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Join NKBA Manhattan on Thursday, May 15, for an insightful chapter meeting hosted by Häfele America. Lighting expert Kelly Inglis will present "Think Inside the Box: Lighting Up Cabinetry," exploring innovative millwork lighting solutions for kitchens, bathrooms, and more.
Gain expert insights on planning, installation, and the latest lighting technologies. This CEU-accredited session will help you integrate seamless, customized lighting into your designs. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a true industry leader!
In April, the Chapter celebrated Earth Day with a full day of sustainability-inspired events and activities starting with the Ciot Galleria Tour in Brooklyn, followed by an evening cocktail party at the Dacor showroom in the A&D building. See our recap of the festivities below.
Ciot Galleria Tour
It was a beautiful day to celebrate the NKBA Manhattan-NYC Chapter Earth Day and trek to Brooklyn via a luxury bus, compliments of CIOT, our field trip sponsor. We arrived at the 35,000 sq ft Ciot Galleria and Showroom, where walls of windows and black-and-white banners stretched along the facade announcing the variety of products that awaited us inside—Marble, Ceramic, Mosaic, Quartzite, Hardwood, Terrazzo, Granite, Concrete, Sintered Stone, and Porcelain. The dynamic lobby included a floating sculpture, and the stunning floor piqued interest too, as Ciot’s David Bryant explains the process to Diana Mosher. Photo by JoAnn Genova.
In the center of the main warehouse was a collage of stone cubes, rough cuts from the earth, polished smooth and strong enough for sitting and standing, as attendees demonstrated. Group photo by Katia Grekhova.
Designers JoAnn Genova, Maureen Klein, and Diana Mosher loved how the plants softened the cool touch and textures of the giant slabs of nature’s earth, while Danielle Chery and Lindsay Friedman checked out a set of slabs, all cut from the same base stone.
Photo by Katia Grekhova.
After a delicious lunch provided by Ciot, we were treated to a wonderful CEU presentation by Alison L. Mullins, from Virginia, on behalf of the Natural Stone Institute. She gave us insights into the environmental benefits of natural stone and its role in achieving green building certifications like LEED. Alison caused us to chuckle when she reminded us of the days of big hair and Aquanet and how those aerosols were banned. She also suggested we Google sustainability charts for low embodied carbon (emissions associated with the processes to produce materials and construct, maintain, and deconstruct buildings over their whole life cycles) to see how different materials compare and can help designers and specifiers make informed decisions.
Photo by Katia Grekhova.
Throughout the galleria were interesting artworks made from various materials, and some panels on display were refigured with playful inserts or naturally reminiscent of beautiful, thought-provoking landscapes.
Taken by the center green panel, left, designer JoAnn Genova said–
“I could envision using it in a spacious master bath, a natural piece of artwork. Maybe near a soaking tub, how luxurious and relaxing that would be with low-level lighting and a glass of wine in hand. Natural stone takes you into nature.”
A few members of the Ciot team: Indira Dopson, sales representative; Kay Nolan, vice president; Julie Ann Mendez, product specialist; Kamshat Sarybayeva, sales support; and Katia Grekhova, showroom sales representative. Photo by Abeer Almesbahi, Ciot sample coordinator.
Thanks to everyone at Ciot who made the event so remarkable, as attendees said–
"A fabulous trip!"
"Staff so knowledgeable and friendly."
"Presentation full of valuable information."
"Excellent speaker and very nice."
"Can’t wait to see all that Ciot did on the Waldorf Astoria restoration."
Earth Day Delights at Dacor
That same evening, following the CIOT Galleria tour, the Chapter convened at the Dacor showroom in the A&D building to enjoy fresh Earth Day-themed cocktails, mocktails, and light bites. Dacor’s state-of-the-art luxury appliances were the show's star as the chefs provided live demos while preparing delicious canapes. Meanwhile, mixologists on hand dazzled the crowd with aromatic smoke bubbles that tasted as good as they looked. Look for more event photos on Facebook by Jeff Siegel, click here.
