Behind every exceptional kitchen is a designer with a vision, and a team that knows how to bring it to life. The 2027 KCMA Design Awards put that talent in the spotlight, recognizing standout kitchen projects and the cabinetry that makes them possible.
Your designers, dealers, and architects are the ones who can enter, and your relationship with them is the best invitation we have. Please take a moment to share this opportunity with them. Their next award-winning design may already be in their portfolio.
What We're Looking For
We want to see kitchens that demonstrate thoughtful design, creative problem-solving, and an exceptional use of cabinetry. A judging panel will score each entry equally on three criteria: creativity and originality, the most dramatic before-and-after change, and the use of decorative accents and details.
To qualify, a project must meet these requirements:
- Completed in 2025 or 2026. Only finished kitchen projects are eligible.
- Feature KCMA member cabinetry. All entries must feature cabinetry manufactured by a KCMA member.
- Entered by a design professional. Entrants are kitchen designers, interior designers, and architects who own or work for a design firm.
Additional consideration goes to projects featuring KCMA ANSI A161.1 Quality Certified cabinetry, or products certified through the KCMA Environmental Stewardship Program.
More Than an Award
Winning puts great design, and the people behind it, in front of the industry.
- First Place receives an invitation to the 2027 KCMA Spring Leadership Conference in San Diego, CA, including airfare, hotel accommodations, and a $1,000 expense stipend. The winner also receives a full-page ad in Kitchen & Bath Design News, along with national industry recognition.
- Second Place receives a $500 cash prize and industry recognition.
How to Enter
Entries are submitted through the online form at kcmadesignawards.com. Each entry needs:
- At least one before photo and one after photo of the kitchen, clearly labeled.
- Complete answers to every question on the form. Written answers must be original and no longer than 200 words each.
Designers may submit more than one project, as long as each entry is a different kitchen design. Incomplete entries or entries that don't follow the rules are disqualified, so please read the official rules and regulations before submitting.
Mark Your Calendar
Submissions close December 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| October 12 – December 18, 2026 | Submissions open |
| February 1 – 15, 2027 | Judging |
| On or about April 1, 2027 | Winners notified |
| 2027 KCMA Spring Leadership Conference, San Diego, CA | First Place winner honored |
How You Can Help
You can help us reach designers in four quick ways:
- Forward the announcement. Send it to the designers, dealers, and architects who specify your cabinetry.
- Ask your sales team to mention it. A quick note on a customer call or showroom visit can prompt a great project to be entered.
- Share it on social media or in your newsletter. Tag KCMA and use #KCMADesignAwards.
- Send or post the flyer. Download the flyer (PDF) to email to your network, or print it and display it in your dealer showrooms.
Your designers do great work. Let's make sure people see it. To submit a project or read the full rules, visit kcmadesignawards.com. Questions? Contact Lisa Samuels at lsamuels@kcma.org.
