2014 October NKBA Chapter Newsletter

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NEWSLETTER
Georgia Chapter OCTOBER, 2014
Events, happenings, and news...
SPECIAL 2014 EXPO EDITION
Each year, the NKBA Georgia Chapter reaches out to Interior Design Students across the
state for an event which exposes them to industry professionals, the area’s top companies,
and other networking opportunities to prepare them for the start of their careers. This year is
no exception. The all-day event, held at the Viking Distributing East showroom, will include the
first year of the Industry Tabletop Expo, where the state’s top companies will share valuable
information with the students and conclude with this month’s Chapter Meeting, featuring a
presentation by kitchen and bath industry leader Sarah Reep, ASID, IIDA, CKD, CMG, CAPS
Director, Designer Relations.
Lighting up the future: the
coming age of LED lighting
T
his is the most exciting time there’s ever been in
lighting,” professed Jeffery Doss as he addressed
those in attendance at the September Georgia
Chapter meeting of the NKBA. Doss, Corporate Director
of Education and Industry Trends for Cleveland Ohio’s
Kichler Lighting, spoke on the current shift toward LED
lighting and its far-ranging future impact on our lives.
The switch to LED lighting, Doss said, “has to happen,
if for no other reason than because of power plant
capacities. It is now virtually impossible to build another
Shown above, Jeffery Doss discusses the benefits of
LED lighting at the September Chapter Meeting
See LED page 2
NKBA Newsletter - October, 2014
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Georgia Chapter
LED from front
power plant in the United States, yet consumption
continues to grow.”
Doss went in depth into the makeup and history of
LED lighting, which dates back to the first experiments
in electro luminescence in 1907. Things have come a
long way since that time, and the first commercially
available white LED light was developed by the Nichia
Company in 2002. “They have so many advantages,”
Doss proclaimed. “Their size makes them easier to
accommodate into awkward lighting schemes. They’re
small and directional, and the size of an LED chip
allows it to be used in locations impossible with
incandescents.”
Another advantage of LED lighting over
incandescent is one of color.
The one downside to LED lighting is the increased
cost over incandescent bulbs, but this downside, Doss
assured the audience, is quickly changing.
“[LED] bulb life is going up and the price is coming
down,” Doss said, a trend which has proven itself
historically. As proof, Doss offered the example of the
first LED watches “which cost as much as cars,” and the
LED calculator, which started out as cost prohibited buy
which, by 1995 had become so inexpensive that it made
mechanical calculators disappear. Doss predicts that the
costs of LED and incandescent bulbs should equalize in
roughly five years.
Nevertheless, LEDs are still the better value, even at
higher initial costs. “LED lighting saves 75% in
operating costs over incandescents,” Doss said. “At this
rate, almost any application of LED lighting should
show a return on investment in about two years.”
However, since LEDs are currently more expensive
initially, the smart homeowner should make decisions
on where they will be most effective. Doss recommends
making the LED switch on devices which spend the
largest percentage of the day in operation. He singled
out kitchens, outdoor lighting, living rooms and
bathrooms as the best current candidates for switching
over from incandescent to LED.” Additionally, Doss
pointed out non-residential success stories with LEDs,
including traffic lights, grocery store freezer case
lighting, exit lights, and street lights, each of which
brings in between 35% and 75% cost reductions per
application.
So, is LED the definitive lighting of the future? No,
says Doss. While LED will certainly overtake
incandescent lighting over the next decade or so, other
technologies are currently being developed which will
surpass LED.
“LED lighting
saves 75% in
operating costs
over
incandescents. At
this rate, almost
any application of
LED lighthing should show a
return on investment in about two
years.” - Jeffrey Doss
“We will never have a technology which will last
longer than incandescent lighting,” Doss said. “But the
future holds possibilities we haven’t even dreamed of.”
Doss’s presentation was part of the NKBA Georgia
September Chapter meeting, held Thursday, September
18 at Masterpiece Lighting & Architectural Hardware.
Our Host:
Welcome
Design Expo
Students!
by
Courtney Foster Shearer
VP of Academic Relations
A big hello to the students of Athens Tech, University of
Tennessee at Chattanooga, Brenau, Art Institute of Atlanta,
University of Georgia, Gwinnett Tech and Chattahoochee
Tech. We are excited to welcome you all to this year's NKBA
Student Expo! We have packed this event full of insightful,
inspiring and interesting content that will allow you to
become more familiar with the many facets of the kitchen
and bath industry. We hope that you will take full advantage
of this day that was created for YOU by asking questions,
taking notes and networking, networking, networking.
Whether you know a lot or a little about the kitchen and bath
industry, everyone has to start somewhere and we think your
attendance is the first step in what could be a very rewarding
and fun career!
