Even during the recent economic downturn, stone and tile continue to remain popular material choices when designing various spaces, especially in the residential sector. While these materials create an aesthetically pleasing setting, they also have the ability to increase value to one’s home, which is important for long-term investment.

Considered to be a pioneer of the post-modernism architectural movement, Michael Graves, FAIA, has been creating signature buildings around the world for decades. His meticulous attention to detail and appreciation for natural building materials are evident in all of his designs.

While stone and tile have been known to create a certain feel for a space, the use of innovative decorative tile products offer architects and designers the opportunity to really incorporate material that truly reflects the setting in which they are creating. Whether designing a residence to reflect the hobbies of the homeowner, or using interesting materials to capture the allure of a commercial setting, the decorative tile and mosaic options in today's market provide endless choices.

The variety of decorative tiles being produced continues to provide architects and designers with unlimited design options. The following is a collection of some of the newest product lines in today's market:

Architects and designers alike are finding that by using stone and tile in complementary ways -- such as featuring similar materials, flowing patterns or a monochromatic palette -- designs can be subtly carried throughout a home's entirety, creating an even transition from one room to another. More specifically, the designs of kitchens and bathrooms, ideal spaces for stone and tile features, can essentially tie a home together.

With interior design, whether the space is a large corporate office or a small-scaled residence, it is important for architects and designers to combine functionality with aesthetics, and often this concept is generated through the use of stone and tile materials. The limitless amount of product choices on today's market enables these spaces to be practical in use, while still being unique and pleasing to the eye.

The 25th edition of Cersaie, an international exhibition of ceramic tiles and bathroom furnishings, took place this fall at the Bologna Exhibition Centre in Bologna, Italy. The 2007 rendition set three new records, including the figures for total visitors (91,935), foreign visitors (27,121) and Italian and foreign journalists (632).

While stone and tile remain a staple material for traditional residential spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms, they are also more commonly being used for other applications like large-scale fireplaces and outdoor water elements, among others. It seems homeowners today are more willing to spend money on aesthetically pleasing designs, and therefore, they are using stone and tile for more creative and elaborate sections and features of the home.

Jerry K. Roller founded JK Roller Architects in 1984 when the firm operated out of a 500-square-foot space in Philadelphia, PA. Since then, after experiencing tremendous growth, the company expanded into a 5,000-square-foot space, where it is currently located today.

During an OSHA seminar titled, “A Safe Shop is a Productive Shop - Safety and Health in the Workplace,” which was held during StonExpo East in Atlanta, GA, presenter Jonathan Worrell, Compliance Assistant Specialist from OSHA’s Atlanta East Area Office, discussed the basic ways to prepare for an OSHA visit.