The Chapter’s board made remarks and gave members key updates on upcoming initiatives, opportunities, and events. They also gave a special shout-out to volunteer opportunities available for interested members. Thank you to Erika Velazquez Orozco and the Decor team for their warm and welcoming hospitality for our NKBA Manhattan-NYC members.
Left: Elizabeth Craig, ECC Interiors, and Diana Mosher, Diana Mosher Associates
Right: Gary Rothbart, Porcelanosa, with designers Julie Schuster, Danielle Davis, and Mimi Levitan, photos by Jeff Siegel.
The smoke-infused “Rebeet the Planet” cocktail and bites, photos by Jeff Siegel.
Erika Saucedo, Dacor Showroom Manager, Joan Ravasy, NKBA Programs Chair who organized the Earth Day events, Charlé-John Cafiero, Chapter President, Designer Ann Cohen, Diana Mosher, Membership Chair, Julie Schuster, Student Initiatives Chair and Barbara Haberman, Chapter Acting Secretary, photos by Jeff Siegel.
Left to Right: Designer Joan Ravasy with Alexandros Balili and Imane Sabil from Prima Kitchens; center: Marina Duvidzon and Yassir Saleh from of Art Life Interiors; and Danielle Cherry of DMC Art with Joann Genova, Genova & Company, photos by Jeff Siegel.
Design is in the Air: NYC Springs to Life for Design Month
As the city bursts into bloom and spring’s palette surrounds us (pollen and all), New York enters one of its most vibrant times of the year—Design Month. Anchored by two marquee events—NYCxDesign and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) at the Javits Center—May has become a celebration of innovation, creativity, and industry connection. The NKBA Manhattan-NYC Chapter proudly continues its tradition of spotlighting standout events throughout the month. This year’s lineup includes our chapter's Häfele event on Thursday, May 15, exploring breakthroughs in lighting design. A series of exciting ICFF and NYCxDesign programs sponsored by aspire home and design Magazine—including a unique collaboration with our sponsor Porcelanosa, begins the week of May 15th. Monogram invites professionals to a Lunch & Learn on Monday, May 19, while our newest sponsor, Houzz, is hosting an industry gathering on the ICFF show floor the same day at 4:30 PM, complete with wine, beer, and lite bites. Be sure to check our industry events calendar for full details and RSVP opportunities.
Sustainability in Full Bloom: A Look Back at April’s Green Highlights
While May bursts with design energy, we’re still savoring the meaningful momentum of April’s sustainability theme. I believe sustainability deserves year-round celebration—the planet would certainly agree! In that spirit, we’re thrilled to feature one of our cherished members, Felecitas Oefelein, who recently returned from Salone del Mobile in Milan. Her editorial coverage offers inspiration and a compelling look at how seriously the international design community embraces sustainability.
Closer to home, another of our outstanding members, Sharon L. Sherman, shares her insights from the Spring High Point Market, offering a fresh perspective on the trends and innovations shaping our industry stateside.
April also saw us come together for a very special Earth Day celebration. We kicked things off with an exclusive bus tour to theCIOT Gallery, where members and friends from our sister organizations joined us for a memorable design experience and CEU-accredited luncheon. The celebration continued into the evening with a cocktail reception at the stunningDacor Kitchen Theater in the A&D Building—an elegant close to a month filled with purpose, learning, community, and a special 'smoking cocktail. See photo of me with Dacor showroom manager Erika Saucedo pictured above.
Celebrating Inspiration & Innovation at ICFF
As Design Month unfolds, we’re incredibly excited to celebrate our 2nd Annual ICFF NKBA Manhattan-NYC Awards, sponsored by aspire home and design Magazine. This year's theme, “What Inspires Us” (Kitchen & Bath Designers), will take center stage on Sunday, May 18, at the ICFF show. I can’t wait to recognize this year's outstanding finalists. A heartfelt thank-you to our board officer, Diana Mosher, for spearheading this exceptional collaboration with aspire home and design Magazine and assembling a thoughtful panel of judges to honor the creativity and excellence in our field.
