Methodology/Overview

The NKBA Kitchen & Bath Planning Guidelines with Access Standards is a collection of illustrations and planning suggestions to aid professionals in the safe and effective planning of kitchens and bathrooms. These guidelines are excerpted from the National Kitchen & Bath Association Professional Resource Library Kitchen Planning and Bath Planning volumes. Designers and those interested in becoming kitchen and bath design professionals benefit by studying the complete body of knowledge found in the NKBA Professional Resource Library.

These flexible and easy to understand guidelines were developed under the guidance of the NKBA by a committee of professionals. The committee completed in-depth historical reviews of planning guidelines dating back to 1920. The guidelines published in this booklet reflect a composite of the historical review, current industry environment, future trends, consumer lifestyles, new research, new building codes, and current industry practices; as well as a Kitchen Storage Research Project conducted by Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

The purpose of the guidelines is to serve as the basis for:

• Testing core kitchen and bath design competencies
• Critiquing designer work
• Training designers in academic and educational programs
• Recognizing the importance of consumer health, safety and welfare in kitchen and bath design

The NKBA

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a leading non-profit trade association dedicated to the advancement of the kitchen & bath industry. The NKBA has maintained its leadership status of excellence and professionalism for over 40 years by providing education, certification and the tools needed for success. NKBA Education and Certification are the gold standard in the kitchen & bath industry. The NKBA offers professional development courses and levels of certification for all stages of an individual’s career.

NKBA Education

The NKBA Professional Development Program offers invaluable opportunities for kitchen and bath professionals to enhance their careers through the industry’s premier courses and conferences. The NKBA provides focused training and unique networking opportunities at courses across North America. NKBA courses and programs are now aligned to specific industry segments within the industry, such as dealers, cabinet shops, fabricators, installers, etc. In addition, the NKBA offers six convenient online courses as well as kitchen and bath specializations in colleges and universities at more than 48 NKBA Endorsed Programs across North America.

NKBA Certification

NKBA Certifications are based on written examinations and extensive industry experience. NKBA Certification lets consumers know that their designer’s professional skills have been independently evaluated and tested and that they’re committed to improving those skills through ongoing education and professional development. There are three levels of NKBA Certification: AKBD® Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer; CBD® or CBD® Certified Kitchen Designer or Certified Bath Designer; and CMKBD® Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer.