a blog about tile
There is no greater gathering for the ceramic tile industry than the annual show in Bologna, Italy known as Cersaie. We attend each year for the inspiration, for the camaraderie, and for the chance to see what amazing new design, technology, or innovation will shape the next generation of tile. And of course, the setting isn’t bad either!
Just one of many worth projects announced as finalists for the Curry Stone Prize. For more examples, see the full post at Treehugger.com.
Botanical Garden in Medellin, Colombia
Mother’s Day is pretty special for us this year, as we have a number of new mothers in our circle. So, today, we wanted to say thanks for being the most important people in our lives. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!
Part 2 of our interview with Mary Yocum, Western Regional Sales Manager for Crossville and one of the key voices in the North American tile market.
Q: What is the most common mistake people make when using tile in their home?
A: One mistake is not doing as much research about the quality and ability of the tile installer as you do in selecting your tile. This is the person who will work with you to take boxes of loose tile and decorative pieces and create the artwork in your house. The skill of that installer is a critical part of the completed project. A good installer will support the design ideas and suggestions that you showroom salesperson or designer has helped you to create on paper. CTEF has a wonderful certification program. You can check their website www.tilecareer.com for a list of certified installers in your area.
Q: What changes do you see coming in the next few years that have the potential to significantly change the tile industry?
A: The fashion side of the business will continue to grow. The various sizes, styles, textures and design capabilities will continue to expand. I think we will be challenged to have enough well qualified, creative tile installers to help us continue to grow the business and grow the industry. We need to continue to bring people into this part of our industry to grow to our true potential.
Technology is going to allow for the manufacturing of sizes, textures, patterns and styles beyond anything we have typically been using. The design community using technology, and the demand from clients requiring their own signature look or style, is going to encourage our industry to get more custom oriented. It will no longer be about offering three sizes in six colors. It will be about mixing and matching styles, colors and sizes…. And getting it to market quickly.
Q: And, of course, we should mention Crossville, an exemplary US manufacturer of ceramic tiles. Is there a Crossville product that you would highlight as a bestseller or particularly unique?
A: It is amazing how my 11 years at Crossville have just flown by. To work for a company that values family and integrity is a special thing these days. Several months ago we introduced our ULTIMETAL product. While this took much longer on the R & D and manufacturing side than us sales folks wanted, what we got was a product unlike other metallic products in the market. The ULTIMETAL collection was the GOLD winner at Neo Con last year and also Best of Year winner by Interior Design Magazine. With its combination of fabric like look and metallic finish as well as being suitable for high traffic applications, it has been an exciting to bring to market.
Our deepest gratitude for Mary for taking the time to answer our questions. You can find her on LinkedIn, at Crossville, or at any of the big tile shows.
Time to start thinking about making your reservations for NEOCON 2010. Although we attend NEOCON for the Architectural Stone and Ceramic Tile Exposition, there is so much to love about it. Not least of which is the setting.vChicago in June can be divine. Hope to see you there!
Chicago's Merchandise Mart
What better day than today to give a quick review of the key criteria to consider when selecting a tile for sustainability? Here’s what to remember:
There is no greater icon of the Seattle music scene of the 1990s than Kurt Cobain. Two decades after the release of Bleach, Seattle Art Museum features an exhibition of artwork inspired by Nirvana’s lead singer. Running all summer.
Jeanne Nichols has spent over 25 years in the tile business, as a sales person, a manager, and a strong voice in the industry. She is currently working on a range of projects, including a storefront in Colorado and a project to expand women’s contributions to the tile industry. (For Part 1, see Interview with Jeanne Nichols, Part 1.)
Q: What is the next step for Women in Tile?
A: Well, we are in our infancy stages and just now getting the word out about the initiative. We are planning to have a second networking event at Coverings (Wednesday afternoon 4:30-5:30 at TILE Magazine booth #3806). We have begin structuring our advisory board and should be able to fully launch at the Total Solutions Plus Conference in Naples, FL this fall.
Q: Have you had any negative feedback about the initiative?
A: The biggest resistance I have gotten are mainly in the form of jokes and jabs. There is a misconception that when women get together their main goal is to “bash” men. Due to a lack of understanding of what the group’s goals are this is an expected response. I have to tell you that even my husband who is one of the most supportive and encouraging partners any one could have did not understand why this group was necessary. As I told him unless you have been a women in this industry you will not nor could you understand.
Q: Are you getting any support from the trade associations?
A: Absolutely, particularly from CTDA and NTCA. I’m confident others will join in as they become aware of our goals.
Q: What advice would you give to young women who are just starting out in the tile business?
A: This is a wonderful industry full of color and design. There are opportunities for a great career and advancement if you are willing to work hard. The industry provides an outlet for any interest from technical to sales to marketing and management. The industry is becoming progressive in all aspects of business development including software programming, social media and strategic sales development. You have a group of professional women who are willing to support and encourage you in your endeavor.
Q: And now for fun: if you could use any tile in your home, without worrying about cost, what would it be?
A: WOW! I’m not sure I can pick just one. I love large format mono-chromatics. I also really like some of the new fabulous mosaics and a new interest for me is the handmade tiles being done by some small company’s such as BonTon Designs and Status Ceramics. My ideas change every time I see something new and cool.
Many thanks to Jeanne for taking the time to answer our questions! Please be sure to follow Jeanne on twitter at www.twitter.com/womenintile.
The US Capitol is a truly majestic building. It is a temple honoring representative democracy, housing the two chambers of our Congress and anchoring the complex that includes the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress. If forced to choose between a White House tour or a Capitol tour, I’d pick the Capitol every time.
Statuary Hall, just off the rotunda, is an example of the classical grandeur of the Capitol, and a favorite of mine for the use of black and white marble. Legend has it that the marbles used for the flooring in Statuary Hall were actually the remnants of the marble used in the exterior of the building. It’s also a reminder that sometimes the best design doesn’t have to be complicated: square white field with black dots on point–the inspiration for the Statuario collection.
“love fear pleasure lust pain glamour death” Warhol at SAM
Opening next week at the Seattle Art Museum is an exhibition of the film and photo works of Andy Warhol, the Pop Art icon. The exhibition will run through the summer.