FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE VANCOUVER, BC (January 20, 2015) -

Vancouver designer Corey Klassen, CKD, CBD won 1st Place in the Small Kitchen Category at the 2015 National Kitchen & Bath Association Design Competition,

Recognizing their project as one of the top kitchen designs from over 300 entrants from all the member chapters across the United States and Canada

Klassen was honoured during a special award ceremony at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, January 19, 2015 in Las Vegas. A panel of seven, certified industry experts evaluated the projects in the NKBA's competition.

Project details

Klassen's winning design was a part of a larger whole home renovation in the Kitsilano area of Vancouver in collaboration with Fifth Element Construction & Renovation Ltd. His concept focused on small space solutions and included features such as a small european-sized appliances, natural marble accents, reclaimed fir flooring, custom upholstery and custom window coverings. The result was a kitchen space that provided the natural and relaxing environment that the clients desired. Klassen incorporated bath brands such as BLANCO, Brizo, and Caesarstone in his selections.

Words from our Creative Director

"Being recognized by my peers and industry experts for my design is a strong confirmation that I'm doing the right things," stated Klassen. "The value of my two certifications, Certified Kitchen Designer and Certified Bathroom Designer, and continued education and growth puts me out in front."

Judging Criteria

Projects were judged on various criteria, including safety and ergonomics, elements and principles of design, design planning, creativity and presentation. “This year’s winners offer a stunning variety in themes, styles and finishes,” says 2014 NKBA President John Petrie, CMKBD.

“From English Cottage to Farmhouse styles and Contemporary Asian to Coastal themes, these winning designs demonstrate creativity, precision and versatility! I’m very proud of my fellow member designers, who are indeed a vital part of our association.”

The National Kitchen & Bath Association

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a nonprofit trade association that owns the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS®). With 60,000+ members, the NKBA has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry since its founding in 1963. The  mission of the NKBA is to enhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethical business practices, and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry worldwide.

Update From Articulated :

By Andrew Luketic BFA, Design Director, Articulated Design Studio, January 2, 2023

This amazing organization where Corey Klassen CMKBD NCIDQ, as our founding designer, has invested the most amount of his self improvement, outreach and contribution. Not only has it provided opportunity to be a part of it’s education programs as a teacher and writer. He has also participated in ground breaking initiatives that affect design professionals working in both Canada and the United States like his work with Accessible Design advocacy. It led to him being nominated from his community and awarded the honour of Kitchen & Bath Design News’s Innovator of 2022. He was the only Canadian awarded in the past two years.

Basically through the multiple opportunities that the NKBA has provided Corey, they recognise him as a published subject matter expert in the fields of Kitchen Design, Bathroom Design and Accessible Design for both Canada and the United States. Making him valued collaborator, teacher, Interior Designer, and speaker. He will be speaking at KBIS this year in January of 2023, and I look forward to telling more about his continuing work with the NKBA.

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