KCMA Opens Call for Entries for 2027 Design Awards
2027 KCMA Design Awards to highlight innovation and excellence in kitchen design
RESTON, VA — The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) is preparing for the 2027 KCMA® Design Awards, inviting kitchen and bath designers across the U.S. and Canada to submit exceptional kitchen projects featuring cabinetry from KCMA member manufacturers.
The annual competition recognizes designs that bring together creativity, functionality, innovation and quality cabinetry, highlighting the impact of thoughtful kitchen design.
Interest in the program continues to grow. The 2026 KCMA Design Awards attracted 101 entries, more than double the previous year’s total, underscoring the competition’s expanding reach and the talent shaping today’s kitchen spaces.
“The KCMA Design Awards are about more than just great kitchens,” said Betsy Natz, CEO of KCMA. “They’re a celebration of design leadership, innovation, and the power of collaboration across our industry. We are proud to recognize the individuals and firms elevating cabinet design to new levels of beauty, functionality, and performance.”
Judging Criteria and Bonus Consideration
A panel of design professionals will evaluate eligible entries across seven criteria: innovation, aesthetics, functionality, durability, utility, Emotional Quotient (EQ) and overall rating.
Projects featuring KCMA Quality Certified cabinets or cabinetry from manufacturers participating in the KCMA Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) may receive bonus consideration.
Recognition Beyond the Awards
The KCMA Design Awards offer designers an opportunity to showcase their work across the kitchen, bath and design industries. In addition to cash awards for top projects, the program has historically provided professional exposure through KCMA and leading industry media.
KCMA also publishes the LOOK BOOK, a print and digital collection featuring submitted projects—not only award winners—giving participating designers and firms another platform to share their work, creativity and expertise with a broader industry audience.
2027 Design Awards: Tentative Dates
- Submission period: October 12–December 18, 2026
- Judging begins: February 15, 2027
Dates are tentative and subject to change. KCMA will announce additional details, including eligibility requirements, award information and submission guidelines.
Designers are encouraged to identify their strongest kitchen projects and prepare professional photography and project information ahead of the submission period.
Complete details about the 2027 KCMA® Design Awards, including the official Rules & Regulations and submission instructions, are available at www.kcmadesignawards.com.
The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) is a voluntary, non-profit trade association founded in 1955 that represents North American cabinet manufacturers and suppliers to the industry, including kitchen, bath, and other residential cabinets. With a membership now over 300 strong throughout the United States, KCMA works to advance the industry through advocacy, setting standards, sponsoring research, and providing management tools and educational programs. KCMA sets nationally recognized performance standards for cabinets with the KCMA Certification.