NKBA Magazine Summer 2010

SUMMER 2010

THE GREEN ISSUE

MEMBERS | DESIGN | BUSINESS | NEWS

NKBA.org

magazine

Surrounded

by Green KITCHEN PROFILE: Lisa Wilson-Wirth, CKD

PLUS: The Future of Energy-EfямБcient Appliances

The function of a professional range.

The form of a work of art.

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nKbA MAGAZInE – suMMER 2010

contents THE GREEN ISSUE

cover story 26 Green Kitchen Profile Surrounded by Green.

San Diego designer Lisa Wilson-Wirth, CKD creates an intelligent kitchen for her discerning clients.

Contemporary sustainable kitchen designed by Lisa Wilson-Wirth, CKD Inset photo: Whirlpool® Resource Saver™ Dishwasher Cover photo: Brent Haywood Photography Inset photo: Courtesy of Whirlpool Corporation Brent Haywood Photography

26

ON THE COVER

features

14 sustainability 101

Create an impact on the environment and your eco-conscious clients’ homes.

14

A healthier environment for homeowners and their families.

18 smart Grid, smart Appliances The future of efficiency is coming to American kitchens.

18

A new government-developed strategy for energy-efficiency and the appliances to accomodate it.

22 Indoor Air Quality FAQs The pros at Broan-NuTone provide answers – number of fans, what type of fan, air turnover rate, and more.

Broan-NuTone

Common ventilation issues addressed by the experts.

22 NKBA.org | NKBA MAGAZINE–SUMMER 2010

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SAVE THE DATE The National Kitchen & Bath Association presents

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contents

nKbA MAGAZInE – suMMER 2010

THE GREEN ISSUE

features (cont’d.)

31 Green Member companies What does it mean to be Green?

31

NKBA member companies show their true color and intent in their green commitment.

34 Green Design Trends

Cost-conscious design options show green influence.

A survey acts as indicator of energy-efficient and cost-efficient products.

headlines

34

“You have to personalize the technical aspect and connect the design to the client.”

36 KbIs 38 Membership 44 Education

– BLue arNoLD, CkD, CBD MEMBER PROFILE: PG. 38

in every issue 9 First Word 11 Feedback 49 Last Word

KBIS 2010 WRAP-UP:

Nearly 700 exhibitors showed their innovative products in Chicago.

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NKBA MAGAZINE is published quarterly (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall) by the National Kitchen & Bath Association, 687 Willow Grove Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The National Kitchen & Bath

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NKBA MAGAZINE–SUMMER 2010 | NKBA.org

Association, 687 Willow Grove Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Application to mail at the Periodical Postage Rate is pending at the Hackettstown, NJ 07840 Post Office and additional offices.

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Learn more and where to buy at www.lutron.com or call 1.877.2LUTRON. And download the new Lutron catalogs for 20-20 design software at www.2020.net.

©2010 Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.

magazine

EDUCATION Enroll Today NKBA.org /Courses | 1-800-THE-NKBA (843 - 6522)

Learn How to Use Social Media in Your Business

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Timothy Captain I tcaptain@nkba.org MANAGING EDITOR Annette Gray I agray@nkba.org WEB EDITOR Diana Tuorto I dtuorto@nkba.org

ART & Production CREATIVE DIRECTOR Joshua D. Blatt I jblatt@nkba.org ART DIRECTOR Scott E. Dotter I sdotter@nkba.org

Contributors Darrill Andries, CKD, Warwick Stirling, Broan-NuTone, Diane Laulette, Janet LaLonde, Edward S. Nagorsky, Esq., David Newton, CMKBD, Michael Brgoch, CKD, Johanna Baars, Sherylin Doyle, AKBD, Sally Spencer

ADVERTISING (908) 813-3362 I advertising@nkba.org

2010 NKBA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PRESIDENT Mark L. Karas, CMKBD I mkaras@adamskitchens.com PRESIDENT-ELECT David Alderman, CMKBD I dwalderman@hughes.net

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VICE PRESIDENT Alan W. Zielinski, CKD I alanwzee@aol.com SECRETARY John K. Morgan I johnkmorgan@comcast.net TREASURER Michael Alba I malba@bellsouth.net IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Suzie Williford I swilliford@kivahome.com

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NKBA SENIOR STAFF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Don Sciolaro I dsciolaro@nkba.org DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES Claudette Hoffmann I choffmann@nkba.org DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION Laura Domanico I ldomanico@nkba.org DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Bill Darcy I bdarcy@nkba.org GENERAL COUNSEL & DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Edward S. Nagorsky, Esq. I enagorsky@nkba.org CONTROLLER Harry Smith I hsmith@nkba.org

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OFFICIAL MEMBER PUBLICATION OF THE NKBA NKBA Magazine is published quarterly by the National Kitchen & Bath Association, 687 Willow Grove Street, Hackettstown, N.J. 07840. Telephone (800) 843-6522, fax (908) 852-1695 and web address: www.NKBA.org. Subscriptions are free to members of NKBA. Copyright 2010 by the National Kitchen & Bath Association. All rights reserved.

Materials may not be reproduced without written permission. Any organization that is not a member may elect to become one by calling (800) 843-6522 or by visiting us online at NKBA. org. NKBA reserves the right to reject advertising or request changes to advertisements which it deems inappropriate or not in keeping with the Mission Statement of the NKBA or otherwise in violation of the rights of its members. The NKBA logo, KBIS®, CKD®, CBD®, CMKBD®, AKBD®, CKE®, CBE® and CKBI® are registered trademarks of the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

first word NKBA Magazine – Summer 2010

K

Fellow Professionals, KBIS 2010 proved to be the thriving event of the year that kitchen and bath professionals have come to expect. Almost 700 exhibitors filled more than 300,000 square feet of show floor space at Chicago’s McCormick Place, with the threeday event drawing attendance from top designers, builders, remodelers, and manufacturers. Leaders from every segment of the industry came together to make 2010 another successful year at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show.

The large number of business and industry leaders represented at KBIS reinforces the significance of leading by example. Strong NKBA leadership is more important now than ever as the industry strengthens with the recovering economy. As chapter elections approach, I urge you to consider where your talents could be applied within our network of volunteer leaders. Review the chapter leadership brochure that you received during the month of June, go to NKBA.org for additional information, and speak to your chapter officers about the benefits of becoming involved. Help lead the organization that leads the industry.

Once again, we’re distributing the annual green issue of NKBA Magazine in a digital format, saving the equivalent of hundreds of thousands of sheets of paper. For those of you who really prefer the feel of a printed magazine in your hands, don’t worry; we’ll return to print for the fall issue. Read on to learn more about topics such as indoor air quality, smart appliances, green design trends, and bringing sustainability into your designs. In addition, NKBA Magazine now features member profiles in each issue. See how fellow professionals are spending their time.

As in years past, we’ll honor the winners of the upcoming NKBA Design Competition at KBIS 2011 in Las Vegas. Take some time to review the projects you’ve completed in the past nine months or so, and ones scheduled to be finished in the next few months. Consider entering them in the 2011 NKBA Design Competition. Cash prizes and extensive PR exposure are just two of the many reasons you should enter. Are you up to the challenge?

THE NKBA PRESIDENT WELCOMES ATTENDEES Mark L. Karas, CMKBD addresses KBIS attendees at the industry’s largest event.

Enjoy your summer months and enjoy the summer issue of NKBA Magazine.

Mark L. Karas, CMKBD 2010 NKBA President

NKBA.org | NKBA MAGAZINE–SUMMER 2010

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Turns out, the kitchen isn’t the only place it’s helpful.

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©2010 InSinkErator, Insinkerator® is a division of Emerson Electric Co. All rights reserved. *The mounting collar confi guration is a trademark of Emerson Electric Co.

*

Can help reduce greenhouse gases by sending less food waste to landfills.

MultiGrind Plus™ grinds the toughest food, including bones.

InSinkErator® Evolution Series® disposers do a lot of things you wouldn’t expect.

Like grind bones or help responsibly dispose of food waste. Using a disposer can help reduce landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions. It also helps capable wastewater treatment plants turn food waste into renewable energy and fertilizer.

(Check the plant in your area.) In fact, it could be one of the most thoughtfully designed things in any kitchen. To learn more, visit insinkerator.com/green.

feedback Q: Is it Too Little Too Late?

Is the incorporation of green products and application of green practices in the kitchen and bath industry, too little too late to help preserve the environment? Will our green efforts pay off for the next generation?

A: It is never too late to begin our efforts to save the planet. We can, in all probability, always do more than we do. The question should really be this: What are we doing to educate ourselves about what is necessary so we can in our everyday journey do everything possible in our green efforts and striving to preserve the environment? There is no limit or timeframe to our efforts. It is our way of life, our way of doing business, our personal and professional priorities that must be changed if the world is going to exist as we know it or as we want it to be. We don’t live in isolation from the problem, as mankind, we are the problem. As designers, we can influence others if we are informed and willing to step forward. – Henry A Schmidt CKD, CBD, Louisville, KY

I A:

I think time and energy spent incorporating green products/practices into any industry—particularly the kitchen and bath industry—is well spent. Kitchens and baths provide an excellent jumping-off point to begin conservation of materials and resources. Planning an intelligent use of these particular resources is as much good sense as it is good business practice, and it also makes green sense.

As design professionals, good planning is our job—and by definition is geared toward the future. Good design goes beyond aesthetics to include lifestyle, lifecycle costs, future uses, environment and resources of future occupants. Good design looks beyond the present. Utilizing what might otherwise be wasted materials or conserving those limited resources is always good stewardship. As industry professionals, we can guide the process toward design that is intelligent, sustainable, and beautiful.

Scott Haig, CKD Houston, TX NKBA.org | NKBA MAGAZINE–SUMMER 2010

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feedback LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

A: All industries have an impact on the environment, but it can be minimized by constantly seeking to make changes and improvements on how things are done. The most important step is to start reducing your business environmental footprint today.

Every effort counts and no gesture are too small. The only way to reverse the trend of our deteriorating environment, and ensure a sustainable world for today and for the next generation is to attain a critical mass of committed companies.

So our message to the industry is, do something, anything, but do it now. And, if the fact of putting in place gestures to leave a healthy environment for future generations is not convincing enough, remember that these future generations will be in search of ecologically responsible companies who will offer green products. Other companies unwilling to make a change will simply disappear, as did the dinosaurs 65 million years ago…

Jean-Guy Turmel Saint Nicholas, Quebec, Canada

NATIONAL

Become an NKBA Advisory Council Member • Gain experience and recognition.

• Influence the association and the industry.

• Attend NKBA leadership events.

• Enjoy complimentary admission to NKBA courses.

• Network with national industry leaders.

Watch a 90-second video and download a self-nomination form at NKBA.org/CouncilLeaders.

LOCAL

Become an NKBA Chapter Officer • Increase your consumer and professional visibility.

• Influence the association’s impact in your area.

• Benefit from leadership training.

• Receive free registration for NKBA courses.

• Connect with local industry leaders.

Watch a 90-second video and download a self-nomination form at NKBA.org/ChapterOfficers.

NKBA.org/Leaders 1-800-THE-NKBA (843-6522)

“Too little too late? Quite the contrary, I believe we should be incorporating Green concepts as the benchmark for all projects in new construction or remodeling for reasons even beyond saving the overall environment.”

A:

My opinion on the importance of continued green efforts can best be summarized by the results of the non-profit company I work for – Green Demolitions. The company has saved over two million pounds of kitchens and bathrooms from being dumped into landfills since 2005. That’s over 1000 kitchens salvaged, recycled and used to support a good cause in the past 4 years - not bad!

Matthew Dingle Greenwich, CT

A: I believe that green design today will benefit the generation 30 years from now.

As each industry incorporates environmentally safe practices, little by little the benefits begin to add up. Hopefully most industries will be on-board with environmentally sound practices in the near future. I’m not giving up!

Laura L. Lucas, AKBD Broadview, IL A:

Too little too late? Quite the contrary, I believe we should be incorporating Green concepts as the benchmark for all projects in new construction or remodeling for reasons even beyond saving the overall environment. First, conservation efforts such as energy savings and recycling are not only good for the environment, but will also save money.

A respect for limits is an ethical commitment, and I am not aware of anyone ever saying it’s too late to save money. Secondly, everyday we spend in a healthy indoor environment is one less we spend suffering for environmental pollutants (i.e. asthma, endocrine related problems, cancer, etc.) As leaders in our industry, we should always seek to promote what is best for our clients. Giving up on Green should never be a corner we cut.

Every little bit makes a big difference!

Julie A. Graf, CKD Mayport, PA

A: I truly believe that it’s never too late. Air pollution, the destruction of natural habitats by land development, mining, and logging are all dangerously impacting our earth and its environment.

