RESTON, Va. — The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) have named the winners of the 2025 KCMA Design Awards Competition. This year’s competition drew 46 project entries—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
- Cabinet Manufacturer: Crystal Cabinet Works, Inc.
Second place:
- Company Name: MP360 Design + Build
- Designer: Heidi Harrison, CKBD, Allied ASID
- Location: Olathe, Kan.
- Cabinet Manufacturer: Crystal Cabinet Works, Inc.
Third place winner:
- Company Name: Pacific Source: Maui
- Designer: Gina Dunker, ASID, AIA
- Location: Wailuku, Hawaii
- 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.”