Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JUNE 2025 30 A S S O C I AT I O N [ N E W S ] T he NKBA | KBIS Design Competition is considered the Oscars of the kitchen and bath industry, renowned for its prestige and the significant rewards it offers. It provides a critical platform for professionals to showcase their talents and advance their careers. But what truly goes on behind the scenes of this esteemed event? What are the judges looking for, and how can entrants maximize their chances of success? Let's delve into the judging process and reveal the secrets to creating winning designs. INSIDE THE JUDGING PROCESS Judges dedicate considerable time and effort to thoroughly evaluate each entry, acknowledging the significant investment entrants make in professional photography and comprehensive submissions. On average, judges spend around 15 minutes per entry, providing valuable feedback and numerical scores. This feedback is essential for entrants, helping them understand their strengths and areas for improvement. Entries are evaluated based on several core areas: creativity, presentation, design planning, elements and principles of design, safety and ergonomics, and adherence to the NKBA Planning Guidelines (4th Edition). Judges also consider the overall wow factor, the longevity of the design, and the functionality of the layout. Each entry receives careful consideration, with judges striving for fairness and thoroughness. We asked a trio of our most experienced judges to share insights into their evaluation process: INSIGHTS FROM THE JUDGES Doug Walter, AIA, CMKBD, highlights critical areas such as lighting and adherence to the Design Guidelines, pointing out issues like incorrect lighting placement and the need for clear graphics. He also stresses the importance of accurate graphics and dimensions. "It takes a lot of time and money to professionally photograph a project, then to pull everything together to enter it," Walter said. "We therefore owe it to each entrant to give their entry our full attention, and not to rush through them. What ultimately separates the contenders from the finalists isn't just the photography – it's the clarity and completeness of the design statements and plans. Judges understand that your photographer may Photoshop their photos, but do NOT let them Photoshop-out the recessed lights, as I've seen in many projects, as that's one of the judging criteria – lighting! My advice would be to do a combination of shots with lights on and lights off. Particularly effective is daytime natural light shots, then coming back after sunset and doing several shots with lights blazing, and include at least one of them in your final submittal. But perhaps the number- one tip I would give designers, besides making sure the project meets the Design Guidelines, is to triple-check that the graphics are to full NKBA standards. Not dimensioning aisleways, not putting ceiling height on the plan, or not including a centerline string can lose you a point or two." Stacy McCarthy, CMKBD, CID, stresses the importance of supporting documents, emphasizing that they are just as critical as visuals. "What ultimately separates the contenders from the finalists isn't just the photography – it's the clarity and completeness of the design statements and plans," McCarthy said. "What many entrants may not realize is that for the judges these supporting documents are just as critical as the visuals to each segment of the score sheet. A well-crafted design statement that clearly aligns with the plans and the NKBA guidelines helps us, as judges, fully understand the intent, process, and function of the space. When the narrative is incomplete, disorganized, or BEHIND THE SCENES: UNVEILING THE JUDGING SECRETS OF THE NKBA | KBIS DESIGN COMPETITION

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