What are we as an industry doing to educate ourselves about real green and sustainable practices rather than relying on over-hyped claims from new manufacturers who pop up everyday with pretty brochures but no documented substantiation of their claims?

When are we as stewards and guides of the built environment, going to realize that our education, training, and client recommendations can do more to benefit energy conservation, landfill depletion, and sustainability for future generations, than any single product or certification could ever do?

“How do we as professionals help the consumers to see through all of the green washing haze and implement truly sustainable solutions?”

What we do now will affect the future and we can still make a difference in what we do every day. In my office and home, we began recycling in the 1980’s. I talk with my clients constantly about the benefits of recycling. Recycled plastic and paper is now showing up in just abut every product imaginable. I attended a seminar this week on Energy savings and going Green with Hunter Douglas. One of their products is made with recycled plastic from Coca Cola bottles. There are very high end carpets made with recycled plastics and other products. Liebherr products are on hundred percent recyclable and can be stripped down at the factory and every component can be re-used.

My advice to anyone would be to think re-

A:

Seriously, are you really asking this? That’s like saying, “I’ve already been shot, so I guess it’s too late to try and stop the bleeding.”

The questions that should be asked are: How do we change the consumer focus from green-by-device to greenby-design?

How do we as professionals help the consumers to see through all of the green washing haze and implement truly sustainable solutions?

What are the best ways to use Building Science Dynamics to create sustainable solutions that are more than just cabinet-deep?

Why do we continue to have any type of debate or discussion about whether “green” is just a short-term fad or something that’s good for a quick buck until it runs its course? Why don’t we accept that practicing sustainable design and construction is like practicing safe medicine or ethical law? It’s NOT a choice; it’s a minimum professional obligation.

Andy Ault, CLC Laurel, MD

A:

As a slab fabricator I have seen many green products come up as the latest and greatest green slab materials.

When considering the manufacturing process of these products versus using natural stone, the greater green option should be apparent. Stone is being incorporated at all levels of construction and not only high-end homes. This in itself is reducing the chemical processes and future concern for disposal. We all want to feel good about our impact on the environment however it is important to use common sense and spend funds in places that can maximize efficiency and the reduction in waste present and future Alexander David Stephen Kenmore, WA

sponsibly and if it can be recycled, just do it! “Think globally, act locally” – so true!

Sharon Flatley Dallas, Texas

WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS: To speak out, send your thoughts with your name, address, and phone number via MAIL: NKBA, 687 Willow Grove Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840, Attn: Letters; FAX: (908) 852-1695; or E-MAIL: letters@nkba.org. Letters may be edited for length.

NKBA.org | NKBA MAGAZINE–SUMMER 2010

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Sustainability

1 1 Create an impact on the environment and your eco-conscious clients’ homes. By Darrill Andries, CKD

T

The complexity of green design can bog you down in false claims and irrelevant details, and make you lose track of your clients’ goals. You’ll need a firm grasp of the basics to avoid getting duped or sidetracked.

Here in Sustainability 101, at the very least, you’re going to learn a new set of jargon that will let you hang in conversations with the tree huggers during their wheatgrass happy hour.

The impact that you can have on the environment as a whole and in your clients’ home environments are substantial. Mindfulness of these issues will contribute to a healthier home and planet.

First, consider indoor environmental quality (IEQ). From indoor air quality (IAQ) to lighting levels, IEQ addresses a healthy space to live in and how it’s maintained, something typically very high on most clients’ wish lists.

Next, think about reducing consumption of materials, energy, and water. This not only preserves the environment, but also impacts life cycle costs by reducing utility bills. In the same vein, think about the waste that will be produced from a kitchen or bath that

you design—both in the production and installation, as well as during everyday use. You can do this by using reclaimed materials, recycling, and composting. Also think about carbon release; how much CO2 is released during the manufacture and transport of products, and how much energy is used in the home day after day.

Simply put, a sustainable residence is an efficient, nurturing space that has a minimal need to consume resources from conception to demolition. NKBA members have the opportunity and responsibility to help transform a client’s residence into a sustainable space.

Control the project’s environmental impact from the first hammer swung or crow bar twisted by working to have the materials from tear out avoid the landfill. Examine whether reuse of certain fixtures, cabinetry, countertops, and even lumber is possible onsite. If that’s not possible, attempt to reuse them by donating the items to Habitat for Humanity, selling them on Craiglist or Ebay, or contacting redo. org or earth911.com. The last resort is to send it all to the dump.

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Products Have you ever heard of greenwashing? It’s a term to describe how many products claim to be ecologically friendly when they actually have significant environmental drawbacks. For example, an appliance that touts best in class energy efficiency even though its manufacturing process is wasteful and uses virgin materials.

There’s a methodology that can scrub right through the haze of greenwashing; it’s called an embodied energy evaluation. Embodied energy is an accounting of the total energy a product uses throughout its entire lifecycle from cradle to grave. This lifecycle analysis includes raw material extraction, transportation both to and from the manufacturing facility, the manufacturing process, assembly, installation, deconstruction, and/or decomposition.

We have no greater control on the immediate impact we make on the environment than by turning off switches and water sources and by using more efficient products, from refrigerators to shower heads.

Not many products can score high in all categories (see www. c2ccertified.com for those that come close). Bamboo flooring is considered sustainable because it’s a rapidly renewable resource, which means that it has a less than ten-year regeneration cycle.

However, since the vast majority of bamboo is from China, the carbon released during its transport over such a long distance to the North American market is a negative in its sustainability equation. Keep in mind that while an embodied energy evaluation is a very honest measurement of environmental impact, it’s meant to be guiding principles rather than a litmus test that products either pass or fail.

Concrete is admired in the green world for being virtually maintenance free; it doesn’t off gas harmful chemicals, and it’s recycled easily at the end of its life cycle. It’s also praised for naturally occurring components, such as sand, water, stone, and Portland cement. However, Portland cement causes as much as 8 percent of the world’s greenhouse gases during its processing.

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NKBA MAGAZINE–SUMMER 2010 | NKBA.org

This is where alternative materials come in to play. Fly ash is the residue from coal combustion at power plants. This waste product is substituted in place of Portland cement (in varying percentages) in the concrete mixture. Fly ash concrete is noted in green circles because it recovers waste and eliminates the use of a hazardous or virgin material—just like the recycled content of many new countertops being introduced.

Products from local artisans, like tiles and hardware, are being touted as green since they reduce transportation distances and nurture local communities just like the farmers’ markets that seem to be sprouting up everywhere. A local cabinetmaker who sources wood locally can greatly reduce the distances that materials are transported versus a national supplier, yet you need

models, which offer two controls, consume 1.6 GPF for solid waste and just 0.8 GPF for liquid waste. to balance that with the finish used, in both its composition and in the application methods and controls.

Regarding cabinetry, remember that open shelves use fewer materials than full cabinets, existing closets can be transformed into pantries, and frameless cabinetry uses less virgin wood than a comparable framed cabinet.

High quality products need to be strongly recommended for those interested in sustainability because that’s what they are: sustainable. You eliminate the embodied energy of a new replacement product and the taboo use of virgin materials by giving your client a long lasting, and easy-to-maintain product.

Recycled products are revered because they eliminate the first and last parts of the embodied energy equation. Going further, reclaimed products drastically reduce the reprocessing involved in recycled products.

Energy and Water Consumption Energy and water should be reduced for the simple fact we waste so much of them. We have no greater control on the immediate impact we make on the environment than by turning off switches and water sources and by using more efficient products, from refrigerators to shower heads. Since half the country is powered by coal, electricity generation heavily contributes to carbon release in the air. To see what fuel your local utility provider uses to generate electricity, visit www.carma.org.

The use of water is a very regional issue in a country as large as ours. Chicago has no need to implement the conservation efforts that southern California does for the simple fact of supply and demand. However, consider the energy used for treatment, disposal, and the transportation of water. The transportation of water and its resulting effects on natural habitats demonstrates that water usage’s impact goes beyond the quantity of our resources.

The EPA offers WaterSense, which is to water what Energy Star is to electricity. Look for the WaterSense label on faucets, toilets, shower heads, and other products. Note that toilets are considered low flow at 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF), while high-efficiency toilets (HETs) consume 1.28 GPF and dual-flush

Compact fluorescents (CFLs) and light emitting diodes (LEDs) are praised for their energy savings versus Thomas Edison’s ubiquitous incandescent bulb. Their long life also eliminates the use of materials, embodied energy, and landfills that would have been needed for the multiple incandescent bulbs required over a comparable period. The LED is highly effective as task or accent lighting, but make sure that you buy high-quality CFL or LED bulbs and that you have actually seen the light they produce before specifying them for general lighting.

It’s rare to find an LED or CFL light that inhabits the preferred 2700k and high 90s color rendering index (CRI) wheelhouse of the incandescent. Halogens are getting more efficient, though.

Dimmers provide wonderful energy savings, but the CFL and LED have some ground to cover to match the range of lumen levels a dimmed incandescent can provide. The majority of CFL’s cannot be dimmed, so look for a high-quality one that can.

Disposal of CFLs is also an issue, as they contain mercury and must be brought to a location that can dispose of them in a proper manner. Visit www.earth911.com to find a list of CFL disposal centers in your area; the local Home Depot will be the most convenient location for most consumers.

These issues illustrate the downside of new products being introduced to an industry that values reliability and the desire to go into a job, get it done in a timely manner, and never hear from the client again—except for referrals or additional work.

Unknown performance issues, resistance to new methods and materials, and replacing what has traditionally worked creates barriers to entry for many products.

Costs are another issue. Most historical data comes from the commercial sector where building costs are highly examined and sustainability has been implemented on a much broader scale than in the residential market. See the remodeling master ROI at www.greenandsave.com to read the lifecycle costs for items used in a typical residential remodel from small products, like faucets, to large ones, like solar panels.

Sustainability is a vast landscape littered with bundles of information. The basics described here can help you get started toward a credible understanding of this ever-evolving topic.

Darrill Andries is a Certified Kitchen Designer with over 20 years of experience in the kitchen and bath industry.

NCIDQ-certified with a BA in Art from San Diego State University, Darrill is an NKBA instructor and currently conducts sales and training in Southern California for Norcraft Companies, a national cabinet manufacturer.

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Smart Grid, The federal government is encouraging consumers, builders and designers to live and work more sustainably by offering everything from simple energy conservation tips to significant tax incentives for renovations that enhance energy efficiency.

In looking at what lies ahead of us, we see the long-term goal of our gradual, nationwide climb toward energy efficiency can be summed up in two words —

smart grid.

The smart grid is a new strategy the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has developed to prevent the overburdening of the U.S. electrical power infrastructure — also known as the national power grid — to make it more efficient for the future. The average person may ask why it needs to be fixed. After all, the national power grid is recognized by the National Academy of Engineering as the single most important engineering achievement of the 20th Century. Eighty-three years after the world’s first continuous national power grid went online in the United States, it operates at approximately a 99.97 percent reliability rate, according to the DOE, providing electrical power for the entire, perpetually growing nation.

This complex electrical transmission system consists of more than 9,200 electric generators with more than 1 million megawatts of generating capacity and is connected to 300,000 miles of transmission lines. One might think of the grid as a monument to efficiency, considering its reliability against its sheer size, age and the constant demands placed on it. However most of us are also well aware of the rolling brownouts that can happen in peak days of summer, and the East Coast blackouts that happened in the not too distant past. The fact is that the current system is becoming overburdened, and is headed for a fall if more consumers don’t begin using electricity more wisely.

According to the DOE, since 1982, the growth in peak demand for electricity — a result of population increases, larger houses and more air conditioners, computers, televisions and other electronics — has exceeded power transmission growth by almost 25 percent each year. This has caused more frequent blackouts and interruptions of service, which cost American consumers at least $150 billion each year. The increased demand for electrical power across the nation has also led to higher utility costs and more greenhouse gas emissions. The bottom line is that it’s time for a change in the way we consume electricity.

Smart Grid — What Is It? The goal of the smart grid strategy is to transform the U.S. electric industry from a centralized, producer-controlled network to a broader, more consumer-interactive network through a massive grid overhaul. This new network will utilize two-way digital communication technology to inform consumers of their energy consumption, leverage superconductive transmission lines to decrease power transmission losses and permit the integration of alternative energy sources, such as solar and wind, into the grid.

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Smart Appliances The future of energy efficiency is coming to American kitchens.

