Huntwood Names 2026 Design Contest Winners

Designers from Seattle, Spokane and Missoula took the top three places in the Huntwood Cabinets 2026 Design Contest.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Home Renovation

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a pale oak cabinet door and a rolled design sketch on a bare wooden floor against a cream wall, evoking kitchen design craft. — Huntwood Cabinets named Seattle designer Cathy Jepson first place in its 2026 Design Contest, with Spokane's Rob Azevedo second and Missoula's Simeon King third. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Huntwood Cabinets named the winners of its 2026 Design Contest, open to all Huntwood kitchen designers. Cathy Jepson of Seattle took first place, Rob Azevedo of Spokane, Wash. placed second, and Simeon King of Missoula, Mont. finished third.

Why it matters

The contest recognizes designers for originality, drawing completeness and their ability to overcome challenges while realizing a client's vision. Results highlight the range of kitchen design work produced within the Huntwood network across the Pacific Northwest.

The first-place kitchen uses Sonora door style in Dove color with a Hickory island and Ridgestone stain. Its flush inset cabinetry and custom arched range hood define the winning design.

The players

Huntwood Cabinets

A cabinetry manufacturer that sponsors a design contest for kitchen designers in its network.

Cathy Jepson

A Seattle kitchen designer who took first place in the Huntwood Cabinets 2026 Design Contest.

The details

Entries were judged on design originality, drawing completeness, and the ability to overcome challenges and bring the client's vision to life. The first-place client worked closely with the designer to create the kitchen.

November 9, 2026: Winners of the 2026 Huntwood Cabinets Design Contest were announced.

Market Landscape

Recurring design contests from cabinet manufacturers such as Huntwood showcase the work of independent kitchen designers to homeowners. Such competitions help brands differentiate their dealer networks in a crowded kitchen cabinetry market.

Homeowners planning a kitchen remodel can review the contest winners' designs for ideas on door styles, finishes and layouts. Working with a designer on a custom plan can help a project achieve a similar look.

The takeaway

Winning kitchens often combine a restrained door style with a contrasting island and thoughtful details like custom hood work. Close collaboration between client and designer, as shown by the first-place project, can translate a vision into a finished space.