit provided an immersive experience, giving students a deeper understanding of the challenges and needs of those who are aging in place. Through the development of the summit and participating in student career days at local colleges, George has helped increase her chapter’s student membership by more than 50% in the last year. She also supports women-owned businesses in our industry by showcasing their work on her social media platforms and recognizing them at working events.

Photo credit: Aaron Skyler

Jessica Davis, Allied ASID, Founder, Atelier Davis & Founder & Creative Director, Nest Studio

Jessica Davis was recognized in Elle Décor’s annual A-List Awards as one of the most impressive interior design talents of the year. She was also honored by the 2024 Wallpaper* USA 400 in the Community Builders category as a co-founder of the Asian American Pacific Islander Design Alliance, an organization that engages, promotes and empowers Asians and Asian Americans working in our industry. Better Homes & Gardens honored her as a 2024 “Color Star,” one of the top 10 designers known for their creative use of color. This year, Davis also took part in designing for three show homes, something she enjoys because it gives her the opportunity to flex her creativity and collaborate with other talented designers.

Photo credit: Sarah Martin

Jennifer Hutton, Creative Director & Principal Designer, Grau Design Studio, Durham, N.C.

In the last year, Jennifer Hutton was awarded a spot on the Triangle Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2024 and has been accepted as an Allied ASID member. She also overcame several project challenges and launched The Grau Studio Showroom as a venue in which to inspire her clients and provide a style they can relate to. Hutton started an annual “Fill-a-Van” food drive in 2021 to benefit local food banks, and 2023 was the most successful year, resulting in more than 2,000 pounds of donated food. The designer has obtained four NKBA badges and plans to earn the remainder to stay abreast of topics on which she may not regularly focus.

Photo credit: Peter Loyd-Vuolo

Elizabeth Lord-Levitt, CMKBD, CLIPP, Principal Designer, Elizabeth P. Lord Residential Design LLC, Denver 

After 20 years as a residential designer, Elizabeth Lord-Levitt created the Built4Design Residential Academy which provides construction education curated specifically for interior designers through workshops and eCourses. As vice president of the Interior Design Society Denver Chapter, Lord-Levitt has helped increase membership more than 100% in the last year through engaging and innovative events. She was also appointed to the Thermador Design Council this year as one of 18 members who provide insight into product design and functional features. Elizabeth is also a mentor for Thermador’s Diversity in Design scholarship program and is an ambassador for the She Built Foundation, which promotes females in the home building industry through their children’s book “The House That She Built.”

Photo credit: Erica Eichelkraut, City Lights Studio

Lauren Schulte, President & Principal Designer, Monarch Kitchen Design Studio, North Tonawanda, N.Y.

Lauren Schulte was the president of the Oliver Street Merchants Association for the last four years. Over her term, the association achieved 501c3 status, which allowed it to acquire a $12,000+ grant to beautify the community. Schulte has also collaborated with local politicians to help local business owners obtain facade grants they can use to improve their building exteriors. She says it is amazing to see her little lower-income area starting to thrive with this funding available to small businesses. Schulte recently won a Best of 716 Award for her female-owned K&B showroom. She was part of the founding group of the NKBA’s Women to Women Conference and recently participated in the NKBA’s first lighting study.

Photo credit: Tony Taafe

Jake Slatnik, CEO, FreePower, Phoenix

Jake Slatnik is the creator of game-changing, wireless charging technology for our industry. FreePower for Countertop, which was launched at this year’s KBIS, has won a number of awards, including Best of KBIS 2024 for Best in Show. The new offering also won Kitchen Product of the Year and the Smart Technology category in KBB’s 2024 Product Awards. Slatnik has brokered a deal on “Shark Tank,” and his company has been named one of the world’s most innovative by Fast Company. He is now rolling FreePower out across the U.S. in partnership with hundreds of kitchen and bath showrooms, countertop fabricators and homebuilders. Two new wireless chargers will be on display at KBIS 2025.

Photo credit: Spark Interiors

Megan Thompson, Principal Designer, Spark Interiors, Denver

Megan Thompson has been developing her Interior Design greenList platform for the last two years, and it fully launched this summer. The platform offers an interactive sustainable vendor directory for those design professionals interested in achieving eco-friendly projects, as well as accredited continuing education units. Thompson says the project was born out of her frustration with the lack of resources available to make going green easy to understand and implement for designers. At KBIS 2024, she participated in the “Low Impact Is a Good Thing” panel and was a presenter for the NKBA Capital Chapter meeting on “Navigating Sustainable Sourcing.” Thompson also received a Green Business of the Year nomination from the city of Wheat Ridge, Colo.

