The History of Kitchen & Bath Concepts: Over 50 Years of Design Excellence in Pittsburgh

For more than five decades, Kitchen & Bath Concepts has been quietly shaping the way Pittsburgh lives, one thoughtfully designed space at a time. What began as a small, family-run cabinetry business rooted in craftsmanship has grown into one of the region’s most respected kitchen and bath design firms, known for cutting-edge design, uncompromising quality, and deeply personal client relationships.

This is the story of how KBC came to be, and why its founding principles still guide every project today.


From a Garage Workshop to a Growing Vision

Long before Kitchen & Bath Concepts became a recognized name in Pittsburgh design, founder Tom Trzcinski was learning the trade the hands-on way—working alongside his father Stanley, a union finish carpenter with a small cabinet shop of his own. Those early years instilled a deep understanding of cabinetry construction, woodworking, and problem-solving that would later become a defining strength of the business..

After graduating from Penn State University in 1973, 21 year old Tom began building countertops, cabinetry, and custom woodworking projects, doing whatever was needed, learning quickly, and gradually becoming more involved in the design side of the work.

At the time, the business was known as Custom Craft Cabinetry, a name that reflected its roots in precision, craftsmanship, and custom work.

Stanley Trzcinski

Stanley and his son Tom


Early Growth in Beaver Falls

Later that same year (1973), Tom and his wife Karen opened their first kitchen and bath boutique showroom in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, while still fabricating pieces in his father’s shop. That early showroom may have been small, but the ambition behind it was not.

In 1976, they purchased a larger building near Geneva College on College Hill, allowing them to combine a full workshop with a front-of-house design studio. This marked a turning point: the business expanded beyond cabinetry into full kitchen design, attracting clients throughout Beaver County and gradually into the greater Pittsburgh area.

Six months into business, the Trzcinskis saw they would need to build a team. First to join was Chet Zombeck who has been on board ever since. The first of the small, expert, tight-knit team that makes the company hum today.

During this period, Tom became deeply involved with the American Institute of Kitchen Dealers (AIKD)—now the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA)—eventually serving as National President in 1988, a reflection of his growing influence in the industry.

Tom and his wife Karen

Tom and Chet Zombeck

Second Beaver Falls Location


The Move North & a New Name

By the mid-1980s, Pittsburgh’s North Hills were booming, particularly areas like Wexford, and much of the firm’s work was coming from that direction. In 1986, Custom Craft Cabinetry relocated to Perry Highway in Ross Township, officially becoming Kitchen & Bath Concepts of Pittsburgh.

This era marked a major evolution. While fabrication remained important, the business became increasingly focused on design leadership, engineering innovation, and product excellence. KBC earned national design awards, built a trusted team of skilled craftsmen and service professionals, and developed a reputation for staying ahead of design trends, often pushing the limits of what was technically possible at the time.

Tom receiving the SubZero/Wolf Kitchen Design Contest award

 

A Second Generation & Expanded Vision

Kitchen & Bath Concepts has always been a family business, and that continued into the next generation.

Tommy Trzcinski (Tom’s son) spent his summers working in the showroom and officially returned to the business full-time in 2004, following in his father’s design footsteps. Jamie Trzcinski (Tom’s daughter), after exploring a career in mortgage brokerage, returned part-time and then fully committed to the company in 2007, eventually overseeing the business operations.

With the second generation in place, KBC sharpened its focus on high-end, comprehensive interior design, expanding services beyond kitchens and baths to include entire homes, while maintaining the same hands-on ownership involvement that clients had come to trust.

In 2012, the company purchased and moved into its current showroom, a space that reflects the firm’s refined design philosophy, creativity, and commitment to excellence.

KBC’s current showroom located at 176 Rochester Road, Pittsburgh (West View)

The Trzcinski Family


Design Awards Are Nice—But People Matter More

Over the years, Kitchen & Bath Concepts has earned numerous national design awards, but accolades have never been the driving force.

What truly motivates the team is the day-to-day impact of their work: getting to know clients personally, understanding how they live, and designing spaces that genuinely improve daily life. Kitchens become gathering places. Bathrooms become retreats. Thoughtful design choices create moments, routines, and memories that shape how families interact every day.

Once we get to know our clients, they become part of our family—and that’s been true since the very beginning of this company.
— Tommy Trzcinski

That personal connection is why the majority of KBC’s work comes from repeat clients and referrals. Clients aren’t just buying a kitchen, they’re buying confidence, expertise, and the reassurance that when challenges arise (as they do in every project), they’ll be handled correctly, thoughtfully, and to the highest standard.

Tommy, Jamie and Tom Trzcinski

 

Why Kitchen & Bath Concepts Is Different

At its core, KBC’s difference isn’t just about design, it’s about people.

No one else has this team, this depth of experience, or this level of personal involvement. From the earliest garage days to today’s award-winning showroom, the principles have never changed:

  • Cutting-edge, forward-thinking design

  • Uncompromising product quality

  • Deep technical and engineering expertise

  • Direct access to ownership

  • A personal approach that treats clients like family

It’s this combination that has sustained Kitchen & Bath Concepts for more than 50 years, and continues to set it apart in the Pittsburgh design community.


Looking Ahead

With the business now being led by Tommy and Jamie, Tom’s passion for design remains ever-present. Together, the team continues to evolve, staying ahead of trends, pushing creative boundaries, and helping clients live better through thoughtful, well-executed design.

Because at the end of the day, the greatest reward isn’t the awards on the wall, it’s the homes they help shape and the lives they help improve.

Front Row Left to Right: Chet Zombeck, Jamie Trzcinski, Janelle Affeltranger. 

Back Row Left to Right: Bridget Belter, Tom Trzcinski, Emily Miller, Tommy Trzcinski - Not pictured: Chuck Niederst


An Invitation to Experience Kitchen & Bath Concepts

More than 50 years after it began in a garage, Kitchen & Bath Concepts remains rooted in the same principles it was founded on: thoughtful design, uncompromising quality, and genuine relationships. While styles evolve and technologies advance, the heart of the business has never changed - creating spaces that help people live better every day.

The best way to understand what makes KBC different is to experience it firsthand. We invite you to meet the team, explore our showroom, and see how design, engineering, and personal attention come together under one roof. Whether you’re beginning to dream or ready to plan, our team is here to guide you with expertise, care, and confidence.

Because at Kitchen & Bath Concepts, you’re not just investing in a project—you’re partnering with a team who treats your home like their own.

BOOK A VISIT TO THE SHOWROOM TODAY

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