Convo By Design®

MAR 23, 2026

KBIS Series Part Five | Stop Surviving the Industry & Start Shaping It with Green Forrest Cabinetry

In a category often defined by tradition, Green Forest Cabinetry is applying data science, manufacturing discipline, and cross-industry thinking to challenge long-held assumptions about cabinetry. Their approach reveals how operational precision—not marketing—creates real value for designers, builders, and homeowners. Green Forrest Cabinetry’s leadership team including, CEO, John Morgan, COO, Nathan Boone and CIO, Michael Boone share how treating cabinetry as an information-driven business, not just a manufacturing process, has enabled dramatic gains in quality, efficiency, and affordability. From machine learning and performance-based compensation to packaging innovation and cultural transformation, their story illustrates how operational clarity creates competitive advantage. Cabinetry has long been viewed as a static category—functional, necessary, but rarely innovative. Yet beneath the surface, a new generation of manufacturers is redefining what cabinetry can be by focusing not on materials alone, but on systems, data, and human performance. In this conversation, Green Forest Cabinetry’s leadership explains how they built a manufacturing culture centered on measurable output, accountability, and continuous improvement. Their approach borrows heavily from industries like automotive manufacturing, Formula One racing, and technology, where precision, repeatability, and efficiency are essential. By applying machine learning to packaging optimization, implementing transparent performance metrics across their workforce, and prioritizing supply chain flexibility, the company has achieved a damage and defect rate of just 0.69%—far below the industry average of 2.5–3.5%. These gains not only reduce operational costs but dramatically improve reliability for designers, builders, and homeowners. Ultimately, this conversation reveals a powerful truth: cabinetry is no longer just a product. It is a system. And the manufacturers who treat it as such are redefining the future of the industry. Cabinetry as an Information Business, Not Just a Manufacturing Business Green Forest views cabinetry as a data and logistics challenge as much as a fabrication process. <ul> <li>Accurate information flow is more valuable than machinery alone.</li> <li>Data governs production timing, quality control, fulfillment, and service.</li> <li>Reliability—not just product quality—defines customer satisfaction.</li> </ul> Why It Matters: Designers and builders don’t just need beautiful cabinetry—they need dependable delivery and complete orders. Relevant Links: <ul> <li>Green Forest Cabinetry</li> <li><a href="https://www.greenforestcabinetry.com/">https://www.greenforestcabinetry.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://nkba.org/">https://nkba.org</a></li> </ul>

55 MIN

MAR 23, 2026

KBIS Series featuring Kitchen365: Digitizing the Kitchen Cabinet Industry from Design to Delivery