By Warwick Stirling, Whirlpool Corporation

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The two-way digital technology feature of the smart grid, with the consumer’s permission, will allow electric utilities to “talk” with individual households to conserve energy, reduce utility costs and increase the grid’s reliability and transparency. For example, whenever power is least expensive, the smart grid could instruct certain functions of major home appliances, such as air conditioners and water heaters, to turn on. It could instruct a refrigerator to run the defrost cycle, or trigger a pre-set dishwasher to begin. These types of appliances normally account for 20 percent of the average home’s energy use, according to the DOE.

ing grant by the DOE’s Smart Grid Investment Grant program, which will help accelerate the company’s work toward full smart grid compatibility. This is a good illustration of how industry and government can work together to speed the adoption of the smart grid.

Smart grid-compatible appliances differ from their predecessors in that they are equipped with electronics hardware and software, which allow them to receive

Builders and designers will play an important role in the smart grid strategy as educators for the consumer, explaining all options available and how having smart appliances in the home can save money.

However, at times of peak electrical demand when usage is at a high, the smart grid could instruct these appliances to pause, reduce or delay their energy consumption. These tasks, would of course, be executed under permissions provided by the consumer.

Today, when electricity demand is driven to its absolute peak, grid operators are forced to activate reserve “peaker” power plants to meet the energy demand and prevent blackouts. A good example of such situations is when the majority of air conditioners in a city are running simultaneously on a hot day. If peaker plants are called into action, it means that all the “dirty” base load plants are running full speed. By shifting some of that peak load to off-peak times, the smart grid can keep this from happening, saving millions of dollars and reducing a region’s environmental impact.

One vital step in making the smart grid strategy work is the development of appliances that are compatible with it.

Smart Grid-Compatible Appliances Driven by visions of a more energy-efficient future, today’s appliance manufacturers are starting to develop new smart grid-compatible appliances. Whirlpool Corporation, for instance, recently committed to commercialize a suite of smart appliances by the end of 2011 — a significant step toward its larger goal to make all the electronically controlled appliances it produces, throughout the world, smart gridcompatible by the end of 2015. This aggressive Whirlpool® Duet™ Laundry Pair timeline, however, depends on the federal government’s success in the development of an open, global communication standard and creation of appropriate incentives for consumers, manufacturers and utilities to get on board by the end of 2010.

Whirlpool Corporation was recently awarded a $19.3 million federal match-

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communication signals from a utility. When the regional grid reaches a critical peak of energy use, the appliances can respond by either delaying or minimizing appliance power consumption. For example, if a clothes dryer were operating during a peak usage period, the smart grid would send a signal to the dryer which could, if preset by the consumer to allow it, turn off its heating element for a short period of time, while the dryer continued to tumble the clothes.

Though this change in appliance usage may seem minor and virtually unnoticeable to the consumer, such an act, coordinated with many others throughout the region, could reduce dryer power consumption by 80 percent for specified periods of time. If all consumers across the nation connect their refrigerators to the smart grid, they can reduce refrigerator energy consumption by up to 97 percent for limited periods of time. This would be equivalent to six times the power generated by the largest wind power farm in the United States. There are even larger benefits that arise from connecting and coordinating with other home appliances, such as hot water heaters, to the smart grid.

Though today’s ENERGY STAR® qualified kitchen and laundry appliances are very energy-efficient, tomorrow’s smart-grid compatible appliances take energy efficiency a step farther and are an integral component in the future

Whirlpool® Resource Saver™ Dishwasher

of energy management and conservation. Smart grid-compatible appliances will also be able to provide real-time information about the costs of energy consumption, helping consumers make smarter energy decisions.

Fortunately, making appliances smart grid-compatible does not mean sacrificing aesthetics. Manufacturers are now developing smart appliances that come in a wide a variety of colors, finishes and options for builders and designers looking for the ideal mix of energy efficiency and visual appeal.

essential role many builders and designers have played in the overall sustainability movement, in which they have guided their customers toward wiser, more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly building product and appliance choices.

Benefits and Incentives

At first, the smart grid will simply function much more efficiently than the present grid, leading to more affordable electrical power with a lower carbon footprint. In the long run, however, we may anticipate its impact will be similar to the introduction of the Interstate Highway System and the Internet. The similarities won’t stop there either, as the development of the smart grid won’t all happen overnight. The smart grid’s implementation could easily take most of the first quarter of the century, depending on the strength of various factors driving it.

By incorporating smart design and energy-conserving smart grid-compatible appliances into their projects, building and design professionals are not only helping to promote the smart grid, but also are providing a service to their client — the energy-conscious consumer. Consumers will reap the benefits of the smart grid’s energy conservation in the form of lower utility bills and environmental impact. The actual level of the benefits achieved by individual customers, however, is largely dependent on utility companies offering the option of time-based pricing. With higher prices during peak periods and much lower prices during off-peak periods, time-based pricing incents consumers to choose the most economical time of day to use certain appliances.

Government and non-government institutions, utility companies and appliance manufacturers are beginning to offer incentives to consumers buying smart grid-compatible appliances as a nudge toward public smart grid adoption. The federal government kicked things off last fall by distributing a total of $3.4 billion in grant money for smart grid projects. According to the DOE, some of this money will fund the installation of at least 18 million advanced digital electrical meters, which should bring the United States’ total to about 40 million — enough to monitor the power used by 31 percent of the nation’s housing units. States that are now actively exploring ways to increase the use of tools and technology to make the grid more energy-efficient include: Illinois, Hawaii, California, Texas, Florida, New Jersey, Ohio and New York.

Builders and designers will play an important role in the smart grid strategy as educators for the consumer, explaining all options available and how having smart appliances in the home can save money. This is similar to the

The Future of Energy Efficiency

One factor that may speed up the process is the development of fully electric cars. The current grid is not equipped to allow millions of electric cars to charge simultaneously or to act as a battery backup to cover peak periods. Electric cars demand a smarter grid to be feasible.

It is also crucial to have a spirit of teamwork among government, utility companies, appliance/electrical equipment manufacturers, building and design professionals, and consumers, with the common goal of bringing the smart grid online. This teamwork will make a powerful difference in a massive, new technological advancement that may turn out to be the most important electrical engineering achievement of the 21st Century. The entire nation stands to benefit from a smarter grid. By specifying smart grid-compatible appliances and educating customers, builders and designers are doing their part to ensure a more energy-efficient tomorrow and preserve the environment for the future.

Warwick Stirling is Global Director of Energy and Sustainability at Whirlpool Corporation, which works to exceed expectations with appliances that help building and design professionals create homes of distinction. The Inside Advantage™ is designed to meet the needs of Whirlpool Corporation’s design community customers. More than a program, The Inside Advantage™ provides trade customers with the strength of Powerful Brands, Innovative Products, Market Insight and Targeted Services, all from one company. For more information, call 1-800-952-2537 or visit insideadvantage.com.

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IAQ

FAQs INDOOR AIR QUALIT Y

PROVIDED BY BROAN NUTONE, VENTILATION EXPERTS As part of Broan-NuTone’s ongoing commitment to professional education, the “Clearing the Air: Fresh Ideas in Ventilation” program and the “Anatomy of Kitchen Ventilation” program are available. The programs are 2 hours and 1 1/2 hours respectively and qualify for 0.2 CEUs each. To schedule a presentation for your NKBA chapter, please call 262-673-8530.

Additional questions can also be addressed by the Broan-NuTone Customer and Technical Service Team by calling toll free 1-800-558-1711 or 1-888-336-3948 or by visiting www.Broan.com, www.NuTone.com or www.BestRangeHoods.com.

Photos courtesy of Broan NuTone: P. 22 – Broan® EVOLUTION™ 3 Range Hood; P. 23 – Broan® and NuTone® ENERGY STAR® Qualified Recessed Fan/Lights; P. 24 – BEST® IP29 Island Range Hood; P. 25 – (left) BEST® CP4 All-in-One Custom Range Hood Insert; (right) Broan® EVOLUTION™ 3 Range Hood

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Proper ventilation in the home has become a growing concern. In fact, the EPA ranks indoor pollution among the nation’s top five environmental risks to the public. In addition, the American Lung Association and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that there has been a rise in health risks including asthma, allergies, lung diseases and other side effects.

together with a “Y” connection to exit the attic with one termination fitting or cap.

Q. What is available in terms of ENERGY STAR

®

qualified fans? A. Most of the best fans on the market in terms of overall quality, quiet operation and styling are also the most energy efficient. ENERGY STAR fans use up to 65% less

The tightening of homes for energy conservation and savings can lead to unhealthy environments – the same environments in which Americans spend 90% of their time.

Mechanical ventilation in the kitchen, bathroom and throughout the home is the only predictable method to effectively provide proper, healthy indoor air. There are a variety of products and systems available to achieve desired results, and when identified and installed correctly, they can provide superior indoor air quality.

According to research conducted by Broan-NuTone LLC, the leaders in residential ventilation, homeowners expect their ventilation needs to be identified and addressed by their kitchen and bath designers.

To assist kitchen and bath designers in their response to client ventilation needs, Patrick Nielsen, Marketing Manager – Ventilation Fans and Brian Wellnitz, Marketing Manager – Kitchen Ventilation for Broan-NuTone addressed some common, and not so common, questions that they and the Broan-NuTone customer and technical service teams in Hartford, Wisconsin and Kenwood, Ohio field daily.

VENTILATION Q&As

Q. If a 65 CFM vent fan would work for a bathroom

would it be good to oversize it? Is this a case where bigger is better? A. Yes and yes. The larger the fan, the faster it will

energy than standard fans, which is more important than ever as they are increasingly being used for longer periods of time in our tighter homes – including for continuous/whole house ventilation. Broan-NuTone offers a wide variety of ENERGY STAR fan performance and style options.

Q. What can be done with bathrooms where the users often do not turn the fan ON (such as teenagers’ bathrooms)? A. A great solution to this problem is the use of

clear humidity and odors from the bathroom. Eliminating humidity more quickly will result in: a. More quickly de-fogged mirrors; b. Enjoyment of more comfortable conditions (cooler and dryer) more quickly; and c. Increased ability to turn the fan OFF before you leave the bathroom for the day and thereby, not wasting energy if it were to run all day.

humidity sensors, which will automatically turn fans on and off as the change in humidity level dictates. Although this can be accomplished with a humidistat control on the wall, Broan-NuTone offers humidity sensing fans with sensors that are incorporated right into the fan itself. These units are a more effective solution as they sense humidity at the ceiling where it is the most concentrated, they can be triggered by a change in humidity over time rather than simply a static level and they are adjustable in terms of sensitivity and time delay.

Q. Should I have one or two vents for a bath with a

Q. Are there any less conspicuous or more decorative

each fan will be in closer proximity to its source of humidity or odor and can therefore do its job more quickly. The fans can be ducted

recessed fan/lights that look just like standard recessed light fix-

shower and separate toilet compartment? A. Two is best as

ventilation solutions available than those with standard white plastic grilles? A. Yes, Broan-NuTone offers a line of

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tures. They blend in with existing similar fixtures, are UL listed to be placed right over the tub/shower with a GFCI circuit and come in incandescent, fluorescent and now humidity sensing models.

Two models available are ENERGY STAR qualified.

Q. Why is ventilation more important today than ever?

A. In an effort to make our homes more efficient (less costly

to heat and cool), we have made them tighter than ever. The down-side of this change is that homes no longer “breathe”. The natural ventilation that came from leaky windows and doors also gave us a constant supply of fresh air which we no longer enjoy. In order to maintain a safe and comfortable indoor environment, we must now mechanically ensure that contaminants are constantly removed from the building.

Q. How can the air inside a home be more harmful

than the outside air? A. When homes are closed up tightly, internally generated pollutants have no way of escaping and build up in concentration as time goes along. This list can include humidity, odors, dust, pet dander, grease, formaldehyde and other chemicals such as carbon dioxide, radon, etc.

Q. What is the difference between intermittent and

continuous ventilation? A. Intermittent or “spot” ventila-

tion is that which focuses on removing contaminants from a specific place at a specific time such as a bath fan during a shower or a range hood while cooking. Continuous ventilation is becoming increasingly popular and refers to a lower level of more constant ventilation in order to continuously remove contaminants that are a result of homes being built very tightly and people, pets and plants inhabiting them.

Q. Regarding ASHRAE 62.2 and continuous ventilation systems in general, can the same ventilation units, which handle traditional spot ventilation for the kitchen and bathroom also serve the continuous need and if so, do they need to work independently? A. The same range hoods and bath fans that normally serve the spot ventilation needs can also serve the continuous whole house requirement. While either the fan or hood could be controlled to run at a relatively constant, very low level for this purpose it cannot prevent over-ventilation. Broan-NuTone offers systems like the SmartSense® fan and BEST® range hoods that utilize LinkLogic® technology to communicate allowing the combined system to work in concert to automatically deliver just the right amount of ventilation for a home.