Volunteers: The Heart of NKBA
Behind every successful initiative—whether it’s a dazzling event, meaningful program, or a single moment of connection—stand the volunteers who power our chapter forward. Last month’s “Get Involved + Grow” feature introduced you to our NKBA NYC Council Committee Chairs, the driving force behind our work. We’re highlighting them again this month to encourage you to connect directly, explore where your interests align, and take that next step toward deeper involvement.
Above, council board and committee chairs
Volunteering is more than just giving your time—it’s an opportunity to expand your network, build leadership skills, and contribute meaningfully to our vibrant design + build community. I invite you to join us in shaping the future of our chapter. Whether you choose to serve on a committee, contribute behind the scenes, or simply show up and participate, your involvement matters. To learn more, contact me directly or email us at Communications@nkbamanhattan.com.
And A Final Thought...
In all the excitement of this spring season, let’s not forget one simple but powerful reminder: 'kindness matters.' A small gesture—an encouraging word, a shared opportunity, a moment of connection—can brighten someone’s day. And in times like these, that’s more valuable than ever.
I look forward to seeing many of you this month and celebrating all the creativity, connection, and community that make NKBA Manhattan-NYC unique.
Charlé-John
President, NKBA-NYC Chapter
charle@cjcstrategists.com
Blending Design and Technology
Rex Aguirre gives homeowners the best of both worlds
By Maureen Klein
Rex Aguirre was always passionate about technology and computers. It was hard to pull him away from his first PC, a Texas Instruments TI 99, but riding dirt bikes got him outside. At 14, he landed his first part-time job at McDonald’s, making $3.35 an hour. He spent those earnings figuring out how to add and remove parts to build a lighter and better BMX (Bicycle Moto Cross). Today, he runsPremiere Systems Design, a home automation company that provides high-end technology services for residential, commercial, and retail space from Montauk to Manhattan and beyond.
What other activities did you pursue back then?
While in junior high, in Brentwood, NY, I started playing the cello. You could also find me on the soccer field, a sport I continued to play through high school and in the Army. Of course, living on an island, I tested the nearby waters, learning to fish and sail on the Great South Bay.
You mentioned the Army?
Following a job with the Parks Department where I drove tractors and bucket loaders to move around dirt (a big jump from my dirt bike days), I enlisted in the US Army where I became a communications specialist. I experienced firsthand the power and responsibility that telecommunication plays in keeping our soldiers and nation safe. That strong foundation greatly impacted my career and led me to study at the Dover Technical School on Long Island where my interest evolved into smart home technology.
So, tell us about founding Premiere Systems Design.
On St Patrick’s Day, March 17th, 2020 — just days before New York went “on pause” due to Covid-19 — I made the leap to pull together my past experiences as an IT consultant, licensed general contractor, and smart home architect of nineteen-and-a-half years to start Premiere Systems Design. It was the best career decision I ever made. We built our headquarters a few miles from our Bayport, LI home, where I live with my wife and son. My two grown daughters are now out on their own. Our services integrate automation, audio, climate control, lighting, automated shades, security, and home entertainment systems, inside and out.
And what part of your job gives you the most satisfaction?
I love the creative process of providing solutions that make my clients’ lives more convenient. I can visualize a virtual system in my head, based on a site survey or the home I’m walking into. Developers and architects have complimented me — they didn’t realize these technological solutions were possible.
Can you give an example of one of those creative solutions?
Just the other day, I was evaluating a piece of artwork that looked much darker than originally envisioned. I had the idea to backlight it and our team tested it with LED lighting. But there was still a shadow from the wood supports. I said to the guys, let’s replace the wood with metal L brackets. Now the artwork is beautifully highlighted, the shadow has disappeared and the frame has the support that it needs. Plus, the LED lighting offers countless color possibilities, depending on the season or occasion. See the photos below.
I see your company is HTA certified, what does that signify?
The Home Technology Association says only 10% of integrators (technology designers) achieve this status. We are proud to have this designation which distinguishes us from the competition.
How did you hear about NKBA?
