FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Lisa Samuels (703) 674-0358
OR
Jim Nowakowski (847) 358-4848
KCMA® ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF 2025 KCMA® DESIGN AWARDS COMPETITION
Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association Recognizes Excellence in Kitchen Design in Second Annual Award Competition
Reston, VA – March 11, 2025 – The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) is proud to announce the winners of the prestigious 2025 KCMA Design Awards Competition. This year’s competition saw an unprecedented number of entries, with 46 projects submitted—more than double the previous year. Judged by a distinguished panel of six design professionals, projects were evaluated across seven key criteria: Innovation, Aesthetics, Functionality, Durability, Utility, Emotional Quotient (EQ), and Overall Rating.
“The response to this year’s competition was phenomenal,” said Betsy Natz, CEO of KCMA,. “The quality of submissions speaks to the incredible talent and innovation in kitchen design today.”
2025 KCMA Design Award Winners:
First Place:
- Company Name: Lived In Design Studio
- Designer: Dani Cross
- Location: Las Vegas, NV
- Cabinet Manufacturer: Crystal Cabinet Works, Inc.
Second Place:
- Company Name: MP360 Design + Build
- Designer: Heidi Harrison, CKBD, Allied ASID
- Location: Olathe, KS
- Cabinet Manufacturer: Crystal Cabinet Works, Inc.
Third Place:
- Company Name: Pacific Source: Maui
- Designer: Gina Dunker, ASID, AIA
- Location: Wailuku, HI
- Cabinet Manufacturer: Bellmont Cabinet Company
“I am super excited to be selected as the top design,” first place winner Dani Cross said. “It is a wonderful opportunity and I am so grateful to KCMA for providing this opportunity. Crystal Cabinets’ quality surpasses all other cabinet companies in the industry. I have been in business over 20 years and have experience with many cabinet manufacturers.”
Meet the Judges
A panel of highly esteemed design professionals reviewed each submission, bringing years of expertise in architecture, interior design, and luxury kitchen and bath aesthetics. The 2025 KCMA Design Awards Competition was judged by:
- Amy A. Wittenbach, RID, NCIDQ – Director of Interiors, STG Design
- Gary Paul– Founder, G P Incorporated Design Consulting
- Sharon Sherman, CKD,ASID,NCDQ, CID – Founder & Principal, Thyme & Place Design
- Sandra Diaz-Velasco AIA, ASID, IIDA– Founder, Eolo A&I Design
- Julie Cavanaugh, CID, ASID – Founder, Design Matters
- Jennifer M. Peterson, NCIDQ – Founder, J. Peterson Design, LLC
Each judge brought a unique perspective on function, aesthetics, and innovation, ensuring that winning designs exemplified excellence in craftsmanship and visionary kitchen design.
Industry Leadership & CEO Perspective
Natz emphasized the critical role of kitchen design in modern living. “Kitchens are the heart of the home, and great design ensures they are not only beautiful but also highly functional and durable,” said Natz. “This competition highlights the industry’s ongoing commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovation.”
Natz further noted the importance of cabinetry in transforming spaces, stating, “Cabinets are the foundation of kitchen design, influencing both aesthetics and efficiency. Our winners this year have truly set a new standard for the industry.”
About KCMA
The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1955 to represent kitchen, bath, and residential cabinet manufacturers and key industry suppliers. With a membership of over 300 companies across North America, KCMA is committed to advancing the cabinet industry through:
- Advocacy for the domestic cabinet industry
- Establishing cabinet quality standards
- Sponsoring industry research
- Providing management tools and educational programs
For more information about KCMA and the KCMA Design Awards Competition, visit www.kcma.org.
For additional questions, contact: Lisa Samuels, Director of Marketing & Communications, Phone: 703.674.0358, Email: lsamuels@kcma.org
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To download high resolution images of the Winners and their designs, please go to our media room: http://icgproject.com/pr/kcma-design-awards/
To download a high resolution zipped images, please go to: http://icgproject.com/pr/kcma-design-awards/kcma-2025-kitchen-design-awards.zip
First Place Winner: Dani Cross
Second Place Winner: Heidi Harrison, CKBD, Allied ASID
Third Place Winner: Gina Dunker, ASID, AIA
Lookbook - Dani Cross, Winner 1
Lookbook: Heidi Harrison, Winner 2
Lookbook - Gina Dunker, Winner 3
