News from NKBA Rocky Mountain Chapter   
August 2016  
Dear Members & Friends,

Opportunities for 2017!  The outstanding NKBA Peak Design Awards and the Gala are in our rear view mirror. Did you know that several categories, such as budget kitchens & baths, did not receive any, or sufficient entries, for awards?  My years in the industry have taught me that it takes more talent and thought to create an outstanding project for a modest investment, than one without limitations.

There is more information on design contests in the Newsletter that follows. It only takes small steps on a regular basis such as; taking before pictures, being aware of design entry requirements, and evaluating each project as a potential entry.  I do not believe the repeat award winners are necessarily better designers, perhaps they have just learned to enter consistently and become better at the process.  Step out of your comfort zone and try entering!

Janel Davenport
VP of Communications
Chapter Updates

August Chapter Meeting   
Thursday, August 25, 2016, 5:30 pm 
Lighting the Kitchen & Bath After the Sun Goes Down 
 
At Lighthouse Natural Stone, Inc., 725 S. Broadway Ste. 7, Denver, 80209 
 
Do you want to show your work in the best possible light?  Come learn from Denver's own KBIS "Voices of the Industry" presenter Doug Walter, AIA.  Learn how designers can d eliver high levels of illumination, color rendering, and enhance visual acuity and safety. For little additional cost a designer can increase the  appearance of the space, and lift the mood of the homeowners.  

July Chapter Meeting Recap

 Thanks to Accessible Systems for hosting the July Chapter meeting,  Universal Design that Adapts to People.   They p rovided a  hands-on opportunity to see products that can be incorporated into homes where people have special needs, are aging in place, or just for general safety.

Save the Date for the Vendor Resource Fair!
September 22, 2016 - 5:30 - 8:30 pm at Capco Tile and Stone 

We have a fantastic list of returning and new vendors participating this year and would love to see you! Save the date and watch your email for registration information in September.

 
Executive Committee Updates

The open positions for 2017 Executive Committee have all been filled. 
Please welcome:

VP of Professional Development  - Doug Walter
VP of Communications  - Janel Davenport
VP of Government Relations -  Jeremy Parcels
VP of Membership  - Holly Shaw
Secretary - Michele Avignon Gravina

The following committee members will remain through 2017 :

President - Tracy Rivera
Treasurer - Amber Howard
Chapter Representative - Jan Neiges
VP of Academic Relations - Beth Simmons
VP of Programs - Robyn De Ruyter

Thanks to all current and future committee members for their willingness to serve NKBA.
Education and CEU
CKD, AKBD prep classes resumed in July!

Designers who have been thinking of pursuing certification are welcome to join a Study Group.  Doug Walter ,AIA, is leading it and can be reached at 303-880-9080 or [email protected]. It's not too late!
Jenn Air offers free CEU's available 24/7 on line.
 The CEU classes are NKBA, AIA, NARI, IDCEC approved

Recently, the NKBA increased CEU requirements to 2.0 (20 hours of education) every 2 years in order for designers to keep their certification.  

Visit www.jennairCEUcourses.com for 12 free courses
Design Industry News, Events & Contests
Aug 8 Deadline Approaching! Enter HBA's CARE (Colorado Awards for Remodeling Excellence) Awards
 
This year, two of the four judges are NKBA members: Jeni Russell of Home Solutions and Barbara Barton, CMKBD!  There are three kitchen categories, and three bathroom categories, as well as other possibilities for specialty rooms and details to consider.

Entrants need NOT be members of HBA to enter; it is open to all in the industry.  Doug Walter has been a member of the CARE committee for 18 years, and would be happy to coach you on how best to present your binder for this year's CARE.  So, if you prepared a binder for this year's Peak Awards, or previous ones (CARE allows projects to be up to 5 years old), you're 90% done!

New Advertising Opp in Colorado Homes & Lifestyles!

Launching in the Sept/Oct KITCHEN ISSUE:
CH&L presents a unique opportunity for Colorado based builders, designers, and architects to showcase their notable REMODELING PROJECTS and appear in front of CH&L's affluent audience. This editorialized, photo-driven, special advertising section provides an eye-catching platform for you to share your expertise with our readers.

Blue Star Kitchen Design Contest
Deadline February 1st, 2017

BlueStar ®  is back with their  2 nd Annual Kitchen Design Contest! We are looking for professional kitchen designers, architects, interior designers, builders and remodelers to submit their incredible work.

News from National NKBA
Upcoming NKBA Courses/Webinars
2016 NKBA Certification Update

As of July 1, 2016, the NKBA is offering a new certification exam that identifies a certified kitchen and bath design expert through a single exam. Candidates for the new Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer (CKBD) will no longer need to sit for both the CKD and CBD exams. Candidates will have access to the CKBD exam year-round.
  • The CMKBD qualifications will now encourage promotion of consumer and industry awareness, industry leadership, and mentoring new designers.
     
  • Students at NKBA accredited college programs may now sit for the Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer (AKBD) exam prior to graduation. Students must complete a minimum of 85% of their Kitchen and Bath coursework to be eligible.
     
  • All NKBA certified members are now required to earn 20 CEU hours per two-year cycle. This change will be effective beginning with the next CEU cycle on July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2018. The NKBA offers free CEU approved webinars every month (12 per year). A member can earn 24 free CEU hours in two years from the comfort of their home or office. The new CEU requirement of 2.0 CEUs (20 hours) during the 2-year cycle is within the industry norm.
KBIS 2017!
 
KBIS 2017 will be in sunny Orlando, FL, January 10-12 and registration opens one month earlier than last year, on August 1st.  Check out the show schedule  and register soon!
 
This year, our always highly anticipated Voices from the Industry presentations will feature new interactive seminars allowing for a true hands-on learning experience. Check out Voices from the industry at  and the  pre-conference course offerings   and register soon.
Apply for a National Leadership Role Today!

Do you want to become more involved in the industry?  One way is to submit your name to volunteer on the national level for your association!

The National Kitchen & Bath Association application period is now open to fill positions in the new governance model. There are multiple committees looking for new people with the desire to engage, participate and guide our association. 

The application period is open from
August 1, 2016 through August 31, 2016. To apply just click the link and select the committee you feel best suits your skill set. 

Thank you to our 2016 Chapter Sponsors!
NKBA | Rocky Mountain Chapter  | [email protected] | www.nkbarockymountain.org
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