KCMA Introduces All-Star Panel of Judges for 2024 Kitchen Design Awards Competition

Kitchen and bath professionals are encouraged to submit their best kitchen design projects through March 15, 2024.

RESTON, VA. – The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) has unveiled the distinguished panel of judges who will preside over the first-ever KCMA^® Design Awards program. Kitchen and bath design professionals are invited to submit their best kitchen design projects featuring KCMA Member cabinets for judging, feedback and suggestions from a six-member jury panel of recognized, experienced design professionals.

“We’re very pleased to introduce the expert design competition jury that has been selected for our first 2024 KCMA Design Awards program,” says KCMA CEO Betsy Natz. “Each of these renowned, award-winning designers brings their own unique and invaluable insight to the evaluation process. Their fair and thoughtful feedback will offer participants new perspectives and ideas, while also helping them to hone their design skills and learn from best practices.”

The 2024 KCMA Kitchen Design Awards competition jury members include:

Amy A Wittenbach, Director of Design at Donna Figg Design. With more than 18 years of experience as a registered Interior Designer, Wittenbach has earned multiple awards for her work which encompasses a wide range of luxury residential and commercial projects, including boutique hotels, luxury auto dealerships, country clubs and more.

Gary Jay Paul opened his studio upon receiving his Master of Architecture from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design and his Bachelor of Architecture from the Boston Architectural Center’s School of Architecture. His extensive body of work has earned numerous prestigious design awards and reflects a wide range of project types, including new residential construction and renovations, interior and landscape design, as well as commercial design projects.

Jenny Provost, Founder of K2 Design Group, Inc., has spent more than 30 years designing an array of residential structures and interiors, as well as business interiors and hospitality projects. Her firm enjoys international acclaim with current projects ranging from high rise condo transformations and a private waterfront home in Florida to a Jerusalem estate and a modern terraced home in Cape Town, South Africa.

Lance Stratton is an award-winning kitchen and bath specialist and full-service design professional. His firm Studio Stratton is known for outstanding craftsmanship, attention to detail and customer service which has benefited clients from San Diego and Palm Desert to Mexico and London. Stratton has earned recognition in numerous design competitions including both national and regional awards in the Crysalis Awards, the 2023 NKBA National Award Specialty Kitchen (Outdoor) and the 2023 Kitchen and Bath Design News Silver Award.

Sharon L Sherman, CKD, ASID, NCIDQ, CID, Founder and Principal of Thyme & Place Design. An award-winning designer, Sherman has been practicing luxury kitchen, bath and interior design for two decades and is a former past President of the New Jersey chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers. She is also a member of Kitchen & Bath Business Magazine’s Editorial Advisory Board, a KBB Magazine 2022 Praiseworthy Pick and a 2022 Kitchen Bath Design News Innovator of the Year Award recipient. Her design work and editorial comments have been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and Furniture Lighting & Décor, among other prestigious publications.

Shea Pumarejo is a seasoned interior designer and CEO of the boutique renovation and design firm, Younique Designs, whose work has been featured in Architectural Digest, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and Houston Lifestyles and Homes Magazine. A Certified Master Kitchen and Bath designer, Pumarejo has earned more than 15 national design awards including nine prestigious NKBA awards and two projects shortlisted in the International Design and Architecture Awards in London, England.

“KCMA is thrilled to have such an experienced and accomplished panel of judges,” says KCMA’s Natz. “Their collective knowledge and understanding of every aspect of kitchen design offers participants an opportunity to learn from the very best in their field and KCMA is very pleased to be part of it all.”

About the KCMA 2024 Design Awards Program

Entries for the KCMA 2024 Design Awards program may be submitted through March 15, 2024. Judging will take place March 15 through April 1, 2024. For the 2024 inaugural program, designers may submit eligible projects completed during calendar years 2021, 2022, and 2023. After judging is finalized, one (1) First Award for Best Kitchen Design will be named with the winner receiving a trip to the 2024 KCMA Spring Leadership Conference to receive their award which includes airfare, accommodations, and a $1,000 stipend for expenses. The First Award winner will also be featured in a full-page advertisement in Kitchen & Bath Design News and recognized on the Woodworking Network and KCMA websites. One (1) Second Award for 2^nd Best Kitchen design will also receive a $500 cash award.

Complete information about the 2024 KCMA^® Design Awards, including the official Rules & Regulations, How to Submit, and more, is available at KCMA Designer Awards – Announcing the New 2024 KCMA Design Awards.

For additional questions, contact: Mike Metz, Director of Marketing & Membership, Phone: (703) 264-1690, Email: Mike Metz [email protected]