NKBA supports Harmony build
It may only have been twenty two degrees outside in Harmony, but a normal Habitat build day was filled with warmth and excitement. The day was made possible by our friends at the National Kitchen and Bath Association, headquartered in Hackettstown. The NKBA team, led by CEO Bill Darcy, sponsored a nation-wide design competition among its student associates to design the kitchen and bath layouts of this Habitat home.
“Partnering our associate members with Habitat for Humanity seemed like such a natural thing to do,” said Bill. “We were glad to be able to facilitate that link here in our home county and will look for ways to do more nationally.”
Design competition winners visit
The student design competition winners, Jasmine Dorman and Kelly Writer, were selected from a national group of hundreds of aspiring designers. Jasmine was the first place kitchen designer while Kelly’s design topped the bathroom entries. “I got a voicemail about my design. I called back thinking I had left something out or they needed something else,” explained Jasmine. “I was floored when they told me I’d won!”
Kelly had a similar experience. “I had no idea I was in the running until I got the call that my design was chosen!”, she said. The winners travelled from Washington State and from Colorado to join the Warren County build team in making their designs come to fruition.
Winners get special support
Turning design concepts into physical reality is never as straight forward as it may seem. Kelly and Jasmine were supported by two seasoned designers in HGTV personalities Jennifer Bertrand and Chip Wade.
Jennifer and Chip are both Associate Kitchen and Bath Designers. “It’s a real honor to be a part of this. NKBA and Habitat for Humanity are truly great organizations and I’m glad to give them my support,” said Chip. Link to these sites to see what Jennifer and Chip have been doing lately.
NKBA partners step up
The NKBA is the world’s leading trade association for the kitchen and bath industry. It provides tools, research, certification, and events to thousands of professionals.The NKBA provided valuable access to their partners and associates to make this design project a success. The result was a nation-wide team, starting with designers from Washington and Colorado.
Dave Alderman and the team at Virginia-based Green Forest Cabinetry donated the cabinets used in the design. Construction manager Vic Bozzuffi got hands-on consultation for the installation. Countertops materials were donated by Wilsonart, while fabrication and installation were provided by Pennsylvania-based Eastern Services.
Great day for Nicole, Sage and Giovanni
“I am just amazed at all of the people who’ve supported us,” said Partner Mom Nicole Banfield. “The people at NKBA were so helpful and it has been a great experience. We want to give a special thanks to them, to Kelly and Jasmine, and to everyone who donated their products and their time. The kitchen and bath designs are just awesome.”
Click these links to view media coverage of the event: WFMZ, Lehighvalleylive.
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