NKBA Newsletter - October, 2014
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Georgia Chapter
November, 2014
CHAPTER MEETING
Guest Speaker:
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Deepa Mungara
Community Team,
Houzz
“How to Use Houzz”
For home professionals, technology tools extend far beyond space planning and drafting. Today,
technology is used to communicate more effectively with clients, tell engaging stories about you and
your portfolio of work and market your business with scale and efficiency, in the office or on the go.
During this session, discover how you can harness Houzz and integrated technologies to do just this improve business efficiency, reach new prospective clients and streamline communications.
4 learning objectives
1. Discover ways to streamline communication with clients throughout a project.
2. Learn how to build a compelling online presence, plus best practices for engaging with an online community.
3. Learn how technology can facilitate the type of storytelling that differentiates your business and protects your reputation.
4. Understand how these activities generate new business, and how to measure their effectiveness.
Deepa Mungara is part of the Community Team at Houzz, an innovative residential design platform and community. Previously, she
led marketing and sales for an early-stage technology start-up putting electronic health records on the iPad, growing sales to +$4M
annually. Ms. Mungara’s love for home design started at young age by helping her father, a Houston-based architect, build his
business. She is excited to merge her love of technology with her love of interior design and architecture at Houzz. Deepa graduated
from Mt. Holyoke College and studied at the University of Cape Town.
Location:
Register for events at www.nkbaga.org
Members:
Non-Members:
Students:
First time guests:
$20
$35
$10
$0
Registration: Contact Lenia Pilkonis, info@nkbaga.org for preregistration issues. A late charge of $10 will be applied when
registering at the door on the day of the event.
CEU/Educational CEU: All Chapter Meetings Qualify for .1 CEU
credit with NKBA. Educational CEU programs will be noted
specifically for additional credits. Submission of CEU credits are
the responsibility of each individual through www.nkba.org
Why Join NKBA?
Hansgrohe
1490 Bluegrass Lakes Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30004
770-360-9880
5:30 - 6:30pm Networking
6:45 - 8:00pm Meeting
For Sponsorship Opportunities, contact Brittany Gardner:
programs@nkba.org
by Jay Williamson, NKBA Ga. Chapter VP of Membership
It's one of the most common questions – “Why should I join the
NKBA? We don't have enough space here to cover all the
benefits, so I'll focus on something near and dear to almost
everyone – finding new Customer. The NKBA provides a host
of benefits to help our members expand their businesses. Here
are just a few ways the NKBA can help your kitchen and bath
business succeed.
Consumer Leads: The NKBA provides hundreds of new
leads to its members each month generated by consumers
ordering the free NKBA kitchen and bath planners. Finding
customers in your area eager to remodel their kitchens and baths
is as simple as entering your zip code at NKBA.org/Leads.
Pro-Search: Thousands of consumers use the NKBA's
ProSearch tool every month to find designers, remodelers,
dealers, and other kitchen and bath professionals in their area.
To update and add more detail to your company listing, simply
log into your KBIS Member Center.
Kitchen & Bath Industry directory: NKBA member
companies receive complimentary listings in the Kitchen &
Bath Industry Directory – the premiere business-to-business
search engine for companies involved in the surveys of dealers,
designers, and other kitchen and bath industry. As a member,
enjoy a free basic company listing that includes preferred
placement, highlighted by the NKBA member logo.
Publicity Tools: The NKBA offers a number of opportunities
for our members to promote their businesses without having to
spend a dime on advertising. At NKBA.org/Publicity, you can
download templates for press releases on a variety of topics as
well as read tips on how to write a release that will get noticed
by your local media outlet.
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Georgia Chapter
Out & About
Scenes from the September Meeting
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Georgia Chapter
NKBA FYI
NKBA Georgia Chapter Executive
Board Positions and Committee Opportunities
Interested in working on a committee? Contact the Board
Representative for that committee or email info@nkba.org.
Government Relations
Legislative Committee
Professional Development
GA Designer Council
Special Events: Certified Designer Forum
Consumer Outreach Program
Certification Study Group
Membership
Special Events: Membership Appreciation Month
Membership Drive
Academic Relations
Academic Ambassadors
Design Student Expo
Programs
Chapter Programs & Speakers
Special Events: Industry Tabletop
Architects Month
Christmas Progressive Party
KBIS - Atlanta Party
President
Nominating Committee
Communications
Chapter Newsletter
Social Media Outreach
Chapter Representative
Chapter Office Training
The NKBA Georgia Chapter presents the members of its
newest committee, the Georgia Designer Council:
Trudy McGinnis, CKD
Lenia Pilkonis, CMKBD,
RID,NCIDQ
Mark Keiser, CKD
Industry Advisor Members:
Jackie Phillips
Jay Williamson
NKBA Connect
NKBA Connect Blog was launched on June 9, 2014. It provides members with a digital publishing hub for
kitchen and bath design, inspiration and business industry news. New blogs are published approximately twice
a week, keeping the content fresh and the conversations flowing. The blog features a mix of original content
and curated member-generated content.