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RANGE HOOD Q&As

Q. I recently installed an 800 CFM hood in a client’s

home. The inspector told me I needed to provide make-up air with any hood over 400 CFM. Is that true and what is make-up air? A. Some (not all) local and state code authorities

have adopted requirements for make-up air. However the level of CFM that triggers the requirement can vary by locality but typically the requirement level ranges from 300 to 400 CFM. Obviously you are in one of the localities that require make-up air now. In the future you will see more communities adopting some type of requirement because the International Residential Code-2009 (IRC) added a new requirement for makeup air through an interlocked make-up air damper “approximately equal to the exhaust air rate” when kitchen exhaust exceeds 400 CFM. Make-up air replaces air exhausted from the home in a controlled means. This came about when homes became more airtight and concerns increased about diminishing indoor air quality (IAQ) and the risk of drawing in exhaust from furnaces and water heaters (back-drafting). Because the make-up air damper prevents depressurization in the home by allowing in fresh air from outdoors, it addresses both improving the air quality and preventing back-draft in combustion devices.

Q. Why is a range hood so important to IAQ in a home?

Why wouldn’t a fan in the kitchen work just as well?

A. The EPA has labeled the kitchen as the number one source of contaminants in the home and the majority of those contaminants relate to the cooking activity. And because cooking generates periodic large quantities of contaminants, it is more efficient to have a specialized ventilation device (range hood) capable of handling the localized need to prevent the infiltration into the rest of the home.

Many older homes have wall fans rather than range hoods and while this does provide ventilation it does not adequately prevent the spread of cooking contaminants in the house. The reason is that the particles from cooking are hundreds of time smaller than

the human hair…it is vapor. If these vapors are not captured within the cooking area they are very likely to stay air borne for up to 72 hours and spread throughout the home. A wall fan is not powerful enough to prevent this spread…it can help but it is not a good replacement for a hood.

Q. Is a recirculation range hood a good alternative

for IAQ? If not, why would any one recommend using a recirculation hood? A. The recirculation range hood is used widely for a host of reasons but none of them is related to improving IAQ. The fact is that there is no known practical combination of filtration suitable for range hood applications that can remove the vapor portion of the contaminants. Unfortunately this is the main component generated in the kitchen that contributes to poor IAQ. However, there are other reasons unrelated to IAQ that support the use of a recirculation range hood if it is not possible to duct outdoors. These reasons include: a. Providing good cook-top lighting; b. Protecting surrounding cabinets; c. Reducing large airborne contaminants and odors; d. Moving heat away from cooking area; and e. Meeting building code requirements related to fire safety.

Q. How do I estimate the CFM needed for cooking

ventilation for good IAQ? A. Assuming that you have chosen

a hood that at minimum covers the width of the cook-top, all the back burners and at least 50% of the front burners, you can estimate your needs based on the BTU output of your cook-top.

Reason being that contaminants are transported on the hot convection air that moves up and away from the cook-top elements or burners. For conventional gas (less than 60,000 BTU) or any electric (including induction) simply multiply the width in feet by 100. Example: 2.5 foot wide range (30”) x 100 = 250 CFM. For higher performance gas (over 60,000 BTU) cook-tops divide the BTU of the burners by 100. Example 4 burner cook-top totaling 66,000 BTU ÷ 100 = 660 CFM. If you have a barbeque grill included in the cook-top add 200 CFM to your estimate in any case. A big note about make-up air here; you may have local codes that require it but even if it isn’t, make-up air is important to the hood operating at its best to remove contaminants. If your house is well sealed and there is not adequate make-up air, the hood will operate at lower than expected CFM and this could contribute to the spread of contaminants away from the cooking area especially if the user is an avid cook.

Q. OK, I have done the right thing and installed a range

hood and followed all the guidelines to make sure it is appropriate for the application because I want to have good IAQ. Why isn’t all the smoke from cooking going up in to the range hood? A. The number one reason for an improperly

operating range hood has nothing to do with the range hood; it’s related to a duct problem. Whether it is improper duct installation, a jammed damper, or an improper roof or wall cap, the end result is that the hood can not exhaust the amount of air it was designed

to do. And just like a slow running drain in a sink it will overflow allowing contaminant to escape into the home and reducing IAQ. You can minimize the chances of this happening by designing a duct system using the following generic guidelines: a. As a minimum, the duct area needs to be the same as it is at the hood…oversized is better; b. Use round duct if possible; c. If there are one or two 90 degree elbows in the system… use two 45 degree elbows to replace a 90; d. Use a maximum of 20’ straight pipe (you can add 7’ if you eliminate a 90 degree elbow);and e. Install wall cap or roof cap designed for range hood application.

The EPA has labeled the kitchen as the number one source of contaminants in the home and the majority of those contaminants relate to the cooking activity.

Q. Is the range hood required by code?

A. You would

need to check with your local inspector but there is new language in the International Residential Code that will increase the likelihood that local code bodies will require a kitchen range hood ducted outdoors in new and remodeled kitchens. Not to mention that all the green building programs include a provision that provides points if the home includes a ducted range hood. What’s driving these growing requirements? It is the concern for good IAQ. All the experts know that without a properly ducted kitchen range hood, IAQ within a home suffers dramatically.

Q. What is the practical implication I can tell my

customers if they do not install a ducted range hood?

A. Tell them that experts have estimated that a typical family of four can produce up to 40 gallons of moisture and byproducts each year when cooking. This includes up to one gallon of grease in vapor form. If you don’t exhaust it, it will be in your home where it will be inhaled by their family or settle onto surrounding household surfaces. The repercussions of not doing this can include aggravated breathing disorders and damage to cabinet finishes and fabrics to name a few.

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design profile KITCHEN

Surrounded

by Green

A greener kitchen is achieved through intelligent design & technology.

By Annette Gray, Photography by Brent Haywood Photography

T

The obvious hints of green in this contemporary kitchen are purposeful touches by a designer’s hand through the color of the stools and a utensil holder on the counter. In a far more subtle and subconscious way, the green enters your overall perception of the room through the leaves seen just outside numerous windows and the herbs growing in LED greenhouses incorporated within the room on-hand at the cook space.

More purposeful than a hue, is the incorporation of what designer, Lisa Wilson-Wirth, CKD of San Diego firm, Arclinea calls a greener kitchen. Wirth, along with Co-Designer, Jeremy Gleiberman went to work renovating a kitchen and creating a chef-quality kitchen desired by her clients. With attention turned towards their preference for European craftsmanship and their passion for cooking, the result is this stunningly sleek yet welcoming open space kitchen.

The level of detail is apparent in the many unique components. The space is designed to perpetuate an overlapping existence of socializing, cooking and dining. The kitchen accommodates multiple work zones and numerous cooks simultaneously. Work tasks have been divided into designated zones, which include storage, preparation, cooking, wet work, dining, wine storage, home office, and cleaning storage to house broom and vacuum items. Conveniences of the professional kitchen such as, ample storage, professional cooking setup, and high-performance appliances provide foundation for the more elusive qualities to incorporate, such as a fluid sense of integration and details resembling that of fine furniture.

Arclinea, the award-winning company where Wirth practices her craft is a company well familiar with exceptional craftsmanship. The company’s legacy began in 1816, and after interruption during the First World War, Arclinea was re-established in 1925 in Vincenza, Italy by Silvio Fortuna as a craft carpentry workshop that became Arclinea Cucine Componibili in 1960. Dedicating all its resources to kitchen cabinetry, Arclinea gained

LISA WILSON-WIRTH, CKD Arclinea San Diego San Diego, CA arclineasandiego.com San Diego Chapter NKBA Member Since 2008

recognition in the high-end international luxury kitchen sector. Public and experts alike affirmed the company’s success at the Milan Trade Fair of 1963. Since then, the company has been incorporating technology and solutions typically reserved for the professional kitchen into residential homes and adapting them to the requirements of domestic living. With this being the designer’s creative stomping ground, the exceptional quality and fluidity of the space is explained. The subtleties resemble more an artful detail of furniture than a functioning component of a kitchen. Graceful lines of stainless, wood and granite flow one to another without seam.

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design profile KITCHEN Activities revolve around the center island, which holds an accessorized sink and solar light-tubes providing natural daylight. Work surfaces are kept at a uniform height to encourage interaction between homeowners and guests.

Accessibility is addressed through discreet solutions at point-of-use. This purposeful incorporation of storage can be seen in a tall corner pantry, multiple pull-out pantries, deep drawers for the ergonomic storage of pots and pans, pull-out trays for spices, knives and utensils, adjustable dish organizers and dedicated bins for trash, recycling and compost in prep area and under the sink. Dedicated cabinets near the dining room house china, crystal and entertaining pieces.

Beginning with material specification, this eco-intelligent renovation features reduced consumption of materials, reduced emissions, use of recycled and recyclable materi-

According to Wirth, Intelligent Kitchens take Green Design a step further, going well beyond material specification. This is done through the application of smart technologies and thoughtful design solutions…

als, green manufacturing and product durability.

A reduced volume of material consumption is achieved through cabinet doors fabricated from ecological panels made up of one hundred percent recycled regenerated wood, finished in oak veneers. The finish used on the cabinets is non-toxic, water-based and free of heavy metals. All constructive parts of the cabinetry are E1 class for emissions and the wall paints used are low VOC. The result is overall reduced emissions and improved air quality. Arclinea relies on eco-intelligent green manufacturing practices – an energy regeneration plant in the factory turns production-waste into fuel, and a stateof-the-art electrostatic precipitator (ESP) system efficiently de-dusts flue gases.

All stainless steel elements seen in this design are manufactured from partially recycled material and are fully recyclable, completing the cycle of reusability. All products were selected with durability and lifecycle in mind. Quality materials, engineered to last generations, provide a reduced environmental footprint attributed to longer product life.

Wirth achieved this compelling design while adhering to her philosophy of a greener kitchen, which she calls The Intelligent Kitchen ™. According to Wirth, Intelligent Kitchens take Green Design a step further, going well beyond material specification. This is done through the application of smart technologies and thoughtful design solutions for the outcome of enhancing homeowners’ well-being, lifestyle and overall health.

The integration of dedicated disposal systems for trash, recycling, and compost in two locations: prep work space and under the sink provides convenience that encourages compliance. In addition, these areas being placed proximate to the garage or another location where trash and recycling is contained, along with the yard where compost containment can be incorporated.

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design profile KITCHEN

Hygienic materials such as stainless steel and easy-care woods, which can be cleaned with water and micro-fiber cloths, reduce the amount of chemical cleansers required.

Accessories for the sink help reduce water consumption allowing more effective use through basins, which can be inserted for vegetable soaking and produce washing.

In addition, specification for greener appliances includes, a Combi Steam Oven, providing a healthier alternative to microwave cooking. Special features of modular cook tops, such as Teppanyaki and electric grill also contribute to a healthier approach to cooking. An efficient European convection oven and wok burner heat more effectively, reducing energy usage.

The level of personalization is obvious in many ways, one being the inclusion of Teppanyaki as a means of preparation in daily meals. Teppanyaki is a style of Japanese cuisine that uses an iron griddle, sometimes confused with the Hibachi Grill. Teppanyaki relies on an iron plate rather than an open grill over a flame.

This provides a convenient in-kitchen spot for fast and fresh food preparation.

Natural daylight from solar light tubes, an energy-efficient LED greenhouse, Title 24 compliant fluorescent lighting profiles, and EnergyStar appliances are all part of this Intelligent Kitchen™. Natural ventilation in the kitchen through the patio door and operable windows introduce temperate California coastal breezes into the home, reducing HVAC demands. A high-efficiency ventilation hood, which exceeds the minimum requirement help ensure healthy indoor air quality with a faster turnover.

In the cooking zone, a stainless steel countertop with an anti-drip edge and sliding chopping boards is high function and hygienic. This provides containment for Teppanyaki, electric grill and gas wok 30

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The level of personalization is obvious in many ways, one being the inclusion of Teppanyaki as a means of preparation in daily meals. This provides a convenient in-kitchen spot for fast and fresh food preparation. cook tops. Convection ovens with an integrated pizza stone and rotisserie are reflection of the family’s affinity for healthful cooking and appliances that allow for an alternative to microwave cooking. Two family favorites are pizza and gelato, which they prepare regularly. A dedicated appliance cabinet, with a pop-up work surface holds the necessary gelato maker and food processor.

This smartly and stylish design belies the less obvious material selection - eco-intelligent finishes, sustainably grown and harvested woods, and recyclable stainless steel accents.

