From the Editor: Winter 2015

As we begin the New Year, many of us view it as a time to start fresh — making resolutions such as promising ourselves to be more organized, become more fit or whatever self-improvement we want to work on. In the stone and tile industry, as well as the design community, the beginning of the year is also a time when many design competitions take place. As the editor ofContemporary Stone & Tile Design, I have received press releases for several competitions lately.

While taking the time to fill out submission forms might fall last on the priority list, it is really worth the effort. After all the dedication that was put into bringing a design to fruition, it would be nice to receive recognition for it. And many of these contests offer some enticing prizes.

This issue of Contemporary Stone & Tile Design features the Tile of Spain design awards, beginning on page 36. Now in its 13th year, the award program — sponsored by the Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturers’ Association (ASCER) — honors projects in the categories of Architecture and Interior Design. Each project illustrates a unique and innovative approach to designing with tile.

Another prominent design competition in our industry is the Coverings Installation & Design (CID) Awards — honoring the most superior designs and installations of tile and stone. The design competition, which is sponsored by Contemporary Stone & Tile Design along with TileLetter, is open to architects, designers, builders, contractors, distributors, retailers and installers. The CID Awards celebrate creativity and technical know-how in the use of tile and stone in residential, commercial, international and sustainable projects. What is significant about this competition is it promotes not only innovative designs, but quality workmanship. It illustrates the importance of teamwork among members of the design community and tile contractors. It is not too late to enter the CID Awards. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, January 20. To learn more about the competition, visit www.coverings.com/CID.

Also highlighted in this edition is the Ceramics of Italy Tile Competition — sponsored by Confindustria Ceramica (the Italian Association of Ceramics) and the Italian Trade Commission (page 8). Taking place for more than 20 years, this competition is well established and honors the work of North American architects and designers who create exceptional spaces using Italian ceramic and porcelain tile. It celebrates the pairing of inspiring design ideas with products from leading manufacturers to create spaces that are well appointed, versatile, timeless and sustainable. Winners of the competition receive a trip to Bologna, Italy, to attend Cersaie, the international tile exhibition held in the fall.

The competitions I mentioned are just to name a few. As you start 2015, take a minute to check out what is being offered and fill out a submission form. I know there are many beautiful stone and tile projects out there that are worthy of recognition.

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As Group Editorial Director of Stone World, Contemporary Stone & Tile Design and TILE, Jennifer Richinelli has been covering the stone and tile industries since she launched her career at BNP Media in 1996. Throughout her tenure, she has visited and reported on numerous national and international quarries, stone fabrication shops, trade shows and other industry events. She has also collaborated with members of the A&D community, including many renowned architects, on articles about designing with stone and tile.

Contact Jennifer at richinellij@bnpmedia.com or (201) 245-5204.

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