2020 NKBA MN Design Competition – Judging

I was honored to be selected as one of the eight judges to cast ballots for 43 entries in the 2020 NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association) Design Competition for the Midwest Region, Minnesota Chapter (NKBA MN Chapter). Midwest Home Magazine annually partners with this chapter on this competition. Awarded projects will be published in the November issue, on the magazine website, and as exposure on the NKBA Minnesota Chapter website as well.

Members were given an opportunity to showcase residential projects completed within two years ranging in these categories below. Please kindly view linked, noted projects that had something to speak of.
-Category A: Small Kitchen (less than 150 sq.ft.)
A1 Small Kitchen
A3 Small Kitchen
A4 Small Kitchen
-Category B: Medium Kitchen (150-350 sq.ft.)
B1 Medium Kitchen
-Category C: Large Kitchen (more than 350 sq.ft.)
C4 Large Kitchen
-Category D: Powder Room
-Category E: Small Bathroom (less than 55 sq.ft.)
-Category F: Medium Bathroom (55-100 sq.ft.)
-Category G: Large/Master Bath (more than 100 sq.ft.)
-Category H: Other Residential Rooms
H4 Other Residential Rooms – Lower Level Kitchen Area
H6 Other Residential Rooms – Bar/Pub Area with Living Area
-Category I: Best Use of Artisan Materials
– – Subcategory: Budget Friendly Kitchens

Each ballot form for all 43 projects was judged on the following criteria:
–Creativity/Design Solutions: were there unique and interesting solutions to the design challenges? Were all challenges met?
–Elements and Design Principles: Line, form, balance, color, scale, etc.
–Presentation: Was the scope of design clearly represented in the drawings? Were the drawings scaled correctly as requested? Plans and elevations as requested? If new construction, only “after” drawings. If existing, “before” and “after”. Were the “before” and “after” photos clearly visible? Professional photos?
–Basic Safety and Ergonomics: Refer to 2014 NKBA Planning Guidelines. Judges have authority to disqualify any project (s) that obviously do not comply with the healthy, safety, or welfare of the client.
–Visual Appeal: Was there a “WOW” factor? How does the overall space look? How are the details played out? Is the overall appeal a “WOW’ or an eyesore when a client first walks in?

All these points were scored on a scale from 1 to 10, with commentary, and a grand total of points tallied.

Good luck to all!