Accessibility was a component that the designer gave consideration to without it affecting the appearance. Honed Black Forest, colorful barstools and accents throughout, ensure warmth and personality. The skilled designer and her team blended functionality, safety, ergonomics together with attentive planning toward use-of-space, movements required for cooking and preparation, along with lifestyle requirements and preferences. A radiant family and guest-friendly kitchen is the exquisite result.

Green Member Companies What does it mean to be Green?

The National Kitchen & Bath Association is thoroughly committed to sustainability and our responsibility to the global environment, and we actively encourage our members to contribute to the integration of green practices in the kitchen, bath and related industries.

The mission of the NKBA is educating our members to be better stewards of the environment for today and for future generations. In addition to realizing a return on investment for practicing sustainability, the NKBA urges its members to look for shared values between business and environmental initiatives.

By definition, green has a number of meanings: the color green is a hue that lies on the spectrum between yellow and blue varying in saturation from emerald to slightly more than yellow. Greens are foliage or leafy plants used for decoration or consumption. The word green can also be used to describe something that is brand new or fresh, or in the case of a person, someone who is lacking experience. Green has also become the label for policies beneficial to the environment or a supporter of such policies. But what does green mean when it comes to the kitchen and bath industry? Some of the NKBA member companies have a good idea of what it means to them.

Green – Inside and Out Bosch is known to make the most efficient and quietest premium appliances in the U.S. From the ultra-quiet dishwashers and most efficient laundry systems to the innovative induction cooktop that uses 30 percent less energy than conventional cooktops.

But for Bosch, ‘green’ does not start with the finished product. Bosch has taken significant steps to reduce the eco-footprint of its manufacturing process. It was the first manufacturer in the world to discontinue the use of CFCs in refrigeration production. All its factories have received the ISO 14001 certification, the world’s most stringent environmental certification. Moreover, the brand relies on reusable and recyclable materials, while recycling all of its wood, glass, cardboard and paper materials. Bosch even requires its preferred suppliers to adhere to environmental policies similar to its own. Find out more in the Green Resource Center at www.boschappliances.com/ greenbuilding, an award-winning website highlighting the brand’s green appliances and tools such as the ENERGY STAR rebate finder and the Energy Savings Calculator.

Kohler Exceeds Expectations Throughout its 137-year history, Kohler Co. Has remained true to its founding vision of defining the frontiers of ideas, craftmanship and technology.

Kohler offers plumbing products under its KOHLER and STERLING brands that are designed to conserve natural resources while remaining true to a singular level of quality for performance and design.

More environmentally favorable KOHLER fixtures and faucets address the challenging demands of customers and preserve one of the world’s most precious natural resources - water.

Visit SaveWaterAmerica.com for more information.

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Serving People, Planet and Profit

Thinking Green Through Innovation Thinking green has always been a way of life around Fisher & Paykel. “Consumers are increasingly demanding energy efficient home appliances that not only cut down on their energy costs, but also are not harmful to the environment,” said Laurence Mawhinney, VP Sales & Marketing for Fisher & Paykel Appliances. “This is not a new initiative for us. Protecting the environment has long since been an integral part of our company culture at Fisher & Paykel. We have been at the forefront of providing innovative products that promote green living for many years.”

The world’s first dishwasher in a drawer, DishDrawer®, is a signature product line for Fisher & Paykel with its unique ergonomic design that doesn’t take up a lot space and costsaving and environmental features that minimizes water, energy and detergent usage.

Fisher & Paykel has also led the way with its energy saving laundry products, including the EcoSmart™, IntuitiveEco™, and AquaSmart™ washers.

This impressive lineup of ENERGY STAR® rated washers all have energy and water ratings, which far exceed the minimum standard.

In today’s market where sales of green building products are growing by 30 percent a year, every company is trying to claim that their product is “green.” The makers of Vetrazzo® recycled glass countertops are redefining what it means to be green by producing the most eco-friendly surface materials on the market, and honoring the triple bottom line of “people, planet, and profit” in their everyday business operations.

Vetrazzo believes that a green product should do more than just use recycled materials or avoid release of dangerous airborne toxins - it should solve an environmental problem. Vetrazzo does just that by creating a new market for waste glass, including glass that cannot be recycled into other products. Each countertop panel is made from 550 pounds of crushed recycled glass from traffic lights, windshields, and beverage bottles. In 2007, Vetrazzo transformed over 250 tons of recycled glass - including 125 tons of waste glass not recyclable elsewhere - into beautiful, functional surface products. Vetrazzo’s focus goes well beyond economic profit. The community’s economic health and the planet’s environmental health are of equal importance as the bottom line.

Software for Green Building and Design Chief Architect is proud to be a green company and provide the resources for green building and design.

Our company has significantly reduced packaging materials and inventory. Our packaging size was reduced by over 50% and we stopped printing our manuals as a default product option (over 1,500 pages in some manuals). This means we are using fewer raw materials from trees, less petroleum, and less energy to produce, store, and ship our products. In addition, less waste is generated by our customer at the end of the product life cycle. And, when a customer downloads our home design software products, there is zero usage of packaging or the services used to create, deliver, and dispose of the packaging – a win-win for our environment.

Within Chief Architect software and our website, we are providing more resources and content to help our customers learn more about the green building and design process. We hope you will find information that will help you be more green for your next design! Visit www.chiefarchitect.com/green for more information.

Save Energy Beautifully with Lutron Dimmers offer a great way to enhance the look and feel of a room—while helping the environment. Incorporating a dimmer into a kitchen or bath allows a softer transition and greater control to accommodate household activities and lifestyle.

Installing a Lutron dimmer is one of the easiest ways you can save energy. If you dim an incandescent or halogen bulb by 25 percent, you’ll save 20 percent on the cost of electricity, and you’ll extend the life of the bulb (it will last 6 years on average). Dim more, and you’ll save even more and bulbs will last even longer. So while you’re saving energy, you’re reducing landfill waste, too. Another environmental benefit of reducing energy demands is that CO2 emissions from power plants are reduced. In fact, if every household in the U.S. installed one Lutron dimmer this year, we would reduce CO2 emissions equivalent to that from 370,000 cars and save $230 million in electricity. (To learn more about the energy-saving benefits of dimmers, visit www.lutron.com/energy.

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Miele and the Environment Miele has a long history of environmental leadership. Every detail is considered from the production process and shipping, to household use and to the appliance’s ultimate disposal.

In operation, Miele constantly strives to make every product respect our natural resources.

As an example, since 1990 Miele has reduced water consumption by 42.4% and electricity by 29.2% in domestic washing machines. The same environmental ingenuity has been applied to domestic dishwashers where in the last 15 years water consumption has been reduced by 50.3% and energy use cut by 33.8%. Additionally, from 1990-2002 advancements in Miele oven technology led to a 29% reduction in energy consumption. Miele’s active leadership role in global organizations like the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Energy Star® (the partnership program backed by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy), the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and others demonstrate the company’s serious position regarding the protection of our global environment. For further information, please visit www.mielepressroom.com and download the Miele Sustainability Report.

Protecting Our World, One Drop at a Time Everything we do during our time on this planet impacts future generations. And that includes how we use our resources - particularly water. At Moen Incorporated, we realize the importance of both water conservation and waste reduction. That’s why we have been working on programs to protect the environment since 1982, a long-standing commitment that has resulted in industry-leading sustainability practices.

Proof of our efforts is evident in the energy-efficient, environmentally sound solutions we offer for both commercial and residential applications.

From metering faucets and flow-optimized showerheads to faucets and flush valves that exceed LEED® requirements, we’re continually developing new ideas and innovations to conserve one of our planet’s most precious natural resources. Beyond products, Moen Incorporated is also dedicated to improving effective sustainability practices in our processes, such as manufacturing, transportation and procurement.

Moen has instituted a program to address all aspects of environmental management. Pollution prevention, renewable energy and other environmental initiatives are a few of the many ways we look to lessen our impact on the Earth.

The Art of Totology How can we enrich our lives today, yet conserve and protect our natural resources for tomorrow?

Our focus is water, life’s essential element. It drives our passion for innovation and sustainability and inspires our commitment to you and to our planet. It’s why we develop innovative, eco-conscious offerings that are engineered to minimize the water and energy consumed, without compromising product performance.

We like to call this commitment to the planet, this mission of sustainable luxury, totology. TOTO has mastered the art of totology through three key areas: the user experience, water technologies and sustainability.

A commitment to protect our planet’s precious natural resources is a core value that is ingrained in each and every TOTO employee, and it is at the heart of everything we do. Our ultimate goal is to leave no negative impact, nothing that will reduce the beauty and bounty of the earth for current and future generations.

We focus our sustainability efforts in three comprehensive areas: Advocacy, Manufacturing Processes and Products.

Environmental Leader in Refrigeration The list of green achievements by Liebherr, the worldwide leader in premium refrigeration is a long one, and to best summarize Liebherr’s proactive stance, the German manufacturer has announced its ActiveGreen initiative. “We wanted to create a concept that best described our commitment to finding greener ways to produce quality products,” says Marc Perez, Vice President of Liebherr North America. Since we never stop improving our methods and our products, we felt that ActiveGreen was a strong and appropriate statement.100% of our indoor refrigeration is ENERGY STAR® rated,” adds Perez.

The second key element of ActiveGreen is Liebherr’s RoHS compliance. As of summer of 2007, all Liebherr appliances in North America met RoHS compliance making Liebherr the FIRST refrigeration manufacturer to comply with this practise worldwide. RoHS stands for the “Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment” and eliminates the use of major hazardous substances in the production of Liebherr products such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and certain types of chrome and biphenyl.

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trends GREEN DESIGN

Affordable Design Trends

Go Green

I

Cost-conscious design options show green influence.

By Timothy Captain

In a March 2010 survey of 822 NKBA members, energy-efficient products highlighted by LED lighting were identified as the most cost-efficient trends for kitchen and bath remodeling. This trend toward sustainable, value-friendly kitchen and bath design was reinforced at the NKBA’s 2010 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Chicago.

At KBIS 2010, NKBA members exhibited several new products meeting these trends.

These are just four of the many examples seen on the show floor.

The economy continues to encourage homeowners to not only enhance the appearance and functionality of their homes, but to consider products and designs that are affordable and deliver long-term value. With more than 30 percent of designers suggesting energy-efficient products, such as Energy Star-qualified appliances and LED lighting, it was the most popular design trend found in the open-ended survey.

1- Lutron Electronics Ivalo Collection Aliante LED Demi-Sconce This sconce uses a fraction of the wattage of traditional light sources and has a much longer lifetime. What was traditionally done with a 42-watt fluorescent light can now be achieved with a 12-watt LED.

“Energy-efficient products and LED lighting have come a long way, and there are now styles to meet every design and budget,” said NKBA President Mark Karas, CMKBD. “In addition to the recent survey results, we’ve found that professional design services and project management deliver the best results to consumers. NKBA members provide clients with well-designed projects that enhance the value of their home and save money by assisting with industry product knowledge, problem-solving experience, and contractor recommendations.”

2 - GE Geospring Hybrid Water Heater Designed to use up to 62 percent less energy than a standard electric water heater, GE’s Geospring Hybrid Water Heater can cut residential water heater energy costs in half.

In today’s economy, consumers are applying cost-effective problem solving for kitchen remodels, which includes simple and timeless designs. Additional trends include installation of water conservation products such as low flow kitchen and bathroom fixtures and on-demand tankless water heaters.

3 - TOTO USA Aquia Wall-Hung Toilet Designed to reflect the timeless, delicate curves of nature, this product is not only water-efficient, but includes TOTO’s patented nano-technology SanaGloss glazing to prevent build-up of grime.

The NKBA survey also identified products that facilitate recycling and sustainability as popular options. Homeowners are finding new uses for items previously considered waste, such as re-installing old granite from a kitchen remodel to spruce up the bathroom vanity.

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3

Cost-Effective Sustainability on Display at KBIS

4 - Fisher & Paykel 36” Side

by Side Energy Star Refrigerator

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The energy-efficient 36” DCS by Fisher & Paykel refrigerator is Energy Star-qualified and uses 20 percent less energy than required by current federal standards.

headlines 36 KBIS | 38 MEMBERSHIP | 44 EDUCATION

Wrapping up KBIS 2010 – Looking forward to 2011

K

The success of KBIS, sure to repeat.

By Annette Gray

KBIS brings industry leaders and key decision-makers together with new product and opportunity. KBIS 2010 in Chicago was impactful and beneficial. The strength of the industry’s largest event was apparent through the more than 37,000 kitchen and bath professionals in attendance and over 500 registered members of the press there to provide national and international exposure.

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another show and conference to remember, and one which you can count as a budgetwise investment in your career.

