The 2026 KBB Awards competition is open for submissions until July 2, 2026, and we are thrilled to introduce you to our panel of judges for the Projects and Products (above photo) categories.
Above photo credits: PWP Photography | A. Tatum Photography | Katrice Battle Photography | Bend the Light Photography
KBB Awards – Products Judges
Paula Kennedy, CMKBD, CLIPP, CACC, is the founder of Seattle-based Timeless Kitchen Design L.L.C. Her 28 years of expertise have earned her numerous awards and a respected position as a member of the KBB Editorial Advisory Board and an NKBA Subject Matter Expert. Her dedication to inspiring others is the cornerstone of her commitment to design, coaching and education.
Nicholas Blavat, AIA, is the owner and design principal of Milwaukee-based Deep River Partners. With more than 20 years at the firm, he brings expertise in hand rendering, modeling, construction review and team coordination. Nationally published and active in AIA Wisconsin, Blavat also contributes to his local HOA’s review board and supports Multiple Sclerosis organizations in his community.
Ebony Stephenson, CLIPP, CAPS, is the CEO of Designs by Ebony in Newport News, Va. In 2020, she was named the first Black president of the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s Virginia State Chapter. She is also the recipient of the Virginia Tech 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences: School of Public and International Affairs.
Shea Pumarejo, CMKBD, is the founder and principal designer of San Antonio-based Studio Pumarejo. With 30+ years of experience, she is known for reimagining existing spaces into enduring homes defined by function, structure and bold materiality. Pumarejo brings deep construction knowledge to every project, having renovated 60+ kitchens and managed more than 300 job sites throughout her career.
Photo credits: Kurrent | Lauren Winchester Photography | Fred Donham of PhotographerLink | Pratya Jankong, @pj_photogapher
KBB Awards – Projects Judges
Jack Bernstein is the founder and owner of Kurrent, a luxury plumbing and hardware destination with showrooms across Brooklyn, Manhattan and Long Island. An NKBA member, he has served on the Luxury Products Group Board of Directors and the KBB Editorial Advisory Board for more than five years. He was also recognized as an NKBA Thirty Under 30 honoree in 2019.
Kimberly Kerl is the founder and principal designer of Kerl Design in Greenville, S.C. With more than 30 years of experience in residential architecture and design, she specializes in custom homes, renovations and additions. She is a 2024 NKBA Design Award recipient, contributes to the NKBA Chapter Leadership Committee and and a multi-year Thermador Kitchen Design Challenge regional winner.
Nar Bustamante is president and founder of Nar Design Group in Sacramento, Calif., and a member of the KBB Editorial Advisory Board. Drawing influence from his extensive travels throughout Europe, North Africa and North America – as well as his clients’ own artwork – he is renowned for his award-winning and highly publicized luxury modern, eclectic and innovative design projects.
Leyden Lewis is founder and creative director of Brooklyn, N.Y.-based Leyden Lewis Design Studio. Inspired by Caribbean, African and Asian art, his work reflects a deep appreciation for diverse artistic traditions. He has taught at Parsons School of Design and the New York School of Interior Design and is recognized as an AD100 designer and member of the ELLE Decor A-List.
