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July-August 2025

Esther Gabrielides, Manager of the Roslyn Showroom, on the right, and Diana Mosher, NKBA Membership Chair, greeted guests at the steps to the upper level. 

Clue #5: Wok this way? By the smile on his face, looks like David Ramirez from Eggersmann, just found a winning chip! The Summer Scavenger Hunt was a great way to explore all the appliances throughout the showroom, and added a little competitive spirit too!

Part of the NKBA Newsletter team, Maureen Klein and Joan Greenhut, investigate the features of Sub-Zero’s dual refrigeration technology, offering so many options to store the A-Z garden harvest, shown on mk’s veggie inspired tote bag.

And the winners are… announced Scott Trainor, event co-sponsor from Clerestory, calling up the lucky folks who took home prizes. Did you happen to see the Innovation wall behind Scott? It’s a history buff's dream– to walk along the timeline from 1926 to the present.

Global market consultant Dondrill Glover and Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove’s Vincent Comoto Jr have a chuckle over clever scavenger hunt clue: #11: Give me all the dirty details…

Isabel Byrnes, Byrnes Design Studio, needed help to carry out her win! Luckily, Dmitriy Trinnel of Sleep by Ernest Hemingway, was happy to assist.

Part of the showroom timeline wall, great memories of grandma’s or maybe great grandma’s kitchens.

From near and far they came, designers Keith Baltimore from a close by Port, and Joan Ravasy from NJ. Joan, the NKBA event chair, orchestrated another sold-out event. 

Room for 1 more? quips Ann Cohen, right, while nudging Richard Segal to move over as the rest of the gang, from the left– Rose Ott, Barbara Haberman, Rex Aguirre, Pamela McNally, Eric Schwartz, Scott Trainor, Jennifer Voll, David Bryant, Tatiana Bacci, Toni Sabatino, and Mike Lebrak, wait for the “all aboard” call. 

From Summer to Celebration: Planning the Rest of an Exceptional 25th Anniversary Year

Looking Ahead with Purpose: Big Moments Still to Come

While the Hallmark Channel may be flooding our screens with snow-dusted romances this July, the origins of Christmas in July stretch far beyond TV nostalgia. For me, it harkens back to my days in advertising, when July meant staging wintery scenes under hot lights to meet the long lead times of print catalog and advertising production. Before digital shortcuts, we planned for months to bring those holiday moments to life. That same spirit of preparation is alive and well at NKBA Manhattan. Even amid summer’s swelter, our chapter is looking ahead and laying the foundation for an extraordinary finish to our 25th anniversary year.

"Summer Nights, City Lights,”

We’re starting strong with “Summer Nights, City Lights,” our annual Summer Social taking place on Wednesday, July 16. This members-only celebration is hosted in collaboration with the New York Design Coalition—including ASID, NKBA, IFDA, and IDS—and invites you to connect with fellow design professionals under the magic of NYC’s skyline. Space is limited, and registration is now open. If you're not a member already, this is the perfect time to join. Proceeds from this memorable evening support Nazareth Housing, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting vulnerable families and individuals in crisis.

4th Annual Education & Membership Day (EduDay)

Next up, we’ll gather for our invitation-only Lutron-sponsored board Dinner on August 21. This special evening honors the dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors who fuel our chapter’s success and community impact throughout the year. It's our way of saying thank you for showing up all year long.

Then, mark your calendar for Thursday, October 16, 2025, when we host our 4th Annual Education & Membership Day (EduDay)—the crown jewel of our programming and a grand finale to our 25th Anniversary year. This award-winning event is one of the most anticipated on our calendar, bringing together industry professionals, students, and thought leaders for a day of CEU fun-education, vibrant networking, and meaningful celebration during NKBA’s National Kitchen & Bath Month. If you're not a member already, this is the perfect time to join and be eligible for the grand raffle with a paid membership.

Let’s embrace the second half of the year with purpose. Save these dates now—you won’t want to miss a moment. But it’s not all about what’s ahead—this month’s newsletter also celebrates where we’ve been and the voices that continue to shape our community.

