Designer earns certification
CARIBOU — S.W. Collins Company has announced that Gaye Richards has earned certification as an Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer (AKBD) from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), the leading trade association for the kitchen and bath industry.
The achievement is based on written examinations and industry experience. NKBA certified designers must also meet mandatory continuing education requirements annually. The AKBD certification recognizes achievement in the competencies necessary for both kitchen and bathroom design. 
Richards has six years of experience with S.W. Collins and 30 years of construction, design and teaching experience. She is known in the industry for having extensive building knowledge, as well as being detail oriented and a pleasure to work with. A Northern Maine Community College graduate and drafting instructor for her alma mater, she also earned a bachelor of science degree in vocational education at the University of Southern Maine.
“This certification reinforces my commitment to my customers by providing them with the highest quality of knowledge and services,” said Richards. “Staying on the cutting edge of new development while keeping informed of industry trends will ensure that each finished project is going to be exactly what the customer envisioned.”
The manager of the Home Design Center, Cindy Dufour, CKD, CAPS, stated, “We are fortunate to have Gaye on our S.W. Collins design team. With her drafting and teaching background, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her job. She is constantly pursuing the next steps and challenges in Kitchen and Bath education in order to become the best designer that she can be for her S.W. Collins customers.”
S.W. Collins is a fifth-generation Aroostook County lumber and building supply dealer with locations in Lincoln, Houlton, Presque Isle, Caribou and Fort Kent. Their commitment to offering excellent products and legendary service has been the core of the business since 1844. For more information contact them at 496-0103.
