Established in 1963 as a network of kitchen dealers, it has grown into a broader association of distributors, retailers, remodelers, manufacturers, fabricators, cabinet and appliance installers, designers, and other professionals.

The NKBA's certification program offers continuing education and career development and includes designers and professionals in all segments of the kitchen and bath industry.

The organization sponsored its first independent trade show and convention in New York in 1965, attracting 1473 people representing 361 retailers and 128 manufacturers and distributors.

[4] The group conducted its first kitchen design competition in 1965, which drew 30 entries and was judged by a panel that included the editor of McCall's magazine.

[4] In 1987, the NKBA partnered with Auburn University to create its first accredited college program, and Ed Yeargan received the first Bachelor of Science degree in Kitchen and Bath Design the following year.

In January 2017, the NKBA launched its "Trade UP"[9] initiative to encourage students to seek careers in the design, construction,[10] and manufacturing fields.

Its most comprehensive work is the nine volume Professional Resource Library, published in conjunction with John Wiley & Sons,[11] which totals 3024 pages.