
NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Designer) is the premier association for the kitchen and bathroom industry. They are the trusted source for information and have researched and developed a set of guidelines for kitchen and bath planning. NKBA certified professionals can hold one of 2 titles based on the level of experience and knowledge.
A Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer (CKBD) specializes in the design, planning and execution of residential kitchens and bathrooms. CKBD designers must demonstrate that they have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to design and document residential kitchen and bath solutions. In addition, they must possess the advanced communication skills required to succeed as a kitchen and bath design professional.
The Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer (CMKBD) is the pinnacle of our industry’s certification and recognizes extraordinary kitchen and bath experience and achievements. CMKBD candidates must possess a CKBD certification for a minimum six (6) years, have earned 6.0 CEUs (60 hours) and meet specific education and industry work experience.
The Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer designation proves the designer’s ability and competency in their field. They have fulfilled a requirement of industry experience along with additional educational hours of training. Then they must pass a rigorous test, which includes both a multiple choice and drawing component. This test is based on the NKBA kitchen and bath planning guidelines (58 total) and local building codes, kitchen and bath design, construction, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems. To remain current, Certified Kitchen and Bath Designers are also required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education every two years. Certified designers are also skilled at assessing client needs and wants to create a design that meets and exceeds these desires. The Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer designation is the highest level of certification available.

I received my certificate signifying that I am officially a CMKBD!
You can trust that a certified designer:
- Is knowledgeable in kitchen and bath design and planning
- Has spent time in the industry learning to become an expert in their field
- Continues learning to stay current with the latest materials and building techniques
- Is a good communicator to listen to your needs
- Can communicate that vision to the various trades
- Will save you time and money by avoiding costly mistakes
The real question isn’t why you should hire a CMKBD, but why wouldn’t you?!
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