Tanya Donahue, owner of RIKB Design Build, a prominent full-service residential remodeler, has been named to the Kitchen & Bath Design News Top Innovators of 2020. This list of kitchen and bath industry "Innovators” are professionals whose work, creative talents, business acumen and professionalism are leading the way for the industry and elevating the kitchen and bath trade.

At a time when circumstances have compelled most businesses to find non-traditional, creative ways to survive, kitchen and bath firms have proven their adaptability, handling social distancing, supplier interruptions and reduced client income and not only surviving, but thriving. This resilience is due largely to individuals at the vanguard of the industry, those who have implemented pioneering business management strategies and technological solutions, as well as those who have embraced the evolving roles of the kitchen and bath as wellness-centered spaces in a work-from-home world. 

Nominated by industry professionals and then reviewed by the KBDN nominating committee, the 2020 Innovators reflect a diverse cross section of the industry, from technology experts, aging-in-place. They have fostered a sense of community among other industry professionals both in-person and online and have extended a hand to the next generation of professionals.

“During such a challenging year, I am extremely honored to not only be nominated by my peers, but to be named to such a prestigious list,” Donahue said in a statement.

Throughout the pandemic, RIKB Design Build has found nontraditional, creative ways to serve their clients, proving their adaptability and resilience, largely due to Donahue’s pioneering business strategies. Donahue’s team was able to instantly move their entire workforce remote as the company was already early-adopters of a progressive cloud-based team system.

In addition, providing a true picture of design possibilities is paramount to the RIKB Design Build team. Donahue challenged her to team to shift their widely-popular educational seminars to weekly virtual events during the pandemic. The educational series has seen tremendous response and continues to provide creative insights to homeowners on topics such as Thriving in Place – Tips for Your Forever Home, Cabinets 101, Designer Tips for a Great Kitchen, and Kitchen and Bath Trends.

“Before products are chosen and construction even begins, we want the homeowner to truly understand how they’ll use their new space and inspire their creativity. Our team strives to not only deliver inspiring design, but excellence in business, education, technology and community service,” said Donahue. 

The 2020 Innovators list will be highlighted in the November/December issue of Kitchen and Bath Design News: https://www.kitchenbathdesign.com/issue/159341/november-december-2020/