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Like a Pro.

Trusted by hundreds of kitchen & bath designers nationwide

Advanced kitchen & bath training taught by Karen Hockley, CMKBD, CAPS — built from decades of real-world design experience. Master space planning, cabinetry, presentation, and sales.

Explore the Membership

Karen Hockley, Kitchen & Bath Design Professional

Meet Karen Hockley

CMKBD, CAPS • Founder & Principal Educator

"I don't just design for a floor plan. I design for real life, because I've lived it."

My understanding of how a kitchen must naturally function didn't start in a design studio—it started when I was 14. After four years of high school home economics and 30 years as a stay-at-home mom, I have spent over six decades cooking, baking, sewing, wallpapering, painting cabinets, repairing drywall, and managing a home. That deep, practical, hands-on knowledge is the true foundation of every design decision I make.

With over 30 years working professionally as a Kitchen & Bath Designer, I've navigated every challenge this industry has to offer. In 2017, a breast cancer diagnosis forced me to step away from the physical demands of showroom design. But my passion for this craft couldn't be sidelined.

I made a deliberate pivot from designing kitchens to designing careers.

Over the last 8 years, I have poured my 60+ years of life and professional field experience into writing and teaching over 100 comprehensive masterclasses on Kitchen & Bath Design and 2020 Design software. My curriculum is so rigorous that I have authored 7 courses officially certified by the NKBA for CEU credits.

Now, I've built this school to offer my entire expert curriculum—unfiltered and exactly as I designed it—directly to you. My goal isn't just to teach you how to draw cabinets; it's to help you master your craft, increase your value, and build a career you are fiercely proud of.

Recognized for Excellence in Kitchen & Bath Design & Professional Education

Curriculum Star – 2023

Kitchen & Bath Business-KBB

Kitchen & Bath Design News 2021

Innovator

Just imagine a career filled with more...

Confidence

Design with clarity and authority. Master space planning, cabinetry construction, and specification so you stop second-guessing yourself and start leading every project.

Creativity

Break out of cookie-cutter design. Learn how to think beyond standard layouts, blend function with artistry, and create kitchens and baths that feel intentional, distinctive, and unforgettable.

Profit

Understand margins, pricing structures, and how to communicate value so you charge appropriately, protect your time, and build real financial stability.

I'm Ready, to Elevate My Design Career!

Choose Your Path to Mastery

Whether you want ongoing weekly support or dedicated 1-on-1 strategy, there is a way to elevate your design career right now.

Kitchen & Bath Design Master Membership

$100 / month

The ultimate training ground for dedicated kitchen and bath designers who want to continuously sharpen their skills.

Live weekly training classes with Karen
Full access to an on-demand library of class replays
Mastery in cabinetry, presentation, and sales
Advanced curriculum designed for design professionals

Join the Membership

Transform Your Business with 1-on-1 Coaching

$349 / month

Join me for four personalized coaching sessions monthly. Tackle high-level design challenges and enhance personal client relationships.

Four 1-on-1 private advisory sessions per month
Direct feedback on your current projects and layouts
Strategy for overcoming difficult client scenarios
Personalized roadmap for growing your design income

Apply for Coaching

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

"I've been a part of the academy for about two months now and gotta say I am thrilled with classes and working with Karen. I've been a designer and 2020 user for 10 years and I still pick up ideas and 'tricks' in every class. Karen is not only very knowledgeable in design and 2020 software she is a great teacher... very thorough and very patient. Her academy courses are an amazing value and we will be signing up our other designers soon as well."

Academy Member

Paul McManus

"I enrolled in Karen Hockley's Westhighland Designs Academy the day she launched it. This was after successfully learning the 2020 design program from her for four weeks prior. I can confidently say that Karen is one of the most effective, knowledgeable, and patient instructors I've had. Her classes stand apart from others with their unique and engaging content. What's more is Karen genuinely cares about her students' progress. I cannot recommend her and her academy highly enough."

Academy Student

Samantha Emmerling

"Karen is truly phenomenal. Her charismatic personality and deep knowledge of the 2020 Design system make her exceptional. She is patient, clear, and very easy to understand, which makes the learning process smooth and enjoyable. We are very grateful for the time and dedication she invested in training and preparing our design team. Her expertise has been incredibly valuable to us. Thank you so much, Karen"

Google Review

Catalina Focil

"Karen was instrumental in helping me become the youngest CMKBD in the country at the time. She has trained hundreds of designers and I'm so happy that she has started a formal school to pass on her knowledge!"

CMKBD

Nick Vanderhovel

"Karen is a fantastic instructor delivering valuable, practical content. Her experience shows in her deep knowledge of design, 2020 software, and the cabinet industry as a whole. I highly recommend her training."

Design Professional

Sarah Stephens

"Karen spent a few valuable hours helping me and my team get setup and going on cabinet design software. We flew through the basics as we are a very tech forward crew. We got all setup and running in no time. We will definitely use her services again for training our new team members. As a business owner, I value my time and the time with my team, so the fact that we were able to get through this quickly, was not only beneficial but saved me money!"

Business Owner

Keffie Lancaster

"My goal was to build on my skills as a newer kitchen designer, I was very fortunate to have met Karen Hockley. She has been a mentor and a credible and brilliant trainer who delivers her knowledge with authenticity and patience... Thank you, Karen, for your support and guidance. You never disappoint!!"

Kitchen Designer

Jeanne McLaughlin, Owner

"I am loving Canva! Thank you, Karen Hockley! I had tried using Canva on my own & just didn't get it. Karen helped me walk thru the steps to create reels. Highly recommend working with her. She is pleasant to work with and so knowledgeable."

Canva Student

Denise P.

"Currently taking Karen’s Hockley’s 2020 Design Bootcamp for beginners…if you’re on the fence just do it! I taught myself 2020 Design over the last year and I work by myself with no one to ask questions or collaborate with. One day of class and it’s already been so helpful."

2020 Design Bootcamp

Natalie Z.

"911 Cry for Help UPDATE: Karen Hockley to the rescue!! Karen reached out to my cry and I immediately signed up for her 2020 Classes. BEST decision I've made since purchasing 2020! Karen demystifies, offers real time examples and projects while presenting the process in a concise but comprehensive fashion."

2020 Classes

Krista LeBaron Denton

"The 4- 2020 Design Workshops were so helpful-whether you are new to Design or a year+ in. Karen built on each subsequent session with recaps and clear examples... Congratulations on helping several of us to be better designers and building our confidence!!"

2020 Design Workshops

Jeanne McLaughlin

"Currently taking Karen’s Hockley’s 2020 Design Class for beginners…if you’re on the fence just do it! I taught myself 2020 Design over the last year and I work by myself with no one to ask questions or collaborate with. Even tho I’m technically not a beginner I knew I was doing some things the hard way One day of class and it’s already been so helpful. 3 more classes to go."

2020 Design Class