We were invited to an NKBA event by our friend and colleague, designer Tobi Wright. She introduced us to Toni Sabatino, whom I had heard of in my industry as the interior designer who loves technology. Toni took us under her wing, made key connections, and encouraged us to join NKBA Manhattan. And we are glad we did— everyone is extremely welcoming, down-to-earth and professional. Our NKBA affiliation helps us grow and achieve the marriage of design and technology. We appreciate the beautiful visions of our interior design colleagues and, in turn, they appreciate that we can design and deliver technology solutions that are barely visible or even invisible. Together, we are able to make the lives of homeowners easier, more efficient, comfortable, and secure. In short, we are able to help them live smarter than they do today, hence our tagline: Live Smarter.
Rex Aguirre and designer Toni Sabatino show off Premiere’s sight and sound solution: A LeonEdge Media Frame, which neatly unifies an 85" video display and Sonos Arc soundbar. The project won a Leon Install of the Year award and was featured in Technology Designer magazine. Watch this short video above to see the award-winning installation process. Photo and video by Jeff Siegel.
Highlights from Salone Del Mobile
Field Reporter: Felicitas Oefelein
Designer Felicitas Oefelein of F.O. Design shares her favorite finds, photos and highlights from Milan this year.
I’m a fan of ARPER and its commitment to sustainability. It uses premium, ethically sourced materials, and its approach to home furnishings and other products is just beautiful.
Here is Florim, one of our favorites, who debuted a beautiful and earthy collection designed by Mattheo Thun called “Sensiterra,” featuring rich terracotta and clay colors shown in an incredible choice of sizes and shapes.
Additionally, through a collaboration with FALPER a line of stunning bathroom sinks and furnishings was created.
Modern indoor fireplaces and at-home wellness themes continue to be a huge trend. Above is the Planika Fire on the left, which I love. They are a sustainable company and will be available in the USA again this year. They offer both bio-ethanol and a water vapor fireplace system that can be installed without permits. The bio-ethanol is excellent and very realistic. The water vapor is the one that convinces me. It's essentially a large room humidifier! You can even add aromatherapy oils! I want one. Every spa and doctor's office needs one with lavender oil. The DEKTON Cosentino outdoor fire table is also a great option.
The one booth that was clearly wellness-driven was by EFFE. It showed spas with a Japanese theme. It was a beautiful booth with saunas, steam rooms, and spas, images of bath rituals, and holistic maps of the body.
Highlights from High Point
Field Reporter: Sharon L. Sherman
CKD Sharon Sherman, of Thyme and Place Design, spoke on two panels at High Point this year, see highlights below, of the talks from her point of view:
At the Andmore stage in Market Square, Dr. Dawn Haynie moderated a discussion with myself and designers Tony Purvis and Caroline Hipple. We collectively explored the topic of Designing for Joy: Exploring Bold Trends and Wellness in Residential Interiors. In the age of wellness, we talked about ways designers can leverage bold colors and playful shapes to reduce stress and enhance mental health.
At The Point, NKBA’s SVP of Marketing and Communications, Heather Shannon, interviewed me and designer Michael Smith Boyd. We discussed the emerging kitchen and bath trends impacting homes' overall flow and design today. Collectively, the group agreed that design trends are often regional. Materials, colors, and styles that resonate in New York may not resonate in Atlanta. Kitchens and baths are also no longer exclusive to their respective spaces and have influence over other rooms in the home. The growth of outdoor spaces and outdoor living is evolving as well. Homeowners are looking at their properties more holistically as a sanctuary space, especially in the bathroom.
Don’t miss these events during ICFF and NYCxDesign
Visit Houzz at ICFF in Booth #1613
Aspire home and design magazine is hosting ICFF Night Out across two nights, including a stop at Porcelanosa
Sub-Zero, Cove & Wolf are hosting a sophisticated culinary experience at Italkraft on Thursday, May 15, 6pm - 8pm. RSVP required.
Crestron teams up with IDS to host a CEU event for members to learn about Crestron’s latest cutting-edge Smart Home solutions. Tuesday, May 20, 11am - 4pm, fee to register.
True Residential is hosting an open house happy hour on Tuesday, May 20th, 4pm - 7pm. RSVP here.
