Reflections from the 2025 NKBA Kitchen & Bath Design Awards

It was an honour once again to serve as a judge at the 2025 NKBA Kitchen & Bath Design Awards, hosted at the elegant Liberty Grand in downtown Toronto. This was my second year in a row participating as a judge, and each time the experience deepens my appreciation for the incredible talent within our industry.

The Judges

The evening brought together seven amazing judges and a room full of some of Canada’s most creative and skilled designers. Among my fellow judges were Butterfly Yao, Beverley Binns, and Anastasia Rentzos — three designers I deeply admire and was fortunate to share the spotlight with during the event.

One of the highlights of the night was connecting with Luca and Vinh from Level Studio, who took home Second Place in the Small Kitchen category for their stunning condo renovation. Their design featured bold red chairs, rich textures, and thoughtful details that created a beautifully balanced, modern space.

Level Studio’s award-winning kitchen by Luca and Vinh – a standout condo renovation featuring bold red accents and a beautifully layered palette.

It was inspiring to sit beside them during the gala and hear the story behind their project. Their passion and creativity truly came through — both in their work and in conversation.

Serving As A Judge

Serving as a judge is not only an honour but also an opportunity to continue learning — to see the latest innovations, discover what others are doing, and appreciate the hard work behind each submission. Every year, the bar gets higher.

For designers thinking about submitting their work in the future, I wholeheartedly encourage it. The awards provide a platform to be seen, recognized, and celebrated. Whether you win or not, the process itself is rewarding — and your work deserves to be shared.