DENISE DIVARCO, CKD, CBD
An interest in Kitchen and Bath Design all started at a very young age for Denise. She was born in the midst of her parents Kitchen remodel at their first home, and grew up watching them remodel and add an addition to her childhood home. This was just the beginning of her love for design. At 14, she landed her first job opportunity with the Chicago based art program - Gallery 37. Her creative passion led into the arts, graduating with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Interior Design from The Illinois Institute of Art. Denise continued her educational studies, achieving certifications in Web Design, Graphic Design and 3D Animation.
With over ten years of diverse experience in the design industry, Denise launched her career at an interior design firm in Chicago. From design concept to installation, Denise designed and staged new construction properties, such as model homes and sale centers. Later, Denise successfully landed an opportunity in the kitchen and bath industry which is when she truly knew she had found her passion. One of her best strengths - project management - developed from these experiences which has proven to be invaluable in the kitchen and bath design process.
Contact Denise at denise@denoridesign.com!
“There is so much more that goes into a successful kitchen remodel than just a well-planned design on paper. Bringing a design to life requires extensive project management as there are a lot of moving parts, from deliveries to installation, and the coordination of skilled tradesmen. It is my responsibility to see that all these details come to life at the right time and in the right order.”
- Denise DiVarco, CKD, CBD
INDUSTRY AFFILIATION
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a leading non-profit trade association dedicated to the advancement of the kitchen and bath industry. Since its inception 50 years ago, the NKBA has maintained its leadership status of excellence and professionalism by providing education, certification, and the tools needed for success in the industry. NKBA Professional Development and Certification are the gold standard in the kitchen and bath industry. The NKBA offers professional development courses and levels of certification for all stages of an individual’s career. The NKBA also offers networking opportunities and professional development training at over 70 chapters across North America.
CERTIFIED KITCHEN DESIGNER / CERTIFIED BATH DESIGNER
CKDs and CBDs specialize in the design, planning, and execution of residential kitchens and bathrooms, and prove advanced knowledge of technical and personal communication skills required to succeed as a design specialist.
Applicants must document a minimum of seven (7) years of experience. A minimum of three years must be specifically from full-time residential kitchen/bath design experience, including design execution or project management. The remaining four years can consist of full-time kitchen/bath design or related industry experience.
Applicants must also earn a minimum of 60 hours of NKBA education or NKBA approved college coursework. Education must be completed before the candidate's application for certification can be approved. Courses should be documented as accurately as possible on the application. Applicants must pass their AKBD academic exam prior scheduling their CKD/CBD design exam.