Professional development and nurturing the next generation of kitchen and bath pros are among the NKBA’s most important missions. And none of it is possible without great teachers, professors and mentors. Each year, the association proudly bestows an honor on an outstanding individual whose commitment to advancing the knowledge and skills of students across the industry is exceptional.
Above photo: During the Design & Industry Awards at KBIS 2026, Elizabeth Lord-Levitt, CMKBD, received the NKBA Educator of the Year Award from Barbara Fuller, vice president of luxury for Brizo, which sponsored the award. Photo credit PWP Studios, courtesy of NKBA
The winner of the NKBA Educator of the Year is Elizabeth Lord-Levitt, CMKBD, MSRECM, CLIPP, of Elizabeth P. Lord Residential Design LLC in Denver. She was honored at the Design & Industry Awards in February, and the award was generously sponsored by Brizo. Through her teaching and mentorship, Lord-Levitt has helped shape not just careers but also confidence, guiding aspiring designers and remodelers as they grow into skilled, thoughtful professionals.
An Alternative Start
Like many professionals across all areas of K&B, her journey began unconventionally. She earned a degree in public relations, aiming for a role in sports entertainment. After finishing an internship with the NBA in Australia, she returned to the U.S. as Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc in the South in 2005. Hoping to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity’s rebuilding efforts, she took a class in carpentry and “fell in love with carpentry and construction.”
“But instead of volunteering, reality set in,” said Lord-Levitt. “I was forced to get a job … and applied to the only design position that would give me an opportunity without a formal design degree: designing custom furniture. [After that], I was hired as the marketing director and design assistant for a reputable Seattle design-build firm. And that’s when I truly connected with the residential design and construction industry.”
A Long List of Accomplishments
While working for the design-build firm, the designer started hosting homeowner remodeling seminars, which grew into speaking engagements at regional construction conferences. She moved to Denver for grad school, earning a master’s degree in real estate and construction management from the University of Denver. She subsequently amplified her credentials with NKBA’s highest certification – Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer – plus NKBA Specialty Badges, a Certified Living In Place Professional designation and a real-estate broker’s license.
Reigniting her passion for teaching, Lord-Levitt began hosting seminars and six years ago approached the director of the Heritage School of Interior Design about teaching opportunities. She started as a guest lecturer and ultimately created the six-week curriculum for the Construction Basics course that is taught today.
After that, she founded the Built4Design Residential Academy, which offers residential construction education courses specifically curated for interior designers and real estate brokers, including in-person and virtual workshops, company consulting and training and speaking engagements. It expects to add eCourses soon.
Industry Accolades
Lord-Levitt received 15 individual nominations for this honor. Consistent among these nominations was high praise for her enthusiasm, energy, innovation and for generously sharing her knowledge.
“What truly sets Ellie apart is her creative approach,” said one nominator. “She turns topics that could easily feel dry or technical into interactive, inspiring lessons that leave a lasting impact. Her classrooms are dynamic spaces of curiosity and collaboration, where every student feels seen, supported and motivated to excel. Her ability to bridge the gap between design theory and practical construction knowledge is invaluable.”
Lord-Levitt said her “ultimate goal” as a teacher is to empower designers to be confident on construction sites when engaging with contractors and advocating for their clients.
“As a teacher, I want to be a resource for my students and encourage them to follow their passions,” she added. “I feel so fortunate to do what I love for a living, both designing and teaching. And if I can give that opportunity to my students, what an amazing life they will lead. I feel incredibly grateful to be a part of that journey with them and get to see them grow into amazing designers.”
NKBA will begin accepting nominations for Educator of the Year in September.
