![](/NFT/2001/09/Files/Images/61422.jpg)
Nobody knows wood floors like the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA). At this year's annual NWFA trade show in Palm Springs, Calif., the more than 2,200-member-strong association demonstrated its devotion to beautiful floors through its sponsorship of the 2001 Floor of the Year Awards. Members of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) judged a cornucopia of striking entries and chose contest winners based on each installation's design compatibility with other features in the room.
The NWFA awarded Floor of the Year honors in master and expert divisions. Chicago-based Birger Juell Ltd. took home the contest's top accolade in the master division. Incorporating hickory, walnut, maple, and mahogany, the 800-square-foot entry features herringbone patterns framed between columns. Sam Rosenberg and Birger Juell designed the hand-scraped and hand-beveled floor. The company also installed, sanded and finished the floor.
![](/NFT/2001/09/Files/Images/61423.jpg)
In addition, ASID judges named a 1,300-square-foot piece submitted by Artisan Hardwood Floors of Austin, Texas the 2001 Floor of the Year in the expert division. The same installation also won the 2001 Member's Choice Award in the expert division. Member's Choice Awards are determined by a vote of convention attendees.
Housed in a ballroom, the Artisan entry features a center parquet that measures more than 40 square feet. The installation's 8-inch medallion includes quarter-sawn white oak, santos, jatoba, and a santos mahogany background. Artisan installed and finished the floor. Decorative Flooring manufactured the flooring.
![](/NFT/2001/09/Files/Images/61424.jpg)
The Renaissance Floors installation also garnered the Best Use of Wood Technology Award. Entries in the Wood Technology category are judged on the effective use of wood-crafting technology to produce an aesthetically pleasing wood floor.
![](/NFT/2001/09/Files/Images/61425.jpg)
![](/NFT/2001/09/Files/Images/61426.jpg)
Entries for the award include unfinished wood flooring, hand-cut designs and mixed media. Installations are judged on craftsmanship and design compatibility with other design elements.
![](/NFT/2001/09/Files/Images/61427.jpg)
![](/NFT/2001/09/Files/Images/61428.jpg)
![](/NFT/2001/09/Files/Images/61429.jpg)
The 2002 Floor of the Year Awards will be handed out during next year's NWFA Convention at the Opryland Hotel, Oct. 17-20, in Orlando, Fla.