In The Pink: The Road To Roslyn

This month's recap from our buddy Beth Forer takes us back to our unforgettable June chapter meeting, where members traveled in style aboard our Clerestory-sponsored bus to the stunning Sub-Zero showroom in Roslyn Heights. With everyone dressed festively in shades of pink, it was a joyful—and ultra-sophisticated—outing that perfectly captured the energy of our chapter. Thanks to Jeff Siegel’s photography, you can relive every detail of the sumptuous food and networking at our event recap, as shared by members who attended.

We’re also proud to spotlight the thoughtful feature article by longtime member Julie Schuster, who this month delves deep into 'Going Beyond Aging in Place' and 'Universal Design.' Julie’s insights reflect our industry’s evolving understanding of how design impacts the quality of life at every stage—an essential perspective for any K&B professional striving to create spaces that serve everyone.

Speaking of perspectives, this month’s Member Spotlight falls—unexpectedly—on me. As my presidency winds down, it has been a time of reflection and gratitude. In a beautifully candid interview conducted by our newsletter editor, Maureen Klein, I share some twists and turns from my four-decade career spanning design, technology, and communications—and how that winding path ultimately brought me here, to the NKBA and the kitchen and bath world. As Maureen’s questions pulled me back through time, I was reminded that careers rarely follow a straight line. Who knew that a fine arts program would eventually bring me to this incredible, collaborative industry?

NKBA Manhattan Board Members with Clerestory owners. Left to right: Julie Schuster, Diana Mosher, Jennifer Voll, Scott Trainor, and Joan Ravasy.

As we reflect on the past, we also look to the future. Do you know a rising star, 30 or under, in the Kitchen & Bath world? Nominate them now for the NKBA Thirty Under 30 program! This national initiative honors young innovators who are shaping the future of our industry. You’ll find the link to submit nominations in this month’s newsletter—don’t miss the chance to spotlight someone who inspires you.

Finally, don’t forget to explore the robust lineup of continuing education opportunities available at both the local and national levels. In addition to our chapter’s upcoming CEU events, NKBA National’s Design + Business Online Webinars provide monthly content to keep you informed, on-trend, and future-ready. Find the complete list of this month’s offerings inside. As we look ahead to an exciting second half of the year—and reflect on the powerful momentum we’ve built together—one message continues to ring true:

Better Together: Design + Technology for a Smarter Living Experience.

As smart homes evolve into energy-efficient, intuitive ecosystems, the kitchen and bath are fast becoming the nerve centers of innovation. That’s why it’s more important than ever for design professionals and technology integrators to collaborate, not just to elevate aesthetics, but to deliver seamless, functional, and future-ready environments.

At CEDIA Expo 2025 in Denver, the NKBA-NYC is proud to support an event that recognizes the dynamic intersection of our industries. Together, we are shaping a new standard—where beautifully designed spaces also deliver intelligent performance, enhanced convenience, and energy-conscious living.

By uniting our expertise, our organizations empower one another—and our clients—to create homes that do more, feel better, and live smarter. This is why we believe it’s well worth your time to attend The CEDIA EXPO | September 3–6, Colorado Convention Center | Denver, CO 

Join three of our dynamic NKBA members at CEDIA: Toni Sabatino, Rex Aguirre, and Tony Monteleone, as they share the industry’s perspective for a dynamic, hands-on experience where you'll gain insight, spark collaboration, and experience firsthand how design and technology can work beautifully together.

Until then, stay inspired, stay connected, and—as always—thank you for being part of this incredible community. Soak up the sunshine, savor those rooftop cocktails, and don’t blink… because the holidays will be jingling in before you know it!

Warmly, 

Charlé-John

President, NKBA-NYC Chapter

charle@cjcstrategists.com

Like the arrows show, event co-sponsor Clerestory provided the comings and goings via a luxury bus to visit the Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove destination. The pink margaritas were a very appreciated treat while driving along the SLOW LI Expressway.

