LAS VEGAS, Jan. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Luxury appliance maker Jenn-Air is returning to support the National Kitchen & Bath Association's (NKBA) 2016 Design Competition as a diamond level sponsor.  The annual competition invites NKBA member designers, builders and remodelers from across the U.S. and Canada to submit their projects in a range of categories.

"We're proud to support this premier design competition that recognizes the outstanding work and the important role that these talented professionals play in the industry," notes Jenn-Air marketing manager Jon Barfell, who also leads the brand's designer outreach program.  "As a high-end appliance brand we appreciate the difference hiring a designer can make on the final outcome of a kitchen remodeling project."

Member designers enter their projects in one of six award categories, including Small Kitchen, Medium Kitchen, Large Kitchen, Powder Room, Small Bathroom and Large Bathroom. In addition, applicants have the opportunity to be considered for a number of specialty awards, including Best Before & After, Budget-Friendly, Green and Universal Design.  Additional award categories include Best Kitchen, Best Bath and Builder/Remodeler Award.  

A panel of eight certified industry experts evaluate hundreds of entries for projects scored on various criteria including safety and ergonomics, elements and principles of design, design planning, creativity and presentation.  In addition to nationwide industry and media recognition, winners are awarded combined cash prizes of over $60,000.  All winners will be honored during the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas at a January 18 awards event attended by NKBA leadership and professionals from the kitchen and bath industry.  Designs of the 2016 NKBA Design Competition winners will be posted on the NKBA's Pinterest page. 

Barfell notes that in addition to the NKBA Design Competition Sponsorship, Jenn-Air offers continuing education initiatives, support and outreach to designers throughout the year.  At its training facility in Chicago, the brand holds several designer forums for senior level designers across North America.  These two-day immersion and education sessions feature hands-on cooking experiences in kitchens equipped with Jenn-Air appliances and a specially created presentation that earns attendees continuing education units.

Designers can also earn continuing education credits recognized by the American Institute of Architects, Interior Design Continuing Education Council and the National Kitchen & Bath Association by taking courses online at www.jennairCEUcourses.com.  This year over 1,500 design professionals registered for the Jenn-Air 2015 webinar series, hosted by Kitchen & Bath Design News with speaker Ellen Cheever CMKBD, ASID, CAPS.  Topics ranged from Food Preservation Technology to New Appliance Design Location Ideas.

About Jenn-Air:
Since the introduction of the first self-ventilated cooktop in 1961 and downdraft ventilated range in 1965, Jenn-Air brand has consistently grown its reputation as a technology and design innovator. Its selection of style options includes two distinct stainless steel collections and a cutting-edge Floating Glass finish in black. From downdraft cooktops, wall ovens and professional style ranges to dishwashers, refrigerators and such entertaining essentials as warming drawers, built-in ice machines and wine cellars, Jenn-Air brand offers a complete line of major kitchen appliances. To learn more about the Jenn-Air^® appliance collection, or speak with a member of the concierge team, please visit jennair.com, facebook.com/jennair, instagram.com/jennairusa and twitter.com/jennairusa.

About The National Kitchen & Bath Association
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is the not-for-profit trade association that owns the KBIS^®. With nearly 14,000 member companies representing more than 60,000 individuals, 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.

For more information, visit NKBA.org or call 1-800-THE-NKBA (843-6522).

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SOURCE Jenn-Air