Transforming the Kitchen Experience: How Kitchen365 Streamlines Design, Specification, and Delivery At KBIS 2026, Bhavin Patel and Hiren Modi of Kitchen365 discuss how their end-to-end technology platform is reshaping the kitchen cabinet industry—making design faster, orders more accurate, and showrooms more agile. <ul> <li>Digitizing Kitchen Design: Kitchen365’s design service accelerates the process from field measurement to final kitchen plan, completing in hours instead of a week.</li> <li>B2B Order Management System (OMS): Streamlines dealer and distributor interactions, supports tiered pricing, multi-warehouse fulfillment, and integrates with existing design software like ProKitchen.</li> <li>Consumer-Facing Digital Tools: Price estimators and visualizers allow homeowners to explore and configure kitchens online, reducing showroom dependency.</li> <li>Reducing Scope Creep & Specification Drift: Digital twins and high-fidelity visualizations ensure designs align with customer expectations, lowering errors and change orders.</li> <li>Process Integration & Efficiency: CSV-driven workflows reduce manual data entry, freeing staff for higher-value work and increasing accuracy.</li> <li>Hybrid Showroom Model: Physical showrooms serve as inspiration hubs, while digital platforms handle design, ordering, and lead generation.</li> <li>Democratizing Information: Transparency across pricing, inventory, and specifications strengthens trust between showrooms, designers, distributors, and clients.</li> <li>Competitive Advantage Through Workflow: Beyond products and aesthetics, efficiency and integration of design, data, and delivery create the next edge in the kitchen industry.</li> </ul> At KBIS 2026, Kitchen365 is showcasing a transformative approach to the kitchen cabinet industry. Founded to address the fragmented workflows between designers, retailers, and manufacturers, Kitchen365 is more than a software company—it is a full-scale ecosystem that digitizes, automates, and scales the kitchen design process. Bhavin Patel, President, and Hiren Modi, Co-Founder and CEO, shared their journey of identifying inefficiencies in the industry. From lengthy design cycles that could take a week to fulfill to manual order entry prone to costly errors, the opportunity for modernization was clear. Kitchen365 first tackled this by offering a kitchen design service that allows designers to focus on client interactions while the platform handles technical drawings, reducing turnaround times to mere hours. The platform’s B2B Order Management System (OMS) revolutionizes distributor and dealer workflows. Tiered pricing, multi-warehouse inventory tracking, and CSV integrations with design software reduce manual errors and improve fulfillment speed. Retailers now have the ability to quickly provide quotes, place orders, and communicate with clients without extensive back-office staffing. For homeowners, Kitchen365 offers interactive digital tools like price estimators and 3D visualizers, enabling them to explore kitchen options remotely. High-fidelity visualizations and digital twins reduce “specification drift,” ensuring that what is imagined in the design phase aligns with the final installation. This not only minimizes costly post-order changes but also enhances the overall customer experience. Kitchen365 also empowers showrooms to evolve. Dealers gain enterprise-level digital portals with catalog management, lead generation, and design visualization, all accessible for a modest subscription. This hybrid model integrates physical and digital experiences, giving clients the tactile inspiration of a showroom and the efficiency of an online platform. Underlying all these innovations is a commitment to transparency. By democratizing information across pricing, inventory, and specifications, Kitchen365 strengthens relationships between distributors, dealers, designers, and end clients. The result is a seamless, efficient, and more confident workflow—from first consultation to final installation. Bhavin and Hiren emphasize that technology does not replace the human element but amplifies it. Designers become “complexity curators,” focusing on aesthetics and client experience while Kitchen365 handles data management, order accuracy, and process efficiency. The platform exemplifies how technology, when paired with industry expertise, can elevate every participant in the kitchen cabinet ecosystem. In a market long defined by artisanal craftsmanship and manual processes, Kitchen365 demonstrates that the next competitive advantage isn’t just in style or materials—it’s in integrated, intelligent workflows that make the industry faster, more transparent, and more client-focused. Guest: Brandon Drum, Owner | Prime Cabinetry Learn more about Kitchen365: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.kitchen365.com/">Kitchen365 Website</a></li> </ul>

51 MIN

MAR 19, 2026

CXD ICON Registry March 2026 | 654 | Corey Damen Jenkins on Leadership, Resilience, and Building a Meaningful Creative Life