NKBA Manhattan 4th Annual Education & Membership Day

Celebrating Kitchen & Bath Month and the Grand Finale of Our 25th Anniversary Year

Join NKBA Manhattan for one of the most anticipated events of the year—our award-winning Education & Membership Day (EduDay). Now in its fourth year, this day of celebration brings together industry professionals, students, and thought leaders for a dynamic lineup of continuing education, connection, and celebration.

The day begins with a networking breakfast and continues with a curated series of CEU sessions, including our Keynote Luncheon Presentation that explores the most relevant trends, technologies, and innovations shaping the kitchen and bath industry today. The programming features leading voices from across design-build, manufacturing, and product development arenas—all offering insights into how our work continues to evolve and improve lives.

As the sun sets, the festivities continue with a lively cocktail reception marking the close of our Chapter’s 25th anniversary and a festive salute to Kitchen & Bath Month. Attendees can enjoy refreshments, mingle with colleagues, and win exciting raffle prizes from our generous sponsors.



This event is complimentary for all design industry professionals and students. You’re welcome to attend one session or stay for the entire day. Please note that pre-registration is required for all events—including the luncheon and cocktail reception—no walk-ins will be permitted for those portions. Let’s come together to learn, connect, and celebrate everything that makes our industry—and our Manhattan chapter—so extraordinary.

CJ on porch with Betty, his 4-month old miniature bull terrier

Where Art Meets Innovation

A Career Built on Curiosity, Craft, and Community

By Maureen Klein

Now serving as President of the NKBA Manhattan-NYC Chapter, Charlé-John Cafiero, known to most as CJ, has played a pivotal role in expanding the chapter’s reach and developing award-winning programs, such as EduDay. Before his role as president, he served as chair of communications and programs. He’s especially passionate about mentoring the next generation of kitchen and bath professionals and believes in the power of volunteering to create lasting industry impact. Below is the journey that brought him here.

What role do you think your parents played in helping to determine your future career path? 

Even now, I can recall the distinct smell of ink on newsprint. That sensory memory is so deeply etched in my mind from when I tagged along with my father to his job as a printer for The New York Times. My mother, by contrast, was the creative heartbeat of our home; she had a natural eye for photography. Looking back, her creative instinct and my father’s tactile connection to the printed word created a foundation I didn’t fully appreciate until much later.

You recently traded the constant hum of the city for the quiet rhythm of the lower Hudson Valley. Was Manhattan always your home?

I was born and raised in NYC, but we moved to East Northport, Long Island, after my freshman year in high school. That transition was a stark contrast to the school I left; my new graduating class had only 99 students! It was there that I met Ms. Doris Rowe, my art teacher who would change the course of my life. She introduced us to all the mediums of art. I remember vividly the first time I saw an image appear in a developing tray—pure magic. I recall another project where we designed a 3-D model of a modern home. Even back then, I envisioned an open floor plan, decades before it became the standard.

Any other activities during your high school days that helped shape your career?

I became the art editor of our school’s art and literary magazine, where I worked closely with the writing students, curating artwork to complement their poetry and prose. It was my first taste of publication design, a glimpse of what was to come.

And after high school?

I enrolled at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in NYC. Being immersed in a program taught by working artists, many of whom were respected icons in their field, was both grounding and inspiring. As a Fine Arts major, my idealism flourished. Many classes were held inside museums, adding an almost sacred quality to the learning experience. I minored in photography, seeking a balance between artistic fulfillment and employable skills. Eventually, I shifted my focus toward advertising and graphic design, studying under some of the most legendary figures in the field, including Milton Glaser. Typography became a new love.

What was your first professional job? 

With my photography skillset, I landed a position in the advertising department at Gimbels, then Macy’s, and Bloomingdale’s. I was the youngest on the team and often the only one carrying a 35mm Nikon, so I was frequently assigned to fashion shoots where they wanted someone more in tune with emerging styles and techniques. I soon found myself blending traditional methods with experimental multimedia presentations—an approach that would become a trademark of my career.

