My Story
Judith A. Neary, CMKBD
Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer
Read this first;
Most of my portfolio is on my phone.
I am the best kept secret on the island.
I don’t engage much with social media - I don’t have time. If I am on social media its usually a post, “And the conversation went like this…” - because its something funny and fun that has happened on a project.
In the long haul - its about the relationship and if we can work together. Its a small community and I am not interested in being run over in the Thrift-way parking lot.
It’s about you and what you want - not me. I get to live vicariously in the process of assisting you with your home.
Judith’s design career began at the age of four, designing block furniture and clothing for her troll dolls. After completing her design degree, she worked in medical, commercial, and hospitality design. She switched to the manufacturing segment of the industry after working with a national retailer in showroom merchandising design and training, which included development and implementation of business processes and installation programs.
As one of the professional instructors for the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), she offered a comprehensive learning experience to designers in North America. As an honorary founding member of the Jenn-Air Design Advisory Council, she provided perspective on Jenn-Air and other Whirlpool Corporation brands.
Judith is a frequent contributor to the industry by speaking on a variety of topics of interest for both the design professional and homeowner. She has lectured frequently at KBIS and other trade events about the business side of interior design. Judith has also been a featured guest for “A Well-Designed Business” with LuAnn Nigara at her trade event and on her podcasts.
In 2021, she was recognized by Kitchen & Bath Design News as a Leading Innovator. She was a lead content coordinator and subject matter expert for the recently released fourth edition of the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Planning Guidelines. She continues to support the NKBA as a contributor for various projects promoting professionalism within the industry.
Her design practice serves a single zip code (Vashon Island, WA) where she is known for doing “weird” really well. In 2014 she and her husband established a non-profit to honor the life of their son, Rj Ontiveros.
As director for the non-profit, Rjs Kids, she obtained the funding and managed the construction of an epic multi-use outdoor recreation park that includes skate boarding, a pumptrack, and public art features -seven years in the making. Vashon Parks awarded her the first ever community service award for the BARC project.
Her next goal for Rjs Kids is apprentice training programs partnered with skilled craftsman and contractors to provide employment opportunities for the under served residents of the Vashon-Maury community.
Awards & Accolades
2021 Kitchen & Bath Design Innovator Award
Kitchen and Bath Design News honors industry leaders through the naming of its Innovators each year. This group of industry professionals, who are setting the standard for excellence in the design industry, are nominated by their peers and reviewed by the nominating committee.
Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer (CMKBD) Award
Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer (CMKBD) is qualified by means of education, practical work experience, and examination. A CMKBD has the moral and ethical responsibility to protect homeowners and occupants through the design and execution of code-compliant, inclusive and accessible interior environments that are sustainable and supportive of the homeowner and occupants while addressing their health, safety and welfare.
The Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer (CMKBD) is the pinnacle of the National Kitchen and Bath Associations certification and recognizes extraordinary kitchen and bath experience and achievements.
NKBA Kitchen & Bath Planning Guidelines
Vashon Park District Community Service Award
Park District Executive Director Elaine Ott-Rocheford singled out Judith Neary, director of the nonprofit RJ’s Kids, for her leadership on the Pumptrack project at BARC. Neary and her husband Ramon Ontiveros set out nearly seven years ago to create a more vibrant skatepark for Vashon.
Neary secured state grants and helping organize the donation drive, volunteer labor, contracting and permitting, and spent 7 years leading the BARC renovation movement.
“None of this would have happened without the incredible vision and dedication of this incredible woman,” Ott-Rocheford said, presenting Neary with a community service award. “Judith spearheaded this from start to finish. … We thank your tireless dedication to enriching the lives of Vashon Island youth.”
Altogether, RJ’s Kids and Judith Neary “have given us a de-facto rec center on the island.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should I hire a design professional to help me with my project even though I know what I want because I saw it on Houzz?
Consider the professional designer as the third leg of the stool; you have the contractor, homeowner and designer. A professional designer can interpret the vision you have for your home. Contractors are going to ask for details. A professional designer can provide those details and help streamline the process.
How do I find the right designer?
It’s just like trying to find the right contractor. Every creative will have their particular “zone of genius”. Some may be good at interior furnishings, others may specialize in kitchen and bath design, some may be architects focusing on interiors. Because you will be working with them over an extended period of time it’s important to find the right fit for your personality and your project. A seasoned professional designer will make the project about you and not about them. In other words, they should be helping you with your vision - not imposing their personal vision of what they think you should have.
How much do you charge?
Here is my philosophy; every project is as unique as the homeowner and their expectations. So, my services should adapt to the project requirements and the homeowners needs. I use a “Menu of Services” for each project customizing my skills for the homeowners and contractors expectations. I offer a complementary initial consultation, this is best when the conversation is in the home. From that meeting I develop a proposal on how we can work together.
Why Should I Hire A Licensed Contractor When I Can Do It Myself?
The perception is that if you do it yourself you save money. In some instances, this has a positive outcome...in other instances, not so much. Every project has innumerable variables that contribute to a positive outcome. Hiring a licensed trade professional is one of those variables. Think of it as a surgical procedure – do you want to hire the person that has “some power tools” or do you want a qualified surgeon with a team?
How Do I Identify The Right Contractor For My Project?
Every contractor has a “zone of genius”. An example would be one contractor might be specialized in new construction, another contractor might be a handyman and only handle minor repairs. Another contractor might focus on remodels that include kitchen and baths. Some factors to consider in finding the right contractor; the overall project and your personality. They’re going to be in your home for a long time because some projects take a while. Make sure that it’s a good match professionally and personally.
What Should i Do Before I Hire a Contractor?
There are many things but here are a few that are important. In today’s world many people rely on a handshake or a text message that says, “let’s go ahead”. Always have a contract in place even if it’s a Letter of Agreement or a fully disclosed Contract. Always ask for referrals, both good and bad. Every project is going to go in a ditch or hit a bump in the road. It’s about how they navigate out of the ditch or over the that bump and finish the project. Ask the contractor for a project calendar with a start date and a possible end date. This is important because you’ll know what to expect over the course of the project. New construction has a different calendar than a remodel. Expect that the calendar is always going to change because of unforeseen circumstances.
Why Does It Cost So Much?
Consider where we live, the cost of materials and goods, the shortage of labor and housing and a very busy remodeling economy.
As A Homeowner, I Don’t Understand Why It’s So Complicated And why It Should Take So Long?
The number one delay in any project are unexpected issues with the site. Number two is the homeowner’s ability to make decisions; decisions must be made in order for the project to proceed. Changing your mind changes the outcome. Another factor is the availability of subcontractors at key points in the project – they may be on another project that has been delayed.