Lakeland honoured as 2019 NKBA College of the Year

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) named Lakeland College the 2019 NKBA College of the Year for its interior design technology program. Lakeland previously won this accolade in 2017.

“Our interior design technology diploma program is very diverse and comprehensive. We do not set out to win awards, but when our students and the program receive an award, it is an affirmation: it means that people across North America appreciate what they do. Every award is a confirmation of something good the program has done for the students and for Lakeland College, and that motivates our school to push the students to be their best each year,” says Dave King, dean of Lakeland’s School of Trades and Technology.

The college’s NKBA accredited program was also one of five programs from across North America recognized with a 2019 Excellence in Education award.

As well, Lakeland’s winning-streak continued in the NKBA student design competition, marking 16 consecutive years of student award winners. Emily Hartley placed first for her kitchen design and receives a $5,000 scholarship. Shaelynn Brisbourne's bathroom design was third. She receives a $1,000 scholarship.

Hartley and Brisbourne will be recognized at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their winning designs will also be featured in NKBA’s Inspiration + Innovation magazine.

“Our students continue to show strong commitment to their education here at Lakeland. We are proud of their success. Interior design technology instructors at Lakeland College work as a team to facilitate student learning,” says Fiona McLeod, department head of Lakeland’s interior design technology program.

The 2019 competition, which was sponsored by Cambria, tasked students to design either a bathroom or a kitchen for a newly-married couple in their 30s. The design requirements included a Cambria product and smart-home technology, as well as an earth-meets-modern theme. The competition attracted entries from 27 colleges and universities from across North America.

Through student design competitions, Lakeland students have collectively won more than $103,000 (US) in scholarships over the last 16 years.

The NKBA is an international association of kitchen and bathroom dealers, design firms, distributors and other individuals and companies serving the interests of the kitchen and bathroom industry.

Photo: Emily Hartley holds her kitchen design, which placed first in the NKBA's Student Design Competition.