2018 Ceramics of Italy Tile Competition Now Open for Entries

Confindustria Ceramica (the Italian Association of Ceramics) and the Italian Trade Agency this week officially began accepting entries for the 25 th annual Ceramics of Italy Tile Competition, which recognizes North American designers and architects who most impressively leverage the technical and aesthetic advantages of Italian ceramic and porcelain tile.

The competition—which includes residential, institutional, and commercial projects—is judged by a jury of international design experts, who consider a number of factors in their decision-making process, from how functional and sustainable the design is, to its creativity, the quality of its install, and overall degree to which the tile enhances the setting. Winners will receive $3,000, and accommodations and travel (as well as a chance to show off their work) to both Coverings and Cersaie—the world’s two biggest tile expositions, held annually in Atlanta and Bologna, Italy, respectively. Additionally, the contractor/distributor team involved in each winning project will be awarded $1,000.

To qualify for entry, the submitted project must have been completed by a North America-based architect or designer between January 2013 and January 2017, and, it goes without saying, must feature a significant amount of Italian tile. This year’s competition is unique in that a student category has been introduced. To quality, you need only be enrolled at an accredited North American college or university.

A full list of competition guidelines as well as how to submit can be found on the competition’s website. Deadline for entries is Feb. 15, 2018. Winners will be announced in March.