Here’s my mom’s Bell & Howell Super 8, Pentax’s 1st 35mm camera, and the Nikon I borrowed money to buy for my first job.

Brownie Hawkeye, CJ's first camera

These were the Mad Men Days, the golden era of advertising, how did you make your mark?

It was an exciting, high-stakes time to be in the industry. As a freelance creative director, photographer, and videographer, I found myself uniquely positioned to contribute to this bustling scene. I began working with advertising agencies to produce cutting-edge marketing communication materials, all centered on integrating new technologies into storytelling. I soon began CJC Advertising, an award-winning boutique agency that blended creative vision with technical innovation. For example, we experimented with Quantel Paintbox (pre-Adobe), primarily used for television, but we reimagined it for print applications. Opportune since technologies like Scitex were revolutionizing digital printing and redefining the way desktop design, publishing, and production worked together. We were known for producing high-impact imagery and campaigns that stood out, particularly in the luxury sector, where clients were willing to embrace bold ideas. The more I pushed the limits of technology, the more I found my place in the intersection between art and science. Marshall McLuhan’s phrase, “The Medium Is The Massage,” took on a renewed meaning in the digital age.

And your next step?

In the early 2000's I was in Chicago at one of the world’s largest printing trade shows, where I connected with international leaders in color science, including Gretag MacBeth/ X-Rite, Munsell Color System, Datacolor, and Pantone, all of whom became clients. And it was the first time I saw spectrophotometers and the massive Heidelberg Speedmaster in action. WOW! Soon after, I pivoted and launched a new kind of branding and SEO agency—one that could interpret highly technical B2B tools for B2C audiences. We had done it with high-end brands like Harry Winston, now we applied those same principles here: clear messaging, elegant visuals, and a forward-facing identity powered by search visibility. While attending the IFA Berlin trade shows, which focused on the broader vision of energy-efficient smart homes and connected appliances, I realized the digitalization of everyday life had begun. I recognized a growing need for strategic creative services in the world of interiors, architecture, and building, particularly in smart home technologies.

So, would you say the lure of technology brought you to the kitchen and bath industry?

It was one of the things but I’ve always been passionate about food and how it brings people together. I grew up in a large Italian family with 22 aunts and a grandmother who made cooking an act of love—and a form of theater. Careen, my life partner, spent years as a professional pastry chef and president of Epicurean Fantasy's, our Connecticut-based European-style bakery cafés and national mail-order division of cakes, tarts, and tortes.

Epicurean Fantasy's Afternoon Tea

I handled the branding and marketing. It was one of the most creative and collaborative chapters of my life. So, when my work in visual storytelling and design led me into the kitchen and bath space, it felt like a natural evolution. Joining the Manhattan-NYC Chapter of the NKBA made sense—not only because of my growing work with architects, builders, interior designers, and remodelers but because the community reflected values I cared deeply about.

Volunteering is a theme that often comes up in your NKBA President’s letter. Why so?

I’ve always believed strongly in the importance of giving back. Volunteering—whether for a charity or a professional organization—has always played a key role in my career. It’s more than just contributing time; it’s about becoming truly invested in the communities you’re part of. Besides my volunteer work with NKBA, I’ve served on several interesting community projects, including Manhattan’s Community Board, where I chaired the Traffic & Transportation Committee, focusing on pedestrian safety and traffic calming measures. I also helped launch and served as the founding Board Chair of the Chicago Training Center. This nonprofit uses competitive rowing to empower middle and high school students from underserved communities. These experiences taught me that leadership is not about titles—it’s about showing up, doing the work, and creating opportunities for others to succeed.

"From the smell of ink in my father’s pressroom to mentoring the next generation, it’s always been about making something meaningful.”

