Time is running out to submit a kitchen or bath design project for consideration in this year’s National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) Design + Industry Awards. Each year, the NKBA recognizes the most exceptional kitchen and bath designs. Because of the unusual circumstances of the last few months, with many designers having limited access to projects and jobsites, the NKBA will not require professional photography as part of the first round of judging for its annual design competition. Amateur photography, including images taken on a smart phone, are acceptable.
“Good design is good design, whether it’s professionally photographed or not,” says Suzie Williford, EVP & Chief Strategy Officer of NKBA. “Projects are resuming and people are getting back to work. We want to keep the entry process straight–forward, not time–consuming. For this first round of judging, simply complete the entry form and upload two images that illustrate the ‘wow factor’ of your project for the judges to consider.”
This year’s competition includes more than $60,000 in cash prizes. Winners also receive additional promotional opportunities, including guaranteed media exposure.
Eligibility Guidelines
All project entries must have been installed between Jan. 1, 2019, and July 3, 2020. The contest is open to all designers. NKBA members pay a discounted entry fee of $129 per project, while non– members pay $199 for each submission.
2021 Categories
- Contemporary Kitchen: Small/Medium (Under 250 square feet)
- Contemporary Kitchen: Large/Extra-Large (More than 250 square feet)
- Traditional Kitchen: Small/Medium (Under 250 square feet)
- Traditional Kitchen: Large/Extra-Large (More than 250 square feet)
- Contemporary Bathroom: Small/Medium (Under 55 square feet)
- Contemporary Bathroom: Large/Extra–Large (More than 55 square feet)
- Traditional Bathroom: Small/Medium (Under 55 square feet
- Traditional Bathroom: Large/Extra-Large (More than 55 square feet)
- Outdoor Kitchen
- Living In Place
Judging Timeline
The competition is divided into two rounds of judging. Round Two finalists will be contacted on July
15. During the second round of judging, all finalists will be required to upload additional materials to their submission folder. A comprehensive list of those required documents can be found here.
“There are so many amazing kitchen and bath projects that have been designed in the last 18 months,” Williford said, “and we want to recognize the designers and the teams who create the magic. They deserve it.”
