Kitchen & Bath Buisness November/December 2024 - 14

LEARNING
CORNER
What's Your Specialty?
NKBA's micro-credential program adds its ninth discipline
NKBA'S HIGHLY successful Specialty Badge
Program has added a new discipline: Appliance
Specialist. Th is is the ninth badge, joining Sales
& Marketing, Floor Plans & Specifications,
Color, Sustainability, Cabinetry, Remodeling,
Lighting and Universal Design. While NKBA's
industry-leading CKBD and CMKBD certifi -
cations are centered on designers, the badges may
be earned by members in any industry sector,
including designers, remodelers, manufacturers,
dealers, educators and skilled tradespeople.
SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS
Requirements and testing for specialty badges
are developed by NKBA's Learning Department
in conjunction with subject-matter experts in the
discipline, following the NKBA's 4th Edition
K&B Planning Guidelines, building policies,
access codes and standards. For the Appliance
Badge, NKBA gratefully acknowledges the time,
expertise and insights from four industry professionals:
Jared Costa, director of national sales
& product training for Miele; Jonathan Barfell,
marketing director at Schréder USA and previously
marketing director at Liebherr Appliances;
Heather Guerriero Dans, a consultant for Tulip
Cooking modular burners and previously of
GE's Monogram luxury division; and independent
consultant Paula Smith, AKBD, a veteran
of GE and Fisher & Paykel in product management,
showroom operations and marketing.
PROFESSIONAL FEEDBACK
Among the most critical points of the Appliance
Badge, the experts concurred, is learning
the right questions to ask the client. " Appliance
options are endless, and knowing some specifi c
solutions that help your clients' needs saves them
both time and money, " said Barfell.
" We wanted to equip [badge holders] with
the most important information relevant to appliances, "
recalled Dans. " For instance, how do
they cook? What kind of oven or burners do they
need? Speed cooking, microwave, convection,
induction, level of BTUs - it's great for designers
14
/ NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2024
to be able to discuss the specifi cs to get the right products for their clients. "
Smith noted that two key elements of the badge include a deep understanding
of appliance options and how these can meet aesthetic and lifestyle
needs, plus a working knowledge of the technology behind diff erent
appliance categories and performance benefi ts.
Th e appliance badge highlights the evolution of appliances with emphasis
on product selection, categories, models, sizes, confi gurations and indoor
and outdoor installation. An overview of product mechanics, cooking
technologies and ventilation, along with price and budget comparisons,
client interaction and evaluation is also included.
" The program equips industry professionals with
targeted knowledge that enhances their expertise,
whether they are building on foundational
skills or advancing their understanding
of a specialized area. " -PAULA SMITH
" Th e assessment of a client's needs and preferences creates diff erentiation
and elevates the level of service being provided, " said Costa. " Next, simply
gaining knowledge of the appliances [allows you to] apply that knowledge
to the assessment. Th e most well-informed professionals will inherently
guide a client with thoughtful planning and an understanding of how to
make the most of their space. "
To earn the badge, candidates must complete fi ve learning objectives,
demonstrating competency and knowledge of the following:
Diff erent product categories and options within cooking, cooling,
ventilation and cleaning
Appliance placement within the principles of kitchen and home design
Cooking technologies, eff ectiveness, functionality and ventilation
requirements
How to eff ectively specify appliances based on the client's needs
Outdoor kitchen appliances and space planning
Badge candidates must also show their knowledge of energy effi ciency,
including the EnergyGuide label and the U.S. EPA's Energy Star label,
appliances' impact on indoor air quality, water fi ltration, food preservation,
types of heat transference in various cooking processes, code compliance,
work-zone clearances and other mechanical, technical and layout considerations.
Th e program is self-directed and fully online, where study material
and exams are conveniently accessible at any time. According to Smith, the
program off ers both newcomers and veterans a valuable way to continue
building their expertise. Learn more at nkba.org/badges/.
By Dianne M. Pogoda
http://www.nkba.org/badges/
Kitchen & Bath Buisness November/December 2024

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