From left to right:

1. D’Alessio Architectural Designs–Multiple Barrelled Ceiling interior millwork ad
2. Gurri Remodeling Ad for construction
3. Harry Winston logo rebranding designed for the opening of Petit Salon
4. Harry Winston AD Sapphires for an international ad campaign
5. Sarah Silver- “I’ve taken control of my color” Ad for Datacolor’s Colorvision
6. Shadows Japanese Edo Period Bureau, part of a calendar series to promote the lithographer, photographer, and CJC agency
7. French's Mustard: Promotional campaign “Born Again Ad of The Month”
8. D’Alessio Architectural Designs-The Art of Stone & Water, Ad for an outdoor oasis

Important Features for Living in Place

So, what are the essential ingredients for a bathroom that meets Living In Place design standards?

• Minimum 36” width entryways facilitate easy access for most abilities;
• Non-skid heated floors provide safety and comfort;
• Infrared overhead lighting and radiant heat panels expedite the evaporation of slippery steam and allows greater visibility;
• When space allows, a five plus foot turning space allows wheelchairs to make unobstructed turns and maneuvers;
• Safety grab bars secured to the wall near the toilet and shower provides stability for all ages;
• Contrasting horizon line tiles at eye-level enhances visual clarity and improves balance;
• Shower safety can be functional AND beautiful (including threshold-free shower entrances, contrast flooring at shower entrances, shower seats, hand-held shower heads, and linear drains);
• Friendly lever-style faucet handles or smart faucets can be activated hands-free by sensor;
• Night lights integrated into wall mirrors, medicine cabinets and vanities allow greater visibility at night (circadian auto sets also available);
• Wall-mounted toilets have concealed tanks allowing for more space in the bathroom and make it easier to clean around and underneath. Height can be customized by your contractor at installation.
• Well worth the initial investment, Smart Toilets like the Washlet/Neorest models from TOTO USA are self-cleaning with heated seating for relaxation, a dryer and deodorizer.

LIving in place continues to be a relevant topic in kitchen and bath design. To see Julie Schuster's original blog post, visit her website here.

COUNCIL, COMMITTEE CHAIRS & EDITORIAL TEAM

2025 COUNCIL OFFICERS

PRESIDENT

Charlé-John Cafiero

charle@cjcstrategists.com

PROGRAMS CHAIR

Joan Ravasy

joan@joanravasydesign.com

PROGRAMS CO-CHAIR

Ellen Lopez

elopez@eldesignstudio.net

COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR

Jamie Keel

jamie.keel@cambriausa.com

MEMBERSHIP CHAIR

Diana Mosher

mosherdiana@gmail.com

SECRETARY/TREASURER

Tony Monteleone

tony@monteleoneconsulting.com

ACTING SECRETARY

Barbara Haberman

bhaberman@aol.com

COMMITTEE CHAIRS   

ADVOCACY  

Rose Ott

rose@roseottdesign.com

STUDENT INITIATIVES 

Julie Schuster

julie@jlsdesignstudio.com

SPONSORSHIP 

Toni Sabatino

tonisabstyle@gmail.com

TRADE FAIR AWARDS

Diana Mosher

mosherdiana@gmail.com

CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT 

Jeannine Price

jeannineprice@gmail.com

EDITORIAL TEAM

EDITOR (EIC)

Maureen Klein

getklein@optonline.net

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Charlé-John Cafiero

charle@cjcstrategists.com

SENIOR EDITOR

Michelle Shen

michelle.shen@diffusionpr.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Julie Schuster

julie@jlsdesignstudio.com

Beth Forer, Forer Designs

beth@bethforer.com

Michelle Slovak, Michelle Slovak Design

mslovakdesign@gmail.com

Joey Mortel, Richelieu

jmortel@richelieu.com

COPY EDITOR

Joan Greenhut

DESIGN

Cathy Marshall

Cathy@vipsolutions.biz

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jeff Siegel

jeff@themadphotographer.us

PAST CHAPTER NEWSLETTERS 

https://linktr.ee/nkbamanhattan

NKBA Manhattan Chapter | 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.

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