Jenn-Air Home Appliances General Manager, Steve Brown confirmed his company’s satisfaction - “Reaching designers and other key specifiers has been a major priority in launching our new luxury appliance collection. In terms of the number and quality of attendees, resulting sales-leads and amount of press coverage generated, KBIS 2010 delivered great results for the Jenn-Air brand.”

Join us next April at the affordable Las Vegas venue, and hear Keynote Speaker, Pat Croce, who is certain to inspire. He was named “The Dale Carnegie of the 21st Century” by Inc Magazine. In 1996, and as owner of the once-failing Philadelphia 76ers, he applied his unfailing positive attitude to the NBA’s last-place team, and brought them from worst to first in NBA standings.

Cutting-edge sales techniques, new product information and the inspiration gained from fresh design concepts are all part of KBIS and what you’re able to apply to the success of your business. As we look forward to 2011 in Las Vegas, we are striving to make it

Look for more information and updates to come – with registration opening this fall, it’s time to start planning!

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headlines KBIS.com

Las Vegas News Bureau

Las Vegas News Bureau

KBIS 2011

Kitchen & Bath Industry Show Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV Show: April 26-28, 2011 Conference: April 25-28, 2011 KBIS.com

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NKBA

headlines

MEMB ER PROFI LE

MEMBERSHIP

Blue Arnold, CKD, CBD

An active member talks about leadership, life, and the NKBA.

By Annette Gray

be exceptional in their designs and create spaces that sizzle.

Arnold has intently pursued his craft, as well as his member involvement in the NKBA, which came along with his parents’ business, which he and his brother now own. He has been a finalist in the NKBA Design Competition, served as a judge in the 2010 competition, and has held numerous chapter positions, currently serving as Chapter Representative for the NKBA’s Baltimore/ Washington Chapter. “My affiliation with the NKBA has elevated my level of professionalism, and my involvement has resulted in lifelong friendships,” Arnold offers, going on to describe the

“My affiliation with the NKBA has elevated my level of professionalism, and my involvement has resulted in lifelong friendships.” learning that comes along with taking courses and sitting for the certification exams. In addition to the technical skill that accompanies NKBA certification, his many volunteer leadership positions and active member and chapter participation have produced many good friendships, which he describes as the “best benefit in the world.” He cites his recent role as an NKBA Design Competition judge, and how the group of distinct individuals that came together from across the country to form the judging panel have all remained in contact, not only as respected colleagues or fellow members, but as friends.

Blue Arnold, CKD, CBD, who started life as William McKinley Arnold IV, began his career in the kitchen and bath industry, along with his NKBA affiliation, 20 years ago.

Following graduation from college, as he struggled to gain his professional footing, the boy who had early on bore the nicknames of “Little Gipper” and “Chip” before his father decided upon “Little Boy Blue” and ultimately “Blue,” was invited by his parents to join the kitchen and bath business they had begun a year and half prior. He told his father he would give it six months, as a trial period, and with that began his foray into a profession he’s passionate about.

He views skilled designing as a blend of technical and creative aptitude. The technical side makes a kitchen or bathroom that functions and fits, while the infusion of creativity makes an ordinary space extraordinary. “You have to personalize the technical aspect and connect the design to the client,” Arnold said. He goes on to describe a recently completed project, where the client has credited him with “fundamentally changing her life” through the creation and installation of a highly unique and personalized kitchen in her family’s home. Arnold believes that listening and caring are the key insights that allow designers to

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His passion for design and connection to the NKBA have allowed him the opportunity to work on a project he describes as a career milestone and stand-out accomplishment. He was hand-picked to act as Lead Designer in creating The Digital Kitchen, a research project coordinated by the Continental Automated Buildings Association (CABA). The CABA Internet Home Alliance Research Council study was led and funded by the NKBA, along with the National Association of Home Builders, Whirlpool, Bell Canada, Cisco Systems, Direct Energy, HP, HomeCrest Cabinetry, Intel, and Microsoft. The study was conducted to investigate consumer electronics and appliances used in North American kitchens in an effort to determine what will be used in the future. The kitchen was built based on Arnold’s design and culminated in a display at the 2007 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas.

Arnold, whose family holds deep roots in the Navy, relies on his 34foot boat and the Chesapeake Bay for relaxation, allowing him to return to his professional passion with renewed energy. Extensive travel is another pursuit that Arnold enjoys and incorporates back into his work. His travels, which take him around the world, allow Arnold to observe merchandising and marketing practices in other countries, along with the architecture and food inherent to various cultures. This, along with his self-acknowledged love of food and wine, brings his talent for design full circle.

NKBA

NKBA Past President, Rev. Joshua McClure Cabinetmaker turned pastor and author talks about his unique life path.

ER MEMB LE PROFI

By Annette Gray

In 1973, 35 years before the United States had elected a black president, when it was far less common to see a minority filling a high-visibility position of leadership, Joshua McClure was voted by his peers to be President of the American Institute of Kitchen Dealers (AIKD), which later became the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

When attending a board meeting in West Virginia and during his induction at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami, he was refused a room, and then offered lesser accommodations than other members. This injustice was put to rest in Miami, when Ray Afflerbach, the AIKD Executive Director at the time, threatened to pull the entire event from the facility if McClure didn’t receive treatment befitting his position as president of a national organization.

McClure, one of nine children born into a Rhode Island family, made a promise to himself while in high school that he would control his own destiny in life; he would place his own financial success and livelihood in no one else’s hands, and act as sole proprietor of his own business. The commitment to independence stemmed from an incident he had watched his father endure under the dictatorial interference of his boss that resulted in his father losing his job. This event fueled Joshua’s determination to ensure that no incident of that sort would ever impact his life.

As he was reaching a level of comfort and accomplishment in his professional life, running a full-time retail kitchen business and manufacturing plant in Providence, he was also attending Andover Newton Theological School in Newton Centre, MA three days each week and serving as Associate Pastor of Pleasant Street Baptist Church in Westerly, RI as part of a calling he received many years before. In 1986, after having filled the role of Associate Pastor for five years, he became pastor of the church where today he remains in faithful service to the congregation and community at large. While no longer involved in the kitchen and bath industry, McClure did attend the induction of 2010 NKBA President Mark Karas, CMKBD in Boston this past January.

Struggling against the odds of racial discrimination, and lacking money or collateral, but with a foundation of dogged tenacity to be the master of his own fate, McClure convinced the Vice President of Commercial Lending at Rhode Island Hospital Trust National Bank to believe in him and his dream. And in 1959, while working for a small store fixture company based in Providence, he went on to accomplish his goal, establishing a business built on quality cabinetmaking. He eventually found this to be a non-viable way to sustain a business as his reputation grew and the demand increased beyond his capacity. He reluctantly turned to selling prefabricated cabinetry.

In 1959, while working for a small store fixture company based in Providence, he went on to accomplish his goal, establishing a business built on quality cabinetmaking.

As McClure transitioned his business into a kitchen dealership, and learning how to sell cabinets that he hadn’t personally crafted, he responded to a notice in a trade magazine and—along with about twenty other professionals—attended his first AIKD Convention. The year was 1964, and this trip to New York would be the launching point of an almost ten-year path leading to his 1973 AIKD presidency.

Although he formed lifelong friends and received support and a welcoming environment within the organization, this wasn’t always the case outside the association as racial contention continued to be a significant issue in America.

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headlines MEMBERSHIP

NKBA Ambassadors’ Club Inductees and Upgrades The NKBA honored the recruitment efforts of 11 new members into the Ambassadors’ Club during the NKBA Chapter Officers’ Forum and Ambassadors’ Club Luncheon at KBIS. The Ambassadors’ Club was created to recognize individuals who go the extra mile to recruit new members into the NKBA.

2009 Chapter Program Winners Announced at KBIS

Congratulations to the following 11 inductees: Jeanine Anderson - Alaska Countertops Inc, Anchorage, AK Leona S. Hess, CMKBD, CAPS - Harmony Interiors, Port Chester, NY Alan Vaughn Hilsabeck, Jr., CMKBD - Hilsabeck Design Associates Inc, Flower Mound, TX Mary K. Holz, CKD, CBD, CAPS - PC Building Materials, New Albany, IN Ginger Johnson - L. G. Solid Surfaces LLC NW, Kent, WA Darla Kurtz - Imperial Home Center Inc, Lakewood, OH Molly McLane, CKD - Dal-Tile Tile & Stone, San Diego, CA Donna M. Rana - Dolan & Traynor Inc., Wayne, NJ Tammy Sagar - TS Design Group, Surrey, BC, Canada Terry A. Smith, CKD, CBD, CID - Terry Smith Cabinetry & Design, San Diego, CA Denise Turner - Ciot Tecnica, Concord, ON, Canada These individuals received a personalized plaque, an NKBA Ambassadors’ Club nametag and a Club portfolio in appreciation of their efforts in recruiting new members.

CHAPTER PROGRAM WINNERS: David Alderman, CMKBD, 2010 NKBA President-Elect awarded prize money to Region 2 Director John Petrie, CMKBD (top) and Region 4 Rep Mark Warren, 2010 at KBIS 2010.

The NKBA Chapter Program Contest was started in 2006 to recognize and share the best chapter programs across the NKBA’s eight (soon to be ten) regions. Each winning chapter received a check for $500. This year, two chapters—Susquehanna Valley and Central Florida—tied for the best chapter program and will split the $1,000 prize.

The 2010 winning chapters from each region are: Ambassadors’ Club Honorees: (left to right) Alan W. Zielinski, CKD, 2010 NKBA Vice President, Ric Coggins, Jill D. Weber, CR, and John R. Ryba were presented with their awards from David Alderman, CMKBD, 2010 NKBA President-Elect at KBIS 2010.

Region 2: Susquehanna Valley Chapter “Dynamic Symmetry: The Cure for the Common Kitchen”

The NKBA also honored the following Club members who continued their efforts to recruit new members:

Region 3: Virginia State Chapter “Organization: How It affects Your Life”

Catherine Armstrong-Moore, CKD Becky Sue Becker, CKD Mary E. Bickley Ellen M. Cheever, CMKBD Ric Coggins Sharon Flatley, CMKBD, ASID

Region 4: Central Florida Chapter “History In The Making! Kitchen Renovation at Casa Feliz”

Tim Hillebrand Fay Hodges, CMKBD Paula C. Kennedy, CKD, CBD Eric C. Lehmann, CKD Larry Miller, CMKBD Peter N. Oppenheim

John L. Ryba Charles R. Stines, CKD Jill D. Weber, CR Jimmy White, CKD, CBD Alan W. Zielinski, CKD

A special recognition was presented to Jill Weber, CR for recruiting the highest number of new company members.

For more information on the Ambassadors’ Club and how you can get involved, contact NKBA Customer Service at feedback@nkba.org or at 1-800-THE-NKBA (843-6522).

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Region 1: Northern New Jersey Chapter “Bill Farnan Memorial Golf Outing”

NKBA MAGAZINE–SUMMER 2010 | NKBA.org

Region 5: Puget Sound Chapter “2009 Puget Sound Design Awards” Region 6: Northern Michigan Chapter “The Ultimate Up North Kitchen Tour” Region 7: Arizona South Chapter “Tour of Phoenix Showrooms” Region 8: Texas South Plains “2009 Kitchen & Bath Design Symposium and Retreat”

National Updates More NKBA Regions

In order to ensure that the needs of NKBA members who live and work in different areas of the United States and Canada are effectively represented in the association’s national leadership, the NKBA will expand from 8 to 10 geographic regions on January 1, 2011.

This is important because each region is represented by region director on the NKBA’s national Board of Directors. With two more region directors, each director will be able to focus on fewer chapters across a smaller geographic area, enabling each chapter to have a

stronger voice in determining the programs and services that the NKBA offers nationally. To view a map of the 2011 NKBA regional network complete with a list of chapters in each region, visit NKBA. org/Members.

Gain Experience & Exposure

Take advantage of exclusive opportunities and benefits by becoming an NKBA Chapter Officer or Advisory Council member.

Whether you have expertise in event planning, education, marketing, legislation, or finance, there’s a position that’s perfect for you. Benefits of becoming involved

include free or discounted NKBA in-person courses, leadership training, connections with local industry leaders, increased consumer and professional visibility, and the ability to directly influence the programs and services that the NKBA offers in your area. To learn more, visit NKBA.org/Leaders.

Fire Sprinklers in Residential Dwellings New regulations draw battle lines between pro and con advocacy groups.

