Maria Stapperfenne, CMKBD
Designer - ManagerTewksbury Kitchen & BathMaria Stapperfenne, CMKBD, CASSI is an award-winning designer and highly regarded educational speaker, best known for her role as the final sitting National President of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) in 2015. She remains actively involved with the NKBA at the grassroots level, continuing to support the industry and its professionals. In August 2015, Maria achieved the designation of Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD), in 2016, she became a Certified Living in Place Professional (CLIPP) and in 2025 became a Certified Access Solutions & Safety Integrator (CASSI).
Maria currently serves as the Manager and Designer for Tewksbury Kitchens & Baths, a division of Huston Lumber & Supply Co. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Trenton State College. Her journey in the industry began early—attending trade shows with her father and collaborating with trade professionals from a young age to help bring clients’ visions to life.
She currently serves on the advisory boards for Kitchen & Bath Business Magazine and The Living in Place Institute. Maria is also a CEC Instructor, an NKBA CEU Program presenter, and a frequent speaker at industry events. She was recognized as one of Kitchen & Bath Design News’s (KBDN) “Top 50 Innovators” in 2017, earned the NKBA’s “Early Adopter Luxury Kitchen Recycling Award” in 2019, and was featured as a “Prestigious Pick” in KBDN’s “Person of the Year” issue in 2022. In 2024, she was appointed to the Masterbrand Dealer Designer Council and has also served as a judge for multiple industry awards.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Maria is passionate about family, travel, live music, learning, great design, and community service. She still maintains her K–12 teaching certification in New Jersey and is proud to be an Elk, a Moose, a practicing musician, a devoted wife, and the proud mother of three incredible children—and one very lovable rescue pup.
Function First – No Extra Cost!
This presentation will address three common “design-add” traps that drive up construction costs. Participants will learn to leverage early-stage budge…This presentation will address three common “design-add” traps that drive up construction costs. Participants will learn to leverage early-stage budgeting techniques to put accessibility features into the standard scope. The presenters will discuss h…This presentation will address three common “design-add” traps that drive up construction costs. Participants will learn to leverage early-stage budgeting techniques to put accessibility features into the standard scope. The presenters will discuss how to apply cost-neutral tactics for specifying wider doorways, zero-step entries, and adaptive fixtures. Learning from data and case studies presented during this session, audience members will learn…This presentation will address three common “design-add” traps that drive up construction costs. Participants will learn to leverage early-stage budgeting techniques to put accessibility features into the standard scope. The presenters will discuss how to apply cost-neutral tactics for specifying wider doorways, zero-step entries, and adaptive fixtures. Learning from data and case studies presented during this session, audience members will learn how to make a persuasive ROI argument to clients and contractors. They will walk away knowing how to integrate simple tech upgrades (lighting, controls, wellness sensors) without premium pricing.Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