You can find the blog at: www.nkba.org/NKBAConnect
“One Part Conviction,
One Part Macaroni & Cheese”
Pirch is coming to Atlanta
PIRCH is coming to Atlanta. All it takes is a quick read of their tagline (Kitchen-Bath-Outdoor-Joy) or their Manifesto (One part
Passion, One part Conviction, One part Macaroni and Cheese) and it becomes obvious – PIRCH is something different. According to
the company they’re more than just Appliances, Plumbing, Baths, and Outdoor, they offer an elevated experience that inspires
customers to branch out and “feather their nest” with things that bring joy to the home.”
The Atlanta store, opening in December, is in the heart of Buckhead just across from Phipps Plaza in Lenox Marketplace. The
showroom is over 30,000 square feet and features a wide selection of interactive displays to make it easy for customers to See, Touch,
and Select.
In addition to helping customer select the perfect Kitchen, Bath, and Outdoor products, the PIRCH team is trained and certified to
install and service every type of appliance they carry. The Logistics Team at PIRCH is internally staffed, and works in concert with a
carefully-vetted corps of factory-qualified technicians to diagnose and repair. That translates to a level of accountability, trust and
professionalism that inspires confidence – and delivers Joy.
NKBA Newsletter - October, 2014
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Georgia Chapter
The Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer
Excerpted from The Retail Observer
The road to becoming a Certified Kitchen Designer
(CKD) or a Certified Bath Designer (CBD) is as
challengin as it is fulfilling. In fact, neither the
challenges nor the fulfillment never really end.
As proof, consider the following NKBA requirements
for anyone pursuing certification through association:
* Seven years of full-time residential kitchen/bath
design experience, including proven knowledge of
design, construction, mechanical, plumbing and
electrical systems
* A minimum of four years of formal design
education or 60 hours of NKBA professional
development training
* Successful completion of a rigorous, two-part
examination of both academic knowledge and practical
skills
* Expertise in the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Planning
Guidelines & Access Standards, which recognize the
importance of consumer health, safety and welfare in
kitchen and bath design.
Further, a certified designer must meet a mandated
minimum of 10 hours of continuing education every
two years.
Faced with such a formidable set of job
requirements, why do so many design professionals
devote themselves to pursuing and maintaining
certification? Certified designers deliver superior value
to everyone in the kitchen and bath field.
Greater value to the marketplace
Certification is a major selling point. Whether you
are employed by a showroom or work independently,
meeting clients in their homes, you enter every
conversation with credibility and a prestige that
compares favorably with any other profession.
Because of the lingering impact of the recent
economic downturn, the industry is more competitive
than ever. Certification makes a designer more
marketable and competitive.
Greater value to the client
Throughout the hundreds of hours of education,
certified designers learn that there’s no substitution for
getting close and personal with the client. By probing
the depth of how a family functions in a given room, a
designer is better able to create a new and invigorated
space that will meet the client’s needs for years to
come.
Greater value to the project
Certified kitchen and bath designers understand
more than just how to plan beautiful spaces and match
exotic colors. During the pursuit of certification, they
are educated on
everything in the
home, from the
foundation to the roof.
They develop an
“engineer” type
mentality that
complements their
design skills and
aesthetic judgement.
Certified
professionals also
know how to deal with
all the various
mechanical
specifications electrical, plumbing
and HVAC - and can
read, interpret and
make critical decisions
based on technical
drawings and cabinet
plans. With a grasp on
mechanical systems in the home, a certified designer has
professional credibility not only with the client, but also with
the various trades. This leads to quick resolution of
problems that can delay the job for days and even weeks,
and the related costs of such delays.
Certified
designers
demonstrate
their willingness
to go above and
beyond. That is
huge for the
industry and for
anyone working
with them and is
served by them.
Greater value to an employer or partner
All of the values described above can also raise the
credibility and marketability of any enterprise that works
with a certified designer. In fact, certified designers are
skilled at making the job of the retailer or showroom much
easier and simpler.
Instead of just sending a consumer into the showroom
to pick out any product that catches her fancy, the certified
designer will coach the client in the pros and cons of
various options under consideration.
Another big hassle-saver on the job site is the certified
designer’s ability to execute detailed working drawings for
use by installers. The key word here is “working,” because
these drawings will have all the necessary specifications,
dimensions and other markups, without which the installer
would likely have to improvise, risking mistakes that would
cost time and money.