By Edward S. Nagorsky, Esq., NKBA General Counsel & Director of Legislative Affairs

Since the 1980s, the International Code Council (ICC) legacy organizations began requiring fire sprinklers in multifamily occupancies. Those requirements were made optional for single family homes in 2006, and in 2008, ICC members voted to approve automatic fire sprinkler protection as a standard feature in all new single family homes, two-family town homes, and manufactured housing built under the International Residential Code (IRC).1 The mandate, which is included in the 2009 IRC, becomes effective on January 1, 2011 in those jurisdictions which adopt it. The value of such systems is being strongly debated.

The regulation has pitted firefighters, sprinkler manufacturers, insurance companies, and environmentalists on one side, versus local home builders and the individual freedom movement on the other. The issue: to what extent should the state be able to mandate the safety precautions you must take in your own home and at what cost? Proponents of the code change point out that nationwide, more than 2,840 deaths are caused by home fires each year and billions of dollars are spent in fighting fires and repairing damage to property. They argue that installing automatic sprinkler systems along with smoke detectors will reduce the risk of death in home fires by 82% compared to a residence without either. Environmentalists see the issue in terms of saving precious water resources since home fire sprinklers use approximately one-tenth of the water that fire hoses use to extinguish flames. In addition, greenhouse gases released by burning buildings can be reduced by 98% when automatic fire sprinklers are installed because the flames are often extinguished long before the local fire department can respond.2 Opponents of the regulation raise other The ICC writes model building codes that are used in 46 states; the sprinkler mandate first appeared in the 2009 IRC.

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headlines MEMBERSHIP

issues. Improvements in building codes and the installation of smoke detectors have had a significant impact on the home fire problem; the annual number of residential fire deaths has continued to decline over the years. Since 1960, the total number of fire deaths has decreased by nearly 60%. According to those opposed, installing inexpensive smoke detectors saves just as many lives.

Using the U.S. Fire Administration’s own data, the addition of automatic sprinklers would increase protection by only a small amount when compared to smoke detectors – 69% vs. 63%. Considering the cost of mandating the installation of fire sprinklers and its impact on an already fragile new home construction industry, the benefit does not justify the harm that would accrue. Smoke alarms run just a few dollars to purchase, and hard wired systems cost about $500; sprinkler systems can cost in the thousands of dollars.

Figures for the cost of installing an automatic fire sprinkler system vary.

The Fire Protection Research Foundation has estimated that the cost of installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in a new home is $1.61 per sprinklered square foot. Other national estimates show that installation is only about 1% to 1.5% of the total building cost. As more home systems become the norm, the cost of installation will go down. Insurance companies are beginning to offer discounts on homeowners’ insurance policy premiums in amounts ranging from 5% to 30%.

Builders claim that the insurance “discounts” don’t come anywhere near the amounts claimed, and that this is merely a money grab by special interest groups who have a financial stake in seeing the code requirement enacted. Currently, the single family residential sprinkler market is estimated to be worth $90.0 to $100.0 million annually; once the code is implemented by the states, this market will grow to a $2.9 to $3.2 billion industry per year. To support the financial incentive that such a mandate would have, opponents point to a recent industry study in which the authors fairly gush at the riches

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before them: “This amendment to the IRC will change the landscape of the fire sprinkler industry in a breadth and timeline never experienced before. Even using the depressed residential market that exists in 2008 the numbers are staggering and the opportunity ripe for those who are willing to take the challenge.”

Homebuilders indicate the cost of installing and maintaining home sprinkler systems are also much greater than the fire industry claims, and that a more realistic cost ranges from four to six dollars per square foot. The cost of installing water lines, tap or water usage fees, meters to the house and pumps to insure sufficient water flow, along with fees to municipalities for annual inspections can add another three to four dollars per square foot. According to one home builders association, the true additional cost for a newly-constructed home would be in the range of $7,000-$21,000. This would devastate an already struggling industry.

The NAHB suggests that the increase in safety is slight. The chance of surviving a home fire in homes with working smoke detectors is 99.45%; not much more can be gained by the addition of a costly mandate of sprinkler systems. The NAHB also calls into question the discounts being promoted by the insurance industry. In eight insurance companies surveyed by sprinkler advocates, most discounts ranged from two to ten percent a year. Using a conservative installed cost estimate of $1.50 per sq/ft in a 2300 sq/ft home with an annual property insurance premium of $1000, it would take 35 years even for a ten percent discount to pay for a system that will most likely never be needed.

There is also a question about water dam-

age caused by sprinklers. The standard system advocated for residential fire sprinklers is designed to supply water to two sprinkler heads at 13 gallons per minute each. Ten minutes of flow would flood more than 260 gallons of water into a room -- or 520 gallons in 20 minutes.

This is the equivalent of running a shower in the living room for about 3 ½ hours.

Once the sprinklers are activated, the water will flow until the fire department has been notified, arrives on the scene, evaluates and determines that the structure is safe, and then finds and turns off the water supply. Whether the activation is accidental, a malfunction, or the result of a fire, there will be significant damage to the home and potential for mold and other problems well into the future.

Lastly, there’s the issue of consumer choice. Automatic residential fire sprinkler systems have been available for nearly 30 years, but very few individual homeowners have elected to install them. According to the NAHB, when likely voters were asked if fire sprinklers should be required in new homes, an overwhelming 89 percent said that smoke detectors already do an adequate job of protecting them in their homes and 28 percent do not want sprinklers at all, even if they were provided free of charge.

They argue that consumers should decide if they wish to purchase a sprinkler system, not the government.

The battle over mandatory new home fire sprinklers is far from over. Both sides are well organized with powerful lobbying campaigns to influence public sentiment and the legislature. No matter how the issue is resolved, it will ultimately be up to the public to decide just how safe their home must be…and at what price.

From the time that a typical house fire starts and is discovered, it generally takes the local fire department about 9-12 minutes to respond. In that period of time, the fire will have spread throughout the house, causing extensive smoke and fire damage. The high heat, flames and smoke create the greenhouse gasses which are harmful to the environment and requires a tremendous amount of water from hoses to douse the flames. Sprinklers on the other hand, turn on when the temperature near the sprinkler reaches 135oF-165oF and are set to turn off after 10 minutes or so which is enough time extinguish the flames or keep it under control until the fire department arrives.

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“Residential Fire Sprinklers Market Growth and Labor Demand Analysis” by Russ Leavitt, SET, CFPS prepared for Fire Smarts, LLC. http://www.residentialfiresprinklers.com/blog/residential-fire-sprinklers-marketgrowth-and-labor-demand-analysis/

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headlines EDUCATION

Adaptive Education – Professional Development “The only constant is change itself.”

By Laura Domanico, NKBA Director of Education

The Greek philosopher, Heraclitus stated, “The only constant is change itself.” He was describing the workings of nature, but the same applies to almost any area of our existence in culture, lifestyle, business and certainly education.

As such, NKBA Education is being offered to our members with the adaptability required to meet the needs of today’s adult students.

In order to meet our members’ needs for professional development and growth, the NKBA must offer cutting-edge, educational courses and programs that are flexible, affordable, and delivered in methods that are accessible to all types of learners.

Adults seeking to improve their level of education or advance their level of knowledge in the kitchen and bath industry are influencing a revolution in how continuing education opportunities are delivered.

Why is this occurring now more than ever?

The push for convenience and on-demand learning is due to the fact that adult learners cross generational boundaries, work full-time in other industries, own businesses, or are professionals in the kitchen and bath industry. They are all struggling in an economy that hasn’t reached such a low point since 1948.

In addition, the commitments and daily life activities of an average NKBA member have initiated an ongoing shift in the delivery methods of NKBA Education. Below is how we are meeting your needs with flexibility, affordability, and delivery that suit all types of learners: • Recorded webinars available twentyfour hours a day, seven days a week with prices now reduced by fifty percent for summer and fall.

• A full distance learning program of online courses for the kitchen and bath industry, created with Century College. It includes eleven programs that range between six and eight weeks in length.

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• Social Media Webinars – a topic that buzzes all around us and yet many do not know how to apply it to their business.

Facebook, Part I - FREE - August 14th at 11:00 am Eastern Time. This will be recorded to accommodate any schedule.

• In-Person Courses – To date, twenty chapters have scheduled one or more in-person courses. These were selected from the NKBA current course offerings and chosen to best meet their Chapter members’ needs. Remember, there is no charge to the Chapters to offer this benefit.

• Educational Sponsors: 20-20 Design Review Prep course, sponsored by 20-20 Chief Architect is offering a free webinar for CAD preparation, on August 18th Upcoming Google Sketch-Up Boot Camp, with more details to follow:

– Los Angeles: end September – Scottsdale, AZ: early November EPA courses are available at an affordable cost throughout the United States for those seeking RRP certification.

Finally, we are continuing to progress with the new Certification that will be applicable to all segments, titled: Certified Kitchen and Bath Professional. We are in the process of researching and building the body of knowledge based on the survey results received this past winter.

Like you, the NKBA Education Department counts on change as its constant and is ready to meet the challenge of remaining flexible and adaptive in our education goal. Our mission is to continue to educate our members with knowledge for the kitchen and bath industry based on our Professional Research Library. We must also continue to develop elective programs as change continues. We welcome your input.

Exam Tips

By David Newton, CMKBD

AKBD EXAM PrEP Q: What’s the best method to prepare for the AKBD exam?

A: There are many options, depending upon where you live. If possible, start with a local NKBA study group. You can contact the Vice President of Professional Development for your chapter to see if a current study program is already in place.

Q: My chapter doesn’t have a study group. What’s next?

A: I would try, with the help of your Chapter Vice President of Profes-

sional Development, to start a study group even if it’s relatively small. The interaction with other NKBA members pursuing certification, no matter how small the group, will prove very helpful.

Q: What will I need to prepare for the exam?

A: You should have the complete 9-volume set of the NKBA Professional Resource Library, a full set of the NKBA flash cards, the NKBA Certification Guide, and a copy of the “Prepare for Your NKBA Certification Exam” handbook. A fifth resource you my find helpful will be past issues of NKBA Magazine, formerly called Profiles. Several of my articles include specific tips for preparing for the AKBD exam.

Q: In the current economy, I’m not sure I can

purchase the complete NKBA Professional Resource Library. Is it possible to pass the exam without reviewing all nine books?

A: I personally do not know of anyone who has

passed the exam without at least reviewing all the books. For the AKBD exam, you’ll be asked to answer 200 questions, all of which are based on information taken directly from these nine volumes.

I’ve talked with a few industry professionals that have taken the AKBD exam and were surprised to learn they hadn’t passed. They share with me that they have been in the kitchen and bath industry for years and felt that they had learned enough through real-life experience to take the AKBD exam. One designer told me that she didn’t expect questions relating to electrical and plumbing. She relies on her subcontractors to worry about those issues. An installer with several years of experience was surprised by the business-related questions and the emphasis on design questions that addressed issues beyond basic kitchen and bath layout.

Q: Our chapter is starting a study group. Would we be wise

to contact our local subcontractors to speak at our meeting?

My electrician could cover the electrical.

A: On the surface, that sounds like a good idea. However, before doing

so, I’d make sure that they had reviewed the electrical section of the Professional Resource Library volume Kitchen and Bath Systems. To pass the AKBD exam, you don’t need to be a licensed electrician or plumber. Unless the subcontractor covers the material as presented in this book, you may spend too much time covering very technical information and miss the material related specifically to kitchen and bath designers. Another issue is attention to local building codes. If your local municipality doesn’t follow the International Residential Code (IRC), you could miss some of the questions involving the NKBA Kitchen and Bath Planning Guidelines that are IRC-based.

Before bringing in an outside presenter, you may want to purchase a recorded seminar from one of the NKBA’s convenience learning programs.

If you follow this link, you’ll notice several topics related to kitchen and bath systems, construction, and the NKBA Planning Guidelines. To find courses of interest to you, visit NKBA.org/Courses.

Q: I live in a rural area many miles from most members of the current study group. How can I best prepare?

A: In addition to the recorded webinars I mentioned above, consider

an NKBA on-demand e-learning course, which is delivered on your computer over the Internet. It’s interactive, so you’ll be actively involved in the learning process; it isn’t something you just passively watch like a video. You can take it at your own pace and have the option to have the information read to you, and you can move ahead or back in the materials. It’s considered “on demand” because the course is available 24/7.

There are currently three e-learning courses that will help you prepare for the AKBD exam: NKBA Kitchen Guidelines, NKBA Bath Guidelines, and Kitchen and Bath Graphics and Presentation Standards.

Q: How long does it take to finish an NKBA on-demand e-learning course?

A: That’s really up to you and your schedule. We have individuals who

finish the course in just a day or two, although it’s one or two intensive days. Others take several months to work through the materials a little at a time. Both strategies are fine. I recommend that you work though the materials at a pace that’s comfortable, but steady, for you. What works well for many people is reserving a time for yourself in the morning or evening when you can devote time to the course with minimum interruptions., such as after your children are asleep or during your lunch hour. Keep in mind, though, the limit of 90 days to complete a course.

