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Martha Kerr: A Trailblazer Who Helped Shape Neil Kelly
For nearly five decades, Martha Kerr helped shape not only Neil Kelly Company but the remodeling industry itself. From pioneering professional certifications to mentoring the next generation of designers, her influence continues to be felt long after her retirement.
During Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating leaders like Martha—women who broke barriers and helped pave the way for future generations in construction and design.
From Receptionist to Industry Leader
Martha’s journey with Neil Kelly began in 1969 with what was meant to be a short-term role. She stepped in to answer phones while founder Neil Kelly’s daughter, Susan, took time off. When Susan returned, Neil asked Martha to stay and begin working with him on kitchen remodeling—even though she had no formal training in the industry.
That opportunity launched a remarkable career.
Encouraged by Neil Kelly’s strong belief in education and professional development, Martha joined the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) (then known as the American Institute of Kitchen Dealers) where she built both expertise and connections across the industry.
Over the following decades, Martha became one of the most respected professionals in remodeling. Her many accomplishments included:
- Becoming one of the first Certified Kitchen Designers in 1976
- Being promoted to Executive Vice President at Neil Kelly in 1978
- Helping develop the Certified Bath Designer program, and later becoming the first Certified Bath Designer in 1989
- Serving as the first female president of the Oregon Remodelers Association in 1980
- Becoming the first female president of the NKBA in 1985
- Being inducted into the NKBA Hall of Fame in 1995
Along the way, Martha also helped establish professional standards that designers continue to follow today, including helping write the certification exam for Certified Bath Designers.
But for those who worked with her every day, Martha’s influence went far beyond titles or awards.
The Designer Behind the Reputation
When Janel Campbell, now a Senior Design Consultant, came to an interview at Neil Kelly in 2003, she didn’t immediately realize the designer she was about to meet was one of the industry’s pioneers. “I was 23 years old and had just a couple of years of experience,” Janel recalls. “They told me I’d be meeting with Martha. I didn’t know who Martha was.”
This was another opportunity that launched another remarkable career.
“What I quickly learned was that Martha saw the big picture,” Janel says. “She could guide clients through decisions, and I handled the details. We worked really well together.”
By that point, Martha had already spent more than three decades at Neil Kelly. But she approached every project with the same curiosity and dedication she had when she first started.
“She was constantly learning and asking questions of the trades,” Janel says. “She believed you should never stop learning.”
Designing for the Client
Throughout her career, Martha worked on hundreds of remodeling projects, each uniquely tailored to the homeowner.
“She really listened,” Janel says. “She would guide people and help them understand their options, but ultimately she designed spaces that reflected the client.”
Her work spanned a wide range of styles—from traditional Craftsman remodels to bold contemporary kitchens.
One project that stands out to Janel involved renovating a historic Irvington home where the team had to carefully balance modern updates with architectural authenticity.
“It was about understanding how new construction ties into an older home,” she explains. “Every little detail mattered—from trim connections to choosing fixtures that matched the era.”
Those thoughtful design decisions are one reason many of Martha’s projects still feel timeless decades later.
A Leader Who Opened Doors
While Martha rarely talked about her own accomplishments, her impact on the industry was significant—especially for women entering construction and design.
“It took a few years before I understood just how many glass ceilings she had broken,” Janel says. “She was the first female president of organizations that had always been led by men.”
For younger designers, Martha and other longtime Neil Kelly leaders helped make the industry more accessible.
“They were pioneers,” Janel says. “They broke the glass ceilings every single time.”
Small in Stature, Larger Than Life
Those who worked with Martha remember her presence just as much as her accomplishments.
“She was probably under five feet tall,” Janel says with a laugh. “But she would walk into a room and run the meeting.”
She had a favorite line she’d use when starting a client walkthrough: “You got your checkbook? Let’s go.”
Behind the humor was a designer who deeply understood construction, client relationships, and how to guide a project from concept to completion.
“She just knew her stuff,” Janel says.
A Legacy That Lives On
After nearly 50 years with Neil Kelly, Martha officially retired in 2018—though she continued working with longtime clients for several years before stepping away entirely.
Even in retirement, her curiosity about design and the industry hasn’t faded. Colleagues still run into her at industry events like KBIS, where she’s just as eager as ever to see new products and reconnect with longtime peers.
Her philosophy for approaching both design and life might be best captured in a phrase she often shared:
“Be bold, be brilliant, be gone.”
It’s classic Martha—confident, efficient, and always moving forward.
And today, the designers and builders who followed in her footsteps continue to benefit from the path she helped create.