Certified designers demonstrate their willingness to go
above and beyond. That is huge for the industry and for
anyone working with them and is served by them. It’s also
huge for the designers and their career aspirations. Such a
high level of commitment - and the self-esteem in
engenders - is, in many ways, it’s own reward.
NKBA Newsletter - October, 2014
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Georgia Chapter
CLASSIFIEDS
Diversified Cabinet Distributors
Showroom Sales/Designer
Job Description:
Assists customers with cabinet and countertop selection. Prepares
designs & quotes for retail or
contractor customers in an effort to maximize sales utilizing tracking
and company reporting
procedures.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:
* High School diploma or GED.
* 3 years kitchen and bath industry work experience.
* 3 years inside sales, design and/or showroom experience.
* Proven track record of closing sales at or above established targets.
* 2 years 20/20 Design software experience and proficiency.
* Proficient computer skills required including Microsoft Office Suite.
* Excellent organizational skills, including ability to multi-task and
prioritize workload.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to
interact with external
customers.
* Ability to travel up to 10%.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:
* Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or related field.
* 5 years cabinet sales and design and/or countertop experience.
* Appliance specification and usage knowledge.
* Solid understanding of remodeling and building code.
To Apply for position please use the link below:
https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGWebHost/jobdetails.aspx?partnerid=25
204&siteid=5219&AReq=16385BR
Renewal Design-Build
Project Designer, Residential Remodeling
Job description:
Ideal candidate has experience in residential renovation, interior
design, residential architecture, and estimating with special expertise
in Kitchen and Bath Design. The Project Designer oversees the
project up until actual ground breaking. The Project Designer is
responsible for: residential design of renovations and additions,
providing high level of customer service, some estimating, client
showroom visits, on-site analysis of existing conditions, co-ordination
of pricing with all trade partners, establishing a preconstruction
schedule, coordinating with engineers, and writing of detailed
contracts.
The Project Designer will be responsible for more than one project
at a time. Being a team player that enjoys customer service is an
essential component of the job.
Candidate must love the sales process and be comfortable with the
concept of networking, and building a book of business. Must possess
strong self confidence with the ability to interface with a wide variety of
clients and trade professionals.
Ideal candidate should have 3-5 years experience in residential
renovation and is geographically well situated to commute to projects
within the I-285 perimeter, from Decatur to Buckhead and Sandy
Springs.
Skills
1. Residential Design Experience
2. Use of Chief Architect and AutoCAD design software
3. Read and generate architectural drawings
4. Kitchen and bath layout expertise
5. Knowledge of current materials, finishes and trends in residential
design
6. Meet on site with subs to determine accurate job scope
7. Highly literate, well-spoken, neat and clean presentation
8. Strong communication skills: spoken and written
9. Meet with clients to determine finishes and finalize project scope
10. Software: Microsoft Office, Google, AutoCad, and Chief Architect
11. Able to do Internet research
12. Highly personable
The Project Designer is expected to work (40) hours per
week, Monday - Friday. This position is not home-based. The Project
Designer must furnish his/her own car in good condition. Fuel
reimbursement is provided.
Experience
3-5 years of Interior Design Experience, focused on residential kitchens
and baths
Construction knowledge.
heather@renewaldesignbuild.com
404-378-6962
124 s. Columbia Drive
Decatur, GA 30030
The Home Depot
DesignConnect Designer
Job Description:
The DesignConnect Designer supports assigned Home Depot stores
with 20-20 kitchen design, installation and sales of the total project. The
DesignConnect Designer is responsible for quality of 20-20 kitchen
designs and performance metrics to ensure all customers receive a
differentiated customer experience.
Takes customers through the Home Depot sales process and the value
proposition. Completes 20/20 computerized design and update based on
client feedback. Discusses available options for their project.
Suggests related items/services that might complement the customer's
project needs. Sells the complete project. Overcomes customer
objections with facts. Accountabilities include: Sales, Project Cycle Time,
Attach Rate and Quality of Designs. Completes all necessary key
standards paperwork for all projects. Maintains accurate records of
customers' project/sales and follow up using the Design Connect tools to
ensure professional communication for a positive customer experience.
Required Qualifications:
Must be eighteen years of age or older.
Must pass the Drug Test.
Must pass Background Check.
Must pass pre-employment test if applicable.
2 Years of Relevant Work Experience
The knowledge, skills and abilities typically acquired through the
completion of a bachelor’s degree program or equivalent degree in a
study related to the job
Coursework toward completion of CKD, CBD, ASID
Preferred Qualifications:
4+ years Degree in Interior Design, Architecture or a related field
5+ years design and retail, specialty retail, or outside sales or trade exp.
CKD, CBD, ASID, CMKBD or State Certification
Apply at careers.homedeopt.com job #88008
NKBA Newsletter - October, 2014
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