Student Design Competition FAQs

General Information and Contact:

  • If it is allowed, is there someone we can contact for advice about our project before we submit? The best individuals to contact would either be Miranda Lara [email protected] for technical questions or Rima Nasr [email protected] for design questions.

Client Profile and Project Requirements:

  • On the bathroom, can we move the closet wall or relocate the lavatory? There is no standard floor plan for submissions, the ones provided are simply samples. You can move any wall or lavatory as you desire.

Submission Details:

  • Should the entire presentation be formatted on 11”x17” pages, or only the drawings? Everything needs to be on 11”x17” pages; drawings, writing, concept boards, etc.
  • Should the concept board be on an 11”x17” page? What about the written concept statement? Everything needs to be on 11”x17” pages.
  • Are we expected to include all the selections for the Kitchen and/or Bath design, or is just the concept board with overall selections that set the tone of the design enough? All the selections need to be included; however, you can simply label your selections on your concept board. Concept board with overall selections.
  • Do we need to include all the selections for the submission entry or only concept/mood board? See previous answer.
  • Can you submit a co-entry design? Two designer entries are not permitted as many of the prize options for the competition cannot be shared. If you are referring to submitting one kitchen design, and then one bath design, then that is allowed and encouraged.
  • As long as we also meet the submission requirements, may we also submit a 3D rendering and/or video fly through? Of course. However, additional materials, i.e. the 3D rending/video fly through, will not replace the required materials for this competition.
  • What is the format for our presentation? Do we make boards? A PowerPoint? Slides like Microsoft PowerPoint/Google Slides/Apple Keynote are preferred. However, we will accept digital boards, pages, or pdf documents. As long as they are in the correct size. No physical boards will be accepted.

Eligibility and Membership:

  • Can professionals who are enrolled as students in the Kitchen and Bath certificate program and have previously developed kitchens and baths for clients but not using NKBA standards compete? More details are needs. Reach out to Rima Nasr [email protected].
  • The rules stipulate that the entrant cannot have been paid for "any design services rendered." I had a client who paid me a nominal fee to create a plan for his living room, bedroom, and counter stools (performance specifications, example furnishings, and 3D renderings only). This was also used as a class assignment. I did not work on the kitchen, other than to render it and list some performance specifications for the counter stools and a lamp. Am I still able to participate? No, you are not able to participate.
  • Many of us are (or will be by Dec 2024) employed in paid positions and internships; does this disqualify us? As long as you are a student not in a paid position or internship, by October 1st, 2024, you are eligible to participate. However, you must be enrolled in Interior Design courses at an accredited school.
  • I just submitted my application to become an NKBA student member. When will I have access to the platform and be able to submit my work for the competition? Since the NKBA Student membership is complimentary, we honor the membership immediately after sign-up. Once you have signed up for an NKBA Student membership, you are able to submit your entry for the competition.

Judging and Feedback:

  • Do we get feedback on our projects after submission? (Even if we do not win/are top 3) Feedback will be provided upon request.
  • How many judges will there be? Are they all Certified Kitchen and Bath Designers or will they be a mix of designers and related professionals? The judges will be a mix CKBD certified designers and other design/build professionals. Industry partners will not be judges.
  • What are the judging criteria and how will the submissions be evaluated? Refer to judging sections in application. Pg 5.
  • Are there specific aspects of the design that judges will focus on more? Refer to judging section, rubric is available.
  • Will participants receive feedback on their submissions after the competition? See previous answers.
  • Are there previous examples of submissions to view for reference? Refer to the example submissions. ****
  • Do we get to showcase our work (entries or winners) at the event? All entries will be honorarily mentioned during the event presentation. Will have more details closer to the event.

Design and Technical Details:

  • Is there a preference between a simple CAD block and one sourced directly from a manufacturer's website? (Appliance, lighting, furniture) There is no preference. Refer to design presentation package.
  • Are there any restrictions or preferences regarding the materials and finishes we can use? There are no restrictions or preferences regarding the materials or finishes. Refer to design presentation package.
  • Are there any specific measurements or design requirements that we must follow? Refer to pages 4 through 7 in the 2024 student design competition booklet.
  • How many renderings and drawings are required or recommended? Floor Plan (fully dimensioned with specifications with construction & mechanical changes). Elevations of every wall with cabinets and/or appliances (fully dimensioned). Refer to page 4 in the 2024 student design competition booklet.
  • Are there any specific things they look for in a project? What is most important? The most important thing is to make sure you follow the NKBA standards.

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