Photo credit: Stephen Moore, Moore Visions

Rosa Santiago Zimmerman, Founder & CEO of RSZ Design + Development, Freeport, Fla.

Rosa Santiago Zimmerman has created the Build with Rosa YouTube channel to educate her audience on what she calls the reality – the good, bad and ugly – of renovation projects – while providing some entertainment along the way. The Build with Rosa YouTube channel takes viewers on an unfiltered journey through the entire process. Zimmerman is also developing a bilingual children’s book and animated series to educate youth on the construction and design industries. She says the inspiration behind both came from her own personal story: a Latina girl finding her place in the world of design and construction and working hard to set herself apart and shine.

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Nureed Saeed, Owner & Creative Director, Nu Interiors, California & New Jersey

Nureed Saeed (above) stands out as the KBB 2023 Person of the Year winner for many reasons, and her passion for diversity, equity and inclusion in the design industry is at the top of the list. She is an active writer and speaker on the topic – appearing in a plethora of publications and podcasts – and feels it is important to not only talk the talk but to also walk the walk. Saeed became interested in DEI for personal reasons while she was growing up and wants it to be a part of everything she does.

Her bi-coastal firm, Nu Interiors, specializes in designs that are equal parts thoughtful, functional and socially and emotionally conscious. Saeed considers sustainability in all projects, paying close attention to where the products are being sourced and who her vendors are. She researches them by reading their reviews, visiting their social media platforms and asking questions in her community so she knows which vendors care about the same things she does.

Praiseworthy Picks

Karen Hockley, Owner, Kitchens by Karen, Enola, Pa.
We chose Karen Hockley as the “Curriculum Star” because in the last year alone, she has written and presented more than 20 classes for her peers. She has been teaching virtual classes for three years and is also the host of two Facebook groups dedicated to the industry: Cabinets 101 and the Kitchen & Bath Dealer Pack.

Glenn Kross, COO, Coastal Countertops Group, Bridgeville, Del.
Kross is our “Agent of Change,” as he has completely rebranded his company through operational changes and upgraded product offerings, which resulted in a drastic increase in revenue. His company’s Ugly Kitchen Contest earlier this year resulted in more than 35,000 digital interactions. Photo credit: Jordan Davies

Jared Chevraux, EVP, JTEK Solutions Group, North Canton, Ohio
Chevraux was chosen as our “Accessibility Advocate” for his charity works and commitment to universal design. He is a Certified Environmental Access Consultant and writes a pro-bono series for Special Needs Living Magazine, a publication for those involved in serving the special needs population in his region.

Michael Menn, President, AIA, CGR/CGP, CAPS, Michael Menn Ltd., Northbrook, Ill.
This architect is named our “Peer Favorite & Industry Pillar,” having received more than 10 nominations. Menn has spent his career mentoring and his colleagues and being a coach to small business owners. According to one of his nominators, “Michael sets an example through honest, ethical standards.”

Sophia Amiano, Lead Designer, Amiano & Son, Design-Build, Southampton Township, N.J.
This designer was chosen as our “Go-Getter” since she has taken the industry by storm since her arrival just five years ago. This year, Amiano was chosen to be part of the first Moen Designer Council, and at KBIS 2024, she will touch on her insights as a Gen Z designer in a new age of home remodeling. Photo credit: Adrienne Ingram, Element Photography

Wendy Glaister, Principal, Wendy Glaister Interiors, Modesto, Calif.
Glaister was chosen as our “Connector” for her creation of the Interior Design Society Designer Experience at KBIS in 2021. Her goal was to help her interior designer colleagues successfully navigate the world of kitchen and bath in a friendly, non-challenging way. It includes tours of eight to 10 top brands exhibiting at KBIS. Photo credit: Rachel Venema

Mark Conacher, Director, Liberty Fitting Service Ltd, U.K.
Conacher was named our “Skilled Trades Champion” because he walks their talk in the K&B industry. He supports the work of several local, self-employed tradespeople, and in the last two years, he has researched government initiatives so he could hire young people on short-term work experience contracts. Photo credit: Peter Morgan – Morgan James Media Ltd.

Jessica Hannesson, Owner, Hannesson Home Interiors, Billings, Mont.
Hannesson is the “Business Buff” because she has been pivotal in the success of her full-service interior design firm. As part of the firm’s goal to always be customer and employee centric, she created an automated process within Clickup so her team can communicate on such things as project checklists and onboarding new hires.

—By Chelsie Butler, KBB Executive Editor

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