Bold Vision, Grounded Leadership, and the Relentless Pursuit of Purpose. In this deeply personal and strategic conversation, Corey Damen Jenkins shares the discipline, resilience, and intentional leadership behind his rise—from knocking on 779 doors to building a global design brand rooted in humility, creativity, and purpose. Corey Damen Jenkins is widely recognized for his exuberant interiors—fearless color, rich materiality, and a joyful sense of aspiration. But behind the visual confidence is a disciplined leader, strategic thinker, and resilient entrepreneur who built his career through persistence, focus, and unwavering belief in his purpose. Designer Resources <a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/site/electronics/pacific-sales/pcmcat249300050012.c?id=pcmcat249300050012">Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home</a>. Where excellence meets expertise. <a href="https://www.timbertech.com/">TimberTech</a> – Real wood beauty without the upkeep In this conversation, Jenkins reveals the principles that guide both his creative and business decisions. His “toy box philosophy” of time management emphasizes prioritization and clarity, while his belief in editing—removing distractions in both design and business—ensures that his work remains intentional and impactful. Jenkins also shares the realities behind his success, including rejection, intellectual property challenges, and the pressures of leading a growing global brand. From licensing partnerships and product design to publishing and team building, every decision reflects his long-term commitment to protecting creative integrity and building something meaningful. More than a story of success, this is a conversation about purpose. Jenkins explains how staying grounded, hiring with intention, and embracing humility have allowed him to build not just a celebrated design firm, but a life aligned with creativity, impact, and service. Key Themes and Insights Purpose-Driven Career Transformation <ul> <li>Transitioned from automotive corporate buyer to interior designer after a layoff.</li> <li>Launched his firm during the 2008 recession—one of the most challenging economic periods.</li> <li>Persistence defined his early career, including knocking on 779 doors to secure his first major client.</li> </ul> The Toy Box Philosophy: Strategic Time and Energy Management <ul> <li>Prioritize the most important commitments first.</li> <li>Apply discipline to protect creative energy and focus.</li> <li>Editing is essential in both design execution and business leadership.</li> </ul> Editing as a Creative and Business Discipline <ul> <li>Great design is as much about restraint as expression.</li> <li>Strategic clarity requires removing distractions and excess.</li> <li>Focus strengthens creative voice and brand identity.</li> </ul> Leadership Through Humility and Intentional Hiring <ul> <li>Values humility, integrity, and character over pure talent.</li> <li>Builds teams based on trust, collaboration, and shared values.</li> <li>Leadership grounded in humility creates resilience and longevity.</li> </ul> Protecting Creative Vision Through Licensing and IP Strategy <ul> <li>Strategic licensing partnerships expand reach while protecting creative authorship.</li> <li>Collaboration with global brands strengthens business stability.</li> <li>Intellectual property protection is essential in today’s copy-driven market.</li> </ul> Designers as Emotional and Strategic Partners <ul> <li>Designers serve as advisors, therapists, and trusted confidants.</li> <li>Design has emotional, psychological, and lifestyle impact.</li> <li>Interiors shape not only how spaces look—but how people live and feel.</li> </ul> Corey Damen Jenkins: <ul> <li>“Success requires focus. You have to put the big priorities in first.”</li> <li>“Rejection isn’t failure—it’s part of the journey.”</li> <li>“Humility keeps you grounded and makes you a better leader.”</li> <li>“Design isn’t just about beauty. It’s about transformation.”</li> <li>“I didn’t just want a career. I wanted a purpose.”</li> </ul> Purpose Before Prestige: Corey Damen Jenkins on Building a Life—and Career—by Design Corey Damen Jenkins has built a career defined by bold interiors, fearless creativity, and unmistakable confidence. But the true foundation of his success isn’t aesthetic—it’s discipline, humility, and purpose. Long before his work appeared in books, product collections, and design publications, Jenkins faced the uncertainty of reinvention. After losing his corporate job, he committed fully to interior design, launching his firm during one of the most volatile economic periods in recent history. The early days tested his resolve. He knocked on 779 doors before securing his first major client—a defining experience that shaped his perspective on perseverance and belief. Today, that same discipline informs every aspect of his work. Jenkins approaches both design and leadership with intentional focus. His “toy box philosophy”—prioritizing the most important commitments first—guides how he manages his time, his studio, and his creative energy. Editing, he believes, is essential not only to great interiors but to building a meaningful business. As his influence has grown, Jenkins has expanded into licensing, publishing, and product design, carefully selecting partnerships that align with his values and protect his creative voice. Yet despite his success, he remains grounded in humility—a principle he considers essential to leadership, growth, and longevity. For Jenkins, interior design is more than aesthetics. It is emotional, personal, and transformative. Designers shape how people experience their homes and their lives. His journey serves as a reminder that meaningful success isn’t defined by visibility or recognition. It’s defined by purpose, resilience, and the courage to pursue a creative life with intention.

68 MIN

MAR 17, 2026

CEDIA Expo & CIX – The Ride Along: Part Five | 653 | Dan Ferissi + Caitlin Stewart | Integration X Design: How Technology, Media, and Product Innovators Are Shaping Connected Living

