The Italian ceramic tile industry is pleased to announce the 14th edition of the Ceramic Tiles of