Friday and Saturday - May 16th & 17th | ICFF Night Out
ICFF Nights Out
Aspire designandhome Magazine, in conjunction with NYC x Design and ICFF and participating showrooms, will roll out the red carpet for unforgettable evenings of style, innovation, and connection. Be among the first to preview the latest design trends and enjoy engaging with top brands and industry visionaries in an intimate, elevated setting, including our NKBA NYC Chapter Sponsor Porcelanosa.
Join elite designers at Waterbox for an unforgettable experience featuring a chef-led cooking demonstration, in-depth product education of the latest products and creative discussions with other designers in the community.
Join Houzz Pro at ICFF as we look at the year ahead in trends and business, while highlighting the key tools/ strategies to succeed in an uncertain economy. Wine, beer and lite bites will be served
Location: Oasis Lounge, ICFF Show Floor
√ THESE OUT!
√ TAKE THREE NKBA Design + Business Online Webinars
1. Mastering the New Kitchen & Bath Design Guidelines
Wednesday May 14, 2025, 12:00 - 1:00 PM ET
Tune into this one hour “Cliff’s Notes” version of the Guidelines.
2. Houzz powered Kitchen & Bath Design Remodeling webcast series with Kitchen & Bath Design News and Qualified Remodeler
The Great Outdoors: Remodeling Trends Shaping Exteriors and Outdoor Living Spaces
Click here to view the taped webinar from May 8, 2025.
You’ll be glad you did.
Italian-crafted Glass Countertops for Any Decor
Hastings Bath Collection has been selling glass sinks and glass countertops since 1977. Despite their delicate translucence, Cristallo countertops are cured through two heating stages and sealed with a protective finish to create a material that is durable and dazzling. Freestanding or floating with integrated sinks, they are available in multiple colors and sizes.
Native Trails Adds Avalon 66 to NativeStone® Collection
Avalon 66 joins Avalon 62 and Avalon 72 as the perfect middle ground in the brand’s award-winning NativeStone® Bathtub Collection. With its perfectly curved form and deep interior, Avalon 66 is a concrete soaking tub that provides breathtaking beauty and optimum comfort to residential and hospitality spaces across North America. Avalon 66’s sleek lines and 10 finish options are versatile enough to complement any design style while bold enough to take center stage in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings. Made from a combination of natural jute fiber and cement, Avalon 66 is much lighter than a standard concrete tub. Its thick walls provide insulation to ensure that a hot, deep, relaxing soak will last.
Runtal Hydronic Baseboard and Wall Panels Lead the Way in Sustainability
Runtal North America, a proud division of the Zehnder Group, is redefining comfort and sustainability with its premium hydronic baseboard and wall panel heating systems. Designed for energy efficiency and superior indoor climate control, Runtal’s products blend modern design with high-performance heating. During Earth Month, the company celebrated its commitment to the planet—leveraging solar energy and renewable power across its global facilities in the U.S., Switzerland, and the Netherlands. This dedication is reflected in the thoughtful engineering behind each Runtal product, helping homeowners reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying lasting comfort.
Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Kitchen Design Contest is open!
Enhance your career by entering the Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) 2024-2025 today. This global contest offers an opportunity to gain recognition, build your business, and possibly win large cash prizes! In this blind contest, judges evaluate all qualifying entries based on best functional and aesthetic use of Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances and overall kitchen design. Finalists will be awarded an all-expenses-paid trip for two to a fabulous location for the KDC Summit and Gala in 2026! The last day to submit your entries is January 31, 2026. Do not delay!
Acclaimed designer and author Jean Stoffer, nationally known for her timeless interiors often featured on her Magnolia Network TV show The Established Home, has selected Cambria quartz designs to top a selection of island work tables within her new Freestanding Cabinetry Collection.
The Communications Committee seeks a co-newsletter chair or editor for outbound marketing to supply or report on relevant industry news. We'd love you to join our team if you have social media or writing skills. Please contact Communications@nkbamanhattan.org.
The mission of the NKBA is to inspire, lead and empower the kitchen and bath industry through the creation of certifications, marketplaces, and networks.
