The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) is non-profit trade association for professionals in the kitchen and bath industry. The organization started in 1963 with a network of kitchen retailers, and today there are over 60,000 members involved in many different aspect of the industry.
- Kitchen and bath designers – work with homeowners from initial concept, through product selection and installation.
- Manufacturers – of kitchen and bath products like Kohler sinks, and GE refrigerators.
- Retailers and distributors – who sell directly to homeowners, or restrict their business to peers in the industry.
- Remodelers and installers – who design, install and remodel kitchens and bathrooms in new and existing homes.
- Fabricators – work with the materials used in kitchens and bathrooms, that are unique to each space. The best example is counter tops where fabricators template and create custom pieces made of granite, quartz and so many more options. (Read: Countertops, It's All in the Details)
Programs Sponsored by the National Kitchen and Bath Association
Programs Sponsored by the National Kitchen and Bath AssociationAs a trade organization, the National Kitchen and Bath Association offers many benefits to it's members. Homeowners also benefit as the education and product knowledge gets passed to you when you need it.
- Annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) – offers industry professionals the opportunity to learn about new products (above, Las Vegas 2015), materials and design practices. Beginning in 2014, KBIS is co-located with the International Builder Show (IBS).
- NKBA certification programs – identify industry professionals who have the experience and demonstrated skills, as demonstrated by in-depth testing.
- NKBA accreditation of college and university programs – to support the 30 hours of NKBA education requirement. This plus 2 years of industry experience and 2 professional affidavits, enable someone to take the exam for the Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer designation.
