As the first webinar in the Tile Academy, “Designing with Tile and Natural Stone for Elegance, Vibrancy and Style,” will explore the specification of tile and stone in four unique projects. The presenters will discuss how tile and stone met the design goals in unique ways, from creating visual excitement in a Bronx, N.Y., community center, to enhancing a stately history home owned by Henry Ford's son, to elevating South Florida estates to a modern tropical elegance.  

Amber Fox, NTCA Five-Star Contractor Program Director, who spearheaded this program with Architectural Record said, “The NTCA and Five-Star Program has taken a new approach this year in our outreach. We have built a well-rounded program that covers the many layers that contribute to a successful project such as material selection, installation system, methods and standards and how using qualified labor can help to bring all these components together.  We’re eager to see how our Tile Academy impacts the tile industry.” NTCA Members who acquire Five-Star Company Recognition status must complete a comprehensive application that demonstrates a proven track record of success in tile and stone installation and business management.

Speakers and topics for the webinar include:
• Ben Grobe, AIA, and Amanda Key, Principals, The Smith Group -- Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, Grosse Point Shores, Michigan.
• Kirsten Youngren, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CPHC, Architect, FX Collaborative  -- YMCA, Bronx, New York project
• Ralph Choeff, AIA, Founding Principal, Choeff Levy Fischman -- Bal Harbour Residence in Bal Harbour, Fla., and the North Bay Residence in Miami Beach.

The learning objectives for this webinar include:
• Identifying four projects where tile and stone helped achieve the program's design goals and performance needs. 
• Describing stone options that can help create a high-end modern tropical residence. 
• Discussing how colorful tiled walls add energy and excitement to a community center. 
• Defining the qualities of tile that help maintain the stateliness of a 1920s estate.
Attendees earn 1 AIA LU/Elective; Canadian Architects: 1 Learning Hour

The six Tile Academy courses delve into known pitfalls of specification, tile industry standards and how to use them and the latest trends in tile.  The Tile Academy will be active for a year and additional webinars and mixed media pieces will be added during that time to bring fresh content and education to the A&D community. 

Visit the Tile Academy at https://bit.ly/3A3mRQh

Read more about the “Designing with Tile and Natural Stone for Elegance, Vibrancy and Style,” webinar and register at  https://bit.ly/3ipiSHG

NTCA is a leading trade association in the ceramic tile industry with more than 1500 members, representing thousands of tile and stone installers.  www.tile-assn.com.