The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) has unveiled the distinguished panel of judges who will preside over the 2026 KCMA Design Awards program. Interior designers are invited to submit their best kitchen design projects featuring KCMA member cabinets for judging, feedback, and suggestions from a five-member jury panel of recognized, experienced design professionals, each contributing their deep expertise and unique perspective to celebrate innovation and excellence.
“We’re very pleased to introduce the expert design competition jury that has been selected for our third KCMA Design Awards program in 2026,” said KCMA CEO Betsy Natz. “Each of these renowned, award-winning designers brings their own unique and invaluable insight to the evaluation process. Their fair and thoughtful feedback will offer participants new perspectives and ideas, while also helping them to hone their design skills and learn from best practices.”
The 2026 KCMA Kitchen Design Awards competition jury members include:
Amy A Wittenbach, Director of Interiors STG Design
With more than 18 years of experience as a registered interior designer, Wittenbach has earned multiple awards for her work which encompasses a wide range of luxury residential and commercial projects, including boutique hotels, luxury auto dealerships, country clubs and more. Her work is known for crafting exceptional, functional spaces that blend creativity and practicality.
Gary Jay Paul, GPIDC
Paul opened his studio upon receiving his Master of Architecture from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design and his Bachelor of Architecture from the Boston Architectural Center’s School of Architecture. His extensive body of work has earned numerous prestigious design awards and reflects a wide range of project types, including new residential construction and renovations, interior and landscape design, as well as commercial design projects.
Sharon L Sherman, CKD, ASID, NCIDQ, CID,
Founder and principal of Thyme & Place Design, Sherman is a nationally recognized, award-winning designer, speaker and interior design business advisor. She has been practicing luxury kitchen, bath and interior design for two decades and is a former president of the New Jersey chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers. She is also a member of Kitchen & Bath Business Magazine’s Editorial Advisory Board, a CEU provider and a 2022 Kitchen Bath Design News Innovator of the Year Award recipient. Her design work and editorial comments have been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and Furniture Lighting & Décor, among other prestigious publications.
Sandra Diaz-Velasco, AIA, ASID, IIDA
Diaz-Velasco is an internationally recognized architect, interior designer and founder of the award-winning Eolo A&I Design in Miami. AIA, ASID, and LEED BD+C certified, she has extensive experience in high-end residential, commercial and hospitality projects across the U.S. and Latin America. Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Florida Design, Modern Luxury and Luxe, among others. With numerous awards, speaking engagements and judging roles, she is a leading figure in South Florida’s design community.
Julie Cavanaugh, CID, ASID
The Founder and Principal of Design Matters, an interior design firm known for its “Livable Luxury” style, Cavanaugh has a passion for design shaped by her Midwest and East Coast roots. She earned an interior design degree in 1998 and became CID licensed and an ASID member in 2002. Cavanaugh expanded her business to five locations across California, Wyoming and Utah. A recognized thought leader, her work has earned numerous awards and been featured in national design magazines. She is also a sought-after speaker, blending form, function and beauty in her designs.
“We are thrilled to assemble such an incredible group of judges for the third-annual KCMA Design Awards,” said Natz. “Their diverse expertise and shared passion for design will undoubtedly elevate this year’s competition, inspiring participants to showcase their most innovative and creative work with our members’ cabinetry.”
