ALEXANDRIA, VA -- A trio of design ideas incorporating tile and stone will come to life before the eyes of Coverings 2012 attendees with the presentation of the Installation Design Showcase. “The special combined live-action demonstration and exhibit underscores how critical skilled installation is to realizing any design project, and it has become a must-see of the international tile and stone expo, April 17 to 20, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL,” show organizers said.

Construction gets underway a day prior to the opening of Coverings, with completion marked for Wednesday, April 18. However, the exhibit will remain in full view through the show’s close.

Matches have been made between three distinguished designers and three accomplished installation teams. Instrumental in making these marriages was The National Tile Contractors Association, a Coverings co-sponsor that helped originate the Showcase three years ago. To participate, installers must have NTCA Five Star Recognition, the association’s highest ranking, and be certified by the Ceramic Tile Education. The collaborations between the professionals will yield an outdoor living area, a master bathroom and a hotel guestroom where tile and stone have star billing.

The Line-Up of Designers & Installers

Joan DesCombes, a nationally known kitchen designer who has her own practice in Winter Park, Florida, is among the highly touted talent in the Showcase. DesCombes is dreaming-up an outdoor living area that she describes as “a personal pamper patio-a tranquil retreat where one can escape, reflect and relax.” Cox Tile and Marble, of San Antonio, TX, which has participated in the Installation Design Showcase since its inception, once again is assigning a team that will tackle this scenario.

Orlando native and president of Gribble Interior Group, Grant Gribble, ASID, IIDA, is also stepping into the Showcase spotlight. He is planning the “Mod Squad of master baths,” drawing inspiration from 1960s and 1970s fashion. Helping his retro vision evolve into an energetic yet elegant vignette is Collins Tile and Stone, Arlington, VA.

The acclaimed firm TVS Design, Atlanta, is sending senior associate Foreman Rogers, ASID, who has envisioned a “sophisticated and luxe” look for his hotel guestroom. It’s a space that aims to highlight tile as “much more than just a practical material but as a true art form.” David Allen Company, headquartered in Raleigh, NC, will lead the installation on this project.

In addition to shining light on the participating designers and installers, the exhibit will illuminate some of the latest and greatest tile and stone products and essential installation elements from Coverings 2012 exhibitors, including Crossville, Ceramics of Italy, Florida Tile and Metropolitan Ceramics. What’s more, QEP, Rubi Tools USA and European Tile Masters Inc will provide the necessary tools to construct the exhibit, while H.B. Fuller Construction Products, Mapei and USG Corp will supply the basic building needs.

“The Installation Design Showcase exemplifies the true mission of Coverings: to bring all segments of the tile and stone industry together and amplify how these materials can transform both our living spaces and our world,” said Bart Bettiga, executive director at National Tile Contractors Association. “The fact that the Showcase will be completed over the course of the show, right on the exhibit floor, offers attendees the opportunity to witness the process first-hand, and to interact directly with the designers and installers. It’s yet another example of the kind of innovative, value-added programming that makes Coverings such an incomparable experience.”

According to Bettiga, all of the materials and products featured in the Installation Design Showcase will have an after-life benefitting Tile Partners for Humanity.

For more information or to register, visit: www.coverings.com.