I hope to see you in one of my in-person AKBD prep classes.

To order the study aides materials listed in this article please contact NKBA Customer Service at 1-800-THE-NKBA (843-6522).

David Newton, CMKBD has been involved in the kitchen and bath industry for more than 30 years. His experience includes cabinet building, project installation, kitchen design and layout, and sales. A full-time kitchen and bath trainer since 1986, he is the author of Bringing Total Quality Management to Your Kitchen and Bath and the NKBA Professional Resource Library volume Kitchen and Bath Drawing.

NKBA.org | NKBA MAGAZINE–SUMMER 2010

45

headlines EDUCATION

NKBA Professional Resource Library Education Series

SPECIFYINg TOILETS ThE PROPER WAY A well-planned bathroom space.

The following is an excerpt from the NKBA Professional Resource Library volume Bath Planning.

For more information, visit NKBA.org/Books. To order, call 1-800-THE-NKBA (843-6522).

The type and size of the toilet may affect the ability to meet some clearance recommendations, especially in small bathrooms.

The two-piece toilet has a separate tank and bowl, while the one-piece toilet combines these and typically has a lower profile. The standard seat height of the toilet is between 14 inches and 17 inches, although 17 inch to 19 inch high toilets are growing in popularity. For a person who transfers onto the toilet from a wheelchair, the best height for the toilet is equal to the wheelchair height, with the average being approximately 18 inches.

The toilet width ranges from 17 to 23 inches. A toilet with a standard bowl is about 25 inches deep, while one with an elongated bowl is about 30 inches. A wall-hung toilet with an in-wall tank will be about 22 inches deep. The more unique corner toilets are available for special applications. This typically extends 33 inches from the corner and is about 15 inches wide.

hung toilets improve the clear floor space, making it easier to transfer onto the toilet and to maintain the floor around it.

Some users may require grab bars, so plan reinforcement around the toilet area so that they can be installed. Grab bars should be placed according to the users requirements, including their method of transfer. Access standards suggest that the grab bars be placed behind the toilet and on the wall beside it.

TOILET PLACEMENT The toilet can be in several places within the bathroom and may be within its own separate area or compartment. There should be clearances on both sides of the toilet to allow comfortable movement without bumping into a wall or counter.

Placing the toilet at least 18 inches on center from the nearest wall or obstacle is recommended. Building codes will typically allow the toilet to be placed 15 inches on center.

Remember that this should be a clear space. Placing another obstacle in the space, such as a grab bar, towel bar or toilet paper holder, will interfere with the clearance.

THE COMPARTMENT Placing a toilet in a separate compartment can be accommodated by following the previously recommended clearances. A 36 inch x 66 inch space measured from the inside wall will accommodate the recommended clearances. A 30 inch x 60 inch space will comply with building codes.

In both applications, the door to the compartment should open out toward the adjacent room, otherwise the door swing will interfere with the front clearance. A compartment is not recommended for people using mobility aids, since it limits options in transferring to a toilet. However, if one is used, it should be at least 60 inches x 59 inches. An exception to this is the toilet area planned for a client with limited balance or stamina, as this client could benefit from a space with support within reach on both walls of the approach to the toilet.

F1

F2

FLOOR CLEARANCE People using the toilet will need to stand, turn, sit, redress and use nearby supplies. A minimum of 30 inches clearance is recommended in front of the toilet, and more may be needed to accomodate specific needs. Building codes allow this space to be reduced to 21 inches. This may allow leg room to sit on the toilet, but managing clothes may require moving to an area of the bathroom with more floor space.

For a person approaching the toilet with a mobility aid, or transferring from a wheelchair, 30 inches in front of the toilet is the minimum clearance. For a person approaching and transferring from the side, plan a minimum 30 inches of clear floor space to the side of the toilet. Wall-

46

NKBA MAGAZINE–SUMMER 2010 | NKBA.org

Recommended Recommended

Minimum

Recommended

Minimum

F3

Minimum

F1: There should be at least 30” of floor space in front of a toilet for maneuverability. A minimum of 21” is permitted.

F2: The center of a toilet should be 18” from a wall or other object. A minimum of 15” is permitted. F3: A toilet compartment that is 36” x 66” allows for a 32” doorway opening and toilet clearances. A 30” x 60” compartment is permitted.

2010 NKBA/K+BB Essay Contest Congratulations winners.

By Sherylin Doyle, AKBD, NKBA Manager of Academic Relations TOP HONORS AT KBIS 2010: Essay Contest winner Kevin Anderson (center), Brigham Young University – Idaho, receives his check from Julie Senzig (left), NKBA, Douglas Krainman (right), formerly of Nielsen Business Media.

NKBA Accredited Programs Awards Excellence in Education

Eight NKBA-accredited colleges were awarded the NKBA Excellence in Education Award by demonstrating the highest standards of kitchen and bath instruction. Each program submitted two student kitchen design projects, which were judged using the NKBA Planning Guidelines and NKBA Graphic and Presentation Standards. Each of these schools met the NKBA’s challenging goal of earning an average score of at least 93 out of a possible 100 on its two student designs.

The winning schools for 2010 are: Alexandria Technical College Brigham Young University – Idaho Johnson County Community College Lone Star College – Kingwood Lord Fairfax Community College University of Georgia University of Southern Mississippi Weber State University

Brigham Young University – Idaho swept the awards at KBIS for the third annual NKBA/ K+BB Essay Contest, as students from the school took first, second, and third place in this year’s competition.

The winning essay, written by Clarisse McCann, recalls the unsafe kitchen of her childhood home in the suburbs of Manila in the Philippines. “I remember vividly the image of cockroaches crawling underneath the kitchen sink.

The poignant stench of stagnant water and decaying food seeping through my nostrils, which gave me chills. I always had to make sure that I washed our pots and pans and utensils twice before I could deem them clean enough to use again,” Clarisse wrote. Her goal was to create “sanctuaries where people can look back at the elegance of the past, look ahead into the modern design of the future, and be in a space where there is a place for everything, and everything in its place.”

Second place winner Kevin Anderson grew up in sunny southern California with a myriad of interests and no clear career direction. He wrote, “Building skateboards turned into building cabi-

Recognizing Outstanding Students

The NKBA is proud to recognize the top kitchen and bath design students at 30 NKBAaccredited colleges across North America by rewarding these students with a $100 scholarship and their name on a perpetual plaque displayed at each school. The list of winners can be found in the Scholarship section of NKBA.org/Students.

PUBLISHED STUDENT WINNERS: Essay Contest winners Clarisse McCann (left), and Angela Miller (right) from Brigham Young University – Idaho are presented their published essays from Douglas Krainman (center), formerly of Nielsen Business Media.

nets, designing surfboard racks turned into designing millwork and drawing logos turned into drawing perspectives.”

He plans to make a difference by designing kitchens and baths that embrace sustainable materials in order to protect the environment.

Third place winner Angela Miller was inspired by a dank, dark, dismal, non-functional kitchen she had once experienced.

She wants to make a difference by designing aesthetically pleasing spaces that “sow seeds of hope and endow a new beginning.”

Read the winning essays in the April 2010 issue of Kitchen & Bath Business magazine in print or at www.kbbonline.com.

NKBA Firm Internships The NKBA thanks each of the following member firms for providing internship opportunities that allow students to gain valuable experience in the kitchen and bath industry. Each firm received a certificate of appreciation for listing their internship on NKBA.org. To register as an NKBA Intern Provider, visit at NKBA.org/ Interns.

Allatoona Kitchen & Bath – Acworth, GA Colorado Kitchen Designs – Denver, CO Creative Kitchen & Bath – Wayne, NJ Designology – Santa Barbara, CA Design This! Inc – Denver, CO Kitchens by Krengel – St Paul, MN Kitchen & Bath Details – Mattapoisett, MA Kitchen Encounters – Annapolis, MD Masterpiece Cabinet & Granit – New Hope, PA

NKBA.org | NKBA MAGAZINE–SUMMER 2010

47

EDUCATION “I’ve had numerous clients who sought me out because of my NKBA certification and what it represents. If I hadn’t pursued NKBA education, I wouldn’t have the legs to stand on with these clients.”

X

Michael R. Brgoch, CKD Lowe’s #1613, Salt Lake City, UT

The NKBA is the industry’s premier provider of kitchen and bath education courses that offer the tools necessary to succeed in today’s demanding industry.

August 2010

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For a complete listing of NKBA Education courses, visit NKBA.org/Courses.

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NKBA.org /Courses | 1-800-THE-NKBA (843 - 6522)

last word Friends find love at KBIS.

F

Student member friends marry.

By Annette Gray

Friends and fellow Brigham Young University students, Emily Wilson and Jeff Larsen found romance on the Lake Michigan dinner cruise, hosted by the NKBA in celebration of Student Design Competition winners.

Larsen, who had placed in the GE Charette competition, joined Wilson, second-place winner in the bathroom category of the competition, on her expense-paid trip to KBIS 2008 in Chicago, accompanying her to events such as the dinner cruise. It was at this event that the two found they had more of a connection than friendship, and as of January16, 2010 Emily Wilson became Emily Larsen.

NKBA: How long, and in what context had you known one another prior to KBIS 2008? EL: Jeff and I had become friends throughout the school year leading up to KBIS. It was through long hours spent on campus working on school projects that Jeff and I grew from classmates who knew each other’s names, to friends.

NKBA: How did the trip to Chicago come about? EL: Since I had placed in the NKBA Student Design Competition and Jeff had placed in the GE Charette competition, we decided it would be much more fun to go together, and he attended the week’s events as my guest.

We had so much fun the night of the cruise; dancing, eating, laughing and taking fresh air breaks on top of the boat. That was the first time I felt a little spark between us. The whole trip was an incredible experience and we had a ton of fun, but then it was back to reality.

NKBA: What came next? EL: Jeff headed to New York City for internships and I headed to Denver for mine. Long story short, I ended up joining Jeff in New York for an internship and we began dating shortly after we started our senior year. We dated for a year, became engaged and tied the knot on January 16, 2010 here in Salt Lake City.

NKBA: Was there anyone that attended the cruise that was also in attendance at your wedding? EL: Wendy Harris, one of our profes-

looking ahead Showroom Profile

sors at BYU-Idaho and the Kitchen and Bath Coordinator for our program was the one who had organized the Chicago trip.

She taught both of us and encouraged us to enter the NKBA competitions. I worked with her as NKBA Student Chapter President and also as her T.A. We were honored to have her and her husband join us for our wedding day.

NKBA: Do you plan to stay in Salt Lake City? EL: We do plan to stay here, at THE HAPPY COUPLE least for the near future.

BYU students Jeff Larsen and Emily We both work for great compaWilson, were married in 2010. nies and love our jobs, and feel that we are making good roots in our careers. Salt Lake has grown on both of us in the year we’ve been here.

NKBA: Where are you both employed? EL: I am a designer for Craftsman Kitchens in Salt Lake City, and Jeff is a residential designer for Barclay Butera in Park City. Jeff has a bit of a commute, but he loves the beautiful drive and the opportunity to escape to a resort town each day.

NKBA: Would you ever consider forming your own design team?

EL: We are definitely open to the possibility of joining forces someday. For now, we’re just getting some invaluable experience in the real world, but if the opportunity arises, we’d love to work together. Jeff and I have different design strengths and varying interests that I believe would compliment well.

NKBA Magazine – Fall 2010: The Business Issue

The key to a prosperous, sharp and innovative business. How to achieve consumer appeal and maintain cost effectiveness.

Online Marketing

Consumer Purchasing

Working as a Team

KBIS 2011

Staying current with online promotional capabilities.

Managing relationships between kitchen and bath professionals.

Trends in the consumer market. What are homeowners spending money on?

Looking forward to Las Vegas.

The highlights and updates.

NKBA.org | NKBA MAGAZINE–SUMMER 2010

49

2011

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DESIGN COMPETITION ART OF THE INDUSTRY Photo by Alise O’Brien Photography

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©2010 InSinkErator, InSinkErator® is a division of Emerson Electric Co. All rights reserved. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Must be legal U.S. resident 21 or older and currently employed as a sales associate in a kitchen or bath design showroom responsible for selling/recommending InSinkErator products. SWEEPSTAKES NOT OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. Sweepstakes begins 5/1/10 and ends 8/31/10. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes subject to official rules available at www.insinkerator.com/hautespot. / p SPONSOR. InSinkErator div. Emerson Electric Co., Racine, WI 53406

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