Beyond Technology: The New Design Frontier of Integration and Experience. Recorded live at CEDIA Expo 2025, Dan Ferrisi of EmeraldX and Caitlin Stewart of Leon Speakers explore how integration is evolving from technical infrastructure into a design-driven discipline—where storytelling, collaboration, and intentional product design define the future of connected environments. Designer Resources <a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/site/electronics/pacific-sales/pcmcat249300050012.c?id=pcmcat249300050012">Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home</a>. Where excellence meets expertise. <a href="https://www.timbertech.com/">TimberTech</a> – Real wood beauty without the upkeep Integration X Design: Why the Future of Connected Living Depends on Collaboration At CEDIA Expo 2025, two parallel conversations revealed a shared reality: the future of technology in the built environment will be defined not by innovation alone, but by integration—and integration, increasingly, is a design discipline. Dan Ferrisi, Group Editor for EmeraldX, has a front-row seat to the evolution of the integration industry. Through his editorial leadership and involvement in industry events, he sees a clear shift underway. Integrators are no longer viewed simply as technical specialists installing equipment at the end of a project. Instead, they are becoming essential collaborators—professionals who shape how people experience their environments through sound, light, security, and automation. This evolution mirrors what Caitlin Stewart sees from her position at Leon Speakers. The Ann Arbor-based manufacturer has built its identity around a simple but powerful premise: technology must serve design. Rather than forcing architecture to accommodate equipment, Leon develops audio and concealment solutions that complement materials, finishes, and spatial intent. For Stewart, the challenge isn’t technical—it’s cultural. Designers have historically minimized or hidden technology in order to preserve aesthetic integrity. The opportunity now is to create products that belong within the design language of the space itself. Trade shows like CEDIA play a vital role in accelerating this transformation. They provide a platform where manufacturers, integrators, media, and designers can align around shared goals. They foster dialogue, education, and partnership—critical ingredients in a rapidly evolving ecosystem. The message from both conversations is clear: integration is no longer about devices. It is about experience. And the professionals who understand how to merge technology with design intention will define the future of connected living.

44 MIN

MAR 16, 2026

KBIS Series Part Four | Quiet Luxury and the Rise of the Technicurean: How SKS Is Designing the Invisible Kitchen

