The KBB 2025 Person of the Year competition honors 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. The overall KBB 2025 Person of the Year winner and any others to be considered will be decided upon by a team of editors and featured in our November/December 2025 issue. Nominations for 2025 are open from July 9 until Oct. 8, 2025.
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.
