Surface is a customer service-oriented design studio located in Portland, Oregon. In business for four years, they offer many types of floor and wall coverings: carpet, wood, tile & stone and laminate. I spoke to Kara Bertolucci, their lead designer (and Britt’s mom) for this interview.

Originally set up as a space for builders to find unique products, Surface now works with designers, homeowners and architects as well. Their showroom space is kept open and free from the display racks that often crowd showroom floors. Instead, Surface has vignettes to show various products in use together and they use sliding vertical displays that pull out from the wall to show materials on their own. The open atmosphere creates a space where people feel comfortable taking their time on projects and even just hanging out at wine time, which starts at 4 pm.

Surface’ dedication to their customers is apparent in every aspect of their business. Kara feels most satisfied when she sees the excitement that comes from making a client’s vision a reality and regularly goes to see the sites and spaces she’s working with to make sure it gets done right. She described the emotional gratitude of a French woman who was able to recreate the look and feel of her childhood home in France; this is what Surface is about. Kara is firm that the most important service that Surface provides is listening to their customers and making sure they understand that their project is important, no matter the size.

Surface has noticed changes in the flooring industry, including an increased interest in tile and stone and a new focus on green products and sustainable building practices. Another change has come with the internet and the Home & Garden channel, which means consumers more informed, have more choices and therefore, can achieve a more personalized vision than ever before. In response, Surface strives to track down the products their clients request and keeps their staff educated on environmental issues and green products. They are also working towards LEED certification and staying active in the community by supporting Art Institute student projects and sponsoring the Street of Eames event, which features a tour of modern homes and benefits programs for homeless children. Bridging business and the broader community while staying committed to our individual customers is just what we do here at Statements, and it is exciting to find businesses like Surface who share our values.