A novice to tile work looking at a new tile installation today might comment, “When did LEGO* pieces start being used to install tile?" Yet we see these little plastic devices being used more frequently for porcelain and stone tile installations. What are they and why are they important for our industry?

The Valley Vista residence in Encino, CA, the residential winner in the 2019 Ceramics of Italy Tile Competition, is clad almost entirely in Italian porcelain tile. “Encino is increasing its elegant status,” said Jamie Rezaie, partner for the DI Group in Beverly Hills, CA.

As the conversation progressed, I could hear hope and excitement from my client’s voices,” said Dawn D. Totty of Dawn D. Totty Interior Designs, after receiving a perspective client call from the popular online home site, Houzz.

Perched high on a hillside in Carmel, CA, with stunning views of the ocean is a house that was originally built by renowned architect Joseph Eichler, who was recognized in the 1950s and 60s for his clean, open, mid-century modern designs.

Using the stunning views of Downtown Atlanta, architect and designer Vykintas Genys used HanStone Quartz to bring his client’s vision to life.

Ryan Thewes, the owner of Ryan Thewes Architect, has been a licensed architect for 10 years and discussed his business and some of the trends he is seeing in the stone and tile industries.

FFKR Architects in Salt Lake City, UT, has worked with the Church of Latter Day Saints for at least 25 years. FFKR Architects has built these temples in major cities all over the world, roughly 150 of them and every year the Church of Latter Day Saints announces four or five new temples.

Located in Vienna, Austria, Juan Amador has opened his new restaurant, Wirthaus and Greisslerei. The restaurant features Neolith Beton Silk surfacing for the restaurant's countertops and central island in the kitchen. Neolith is made by Spain-based manufacturer, TheSize.