Luxury appliances are no longer defined by visibility—they’re defined by intentional invisibility, precision performance, and seamless integration. At KBIS 2026, SKS reveals how thoughtful innovation, AI integration, and designer collaboration are reshaping the kitchen into a quieter, smarter, more intuitive environment. This is the emergence of a new user: the Technicurean. John Russo explains how Signature Kitchen Suite is redefining luxury through purposeful technology, invisible induction, behavioral AI, and collaborative product development. The future kitchen doesn’t demand attention—it anticipates needs, enhances experiences, and disappears into the architecture. At the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, innovation isn’t simply introduced—it’s tested, challenged, and refined in real time. For Signature Kitchen Suite, KBIS functions as a live laboratory where designers, builders, and specifiers provide critical feedback that directly shapes future product development. John Russo shares how SKS approaches innovation deliberately, prioritizing purposeful performance over novelty. From invisible induction cooktops integrated beneath countertops to AI-powered refrigeration that anticipates user behavior, the goal is not to showcase technology—but to integrate it so seamlessly that it enhances daily life without disrupting it. This conversation explores the rise of the Technicurean—a new luxury consumer who values precision, connectivity, and design harmony equally. Through quiet luxury, behavioral intelligence, and deep collaboration with the design community, SKS is building an ecosystem where appliances become architectural infrastructure rather than standalone objects. KBIS as a Live Product Development Environment <ul> <li>KBIS functions as a real-world testing ground for future innovation.</li> <li>Designers provide immediate feedback that shapes product refinement.</li> <li>Concept products are introduced early to validate design direction.</li> <li>Direct interaction between engineers and specifiers accelerates innovation.</li> </ul> Quiet Luxury: The New Definition of Premium Quiet luxury shifts focus from visual dominance to experiential excellence. Core principles: <ul> <li>Appliances integrate seamlessly into architecture.</li> <li>Minimal visual disruption supports design continuity.</li> <li>Performance becomes more important than appearance.</li> <li>Acoustic comfort is essential—refrigeration operating around 38–39 dB.</li> <li>Luxury is defined by how appliances make life easier, not how they look.</li> </ul> Invisible Induction and Architectural Integration SKS is exploring cooktop technology that disappears completely into the countertop. Implications: <ul> <li>Cooking surfaces no longer interrupt architectural surfaces.</li> <li>Light-guided induction zones provide precision without visual clutter.</li> <li>Appliances transition from objects into embedded infrastructure.</li> <li>Product development includes multi-year concept validation cycles.</li> </ul> The Rise of the “Technicurean” Consumer The Technicurean represents a growing demographic combining technological fluency with culinary passion. Characteristics: <ul> <li>Values precision cooking and performance.</li> <li>Expects seamless integration with digital ecosystems.</li> <li>Prioritizes experiential quality over feature quantity.</li> <li>Younger luxury consumers are accelerating this shift.</li> </ul> Purposeful AI: Technology That Anticipates Behavior AI is being applied to solve practical problems rather than simply introduce novelty. Examples: <ul> <li>AI-powered refrigeration anticipates usage patterns and adjusts cooling.</li> <li>Oven cameras identify food and automatically adjust cooking parameters.</li> <li>Remote monitoring allows users to supervise cooking from anywhere.</li> <li>Automation reduces cognitive load and improves consistency.</li> </ul> Applicable Link: <ul> <li>LG ThinQ</li> </ul> Precision and Performance as the Foundation of Luxury SKS emphasizes engineering performance alongside design integration. Examples: <ul> <li>Induction ranges with 7,000-watt burners capable of boiling water in under a minute.</li> <li>Column refrigeration producing clear craft ice.</li> <li>Precision temperature management improves food preservation.</li> <li>Technology enhances outcomes, not just convenience.</li> </ul> Collaborative Design as a Product Development Strategy Designers directly influence final product form and function. Process includes: <ul> <li>Design collective consultations.</li> <li>Specifier surveys and feedback loops.</li> <li>Prototype testing and iteration cycles.</li> <li>Cabinet alignment, integration, and architectural consistency driven by designer input.</li> </ul> Full Home Automation and the Appliance Ecosystem Appliances are becoming integrated nodes within larger home ecosystems. Capabilities include: <ul> <li>Voice-controlled appliances.</li> <li>Integrated lighting, HVAC, and appliance automation.</li> <li>Recipe-driven automated cooking processes.</li> <li>Unified control across multiple home systems.</li> </ul> The Invisible Kitchen: How Quiet Luxury and Behavioral Technology Are Redefining Appliance Design For decades, luxury appliances were designed to be seen. Professional-grade stainless steel, oversized handles, and bold visual presence signaled performance and status. But today, the most important innovation in the luxury kitchen may be its disappearance. Signature Kitchen Suite is helping lead a shift toward what it calls quiet luxury—a design philosophy where performance is paramount, but visibility is optional. The goal is no longer to showcase the appliance itself, but to integrate it so seamlessly into the architectural environment that it becomes invisible. This shift reflects a deeper evolution in how luxury is defined. True luxury is no longer about visual dominance. It’s about effortlessness. Concepts like invisible induction cooktops illustrate this transformation. By placing induction elements beneath the countertop surface, cooking becomes fully integrated into the architecture. When inactive, the kitchen appears uninterrupted. When active, subtle lighting indicates where heat is applied. The appliance becomes infrastructure. This philosophy extends beyond aesthetics into performance and intelligence. Artificial intelligence is now being used to anticipate user behavior and improve outcomes. Refrigeration systems can monitor usage patterns and adjust cooling cycles to maintain temperature stability. Oven cameras can identify food and automatically adjust cooking settings. These technologies operate quietly, improving consistency without requiring intervention. Importantly, this innovation is not happening in isolation. Events like KBIS provide critical real-world validation. Designers, builders, and specifiers offer immediate feedback, allowing manufacturers to refine products before full release. This collaborative approach ensures that innovation aligns with how kitchens are actually designed and used. It also reflects the emergence of a new consumer profile: the Technicurean. This user values precision, connectivity, and design equally. They are comfortable with technology but expect it to serve a clear purpose. They prioritize performance and integration over novelty. For them, the kitchen is not simply a functional workspace—it is part of a larger lifestyle ecosystem. This shift is also generational. Younger homeowners have grown up with connected technology and expect seamless integration across devices. Appliances must function as part of a unified system rather than standalone tools. The ultimate goal is not to add complexity, but to remove friction. Automation, behavioral learning, and architectural integration all contribute to this objective. Appliances anticipate needs, simplify processes, and reduce cognitive load. They enhance experience without demanding attention. In this future, the most advanced appliances will not announce themselves. They will disappear. And in doing so, they will redefine luxury—not as something you see, but as something you feel.

57 MIN

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