The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) has unveiled the distinguished panel of judges who will preside over 2025’s KCMA Design Awards program. Kitchen and Bath Designers are invited to submit their best kitchen design projects featuring KCMA Member cabinets for judging, feedback, and suggestions from a six-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 second KCMA Design Awards program in 2025,” says 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. In addition, the diverse expertise and shared passion for design of this year’s judges will undoubtedly elevate the competition, inspiring participants to showcase their most innovative and creative work.”
The 2025 KCMA Kitchen Design Awards competition jury members include:
- Julie Cavanaugh, CID, ASID is the Founder and Principal of Design Matters, an interior design firm known for its “Livable Luxury” style. With a passion for design shaped by her Midwest and East Coast roots, she earned her 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.
- Gary Jay 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.
- Jennifer M Peterson, NCIDQ is the founder of J. Peterson Design, LLC, specializing in kitchen, bath, and interior design. With 30+ years of experience, a degree from Michigan State University, and NCIDQ and CKD certifications, she excels in space planning and project management. Jenn has served diverse clients, including professional athletes, and has run her business for 17 years in Chicago, southwest Michigan, and Atlanta. Her designs blend functionality and aesthetics, inspired by her love of reading, gardening, and cooking.
- Sharon L Sherman, CKD, ASID, NCIDQ, CID, Founder and Principal of Thyme & Place Design. An award-winning designer, Sherman has been practicing luxury kitchen, bath and interior design for two decades and is a former past 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 KBB Magazine 2022 Praiseworthy Pick 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 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.
- 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.
“We are thrilled to assemble such an incredible group of judges for the Second Annual KCMA Design Awards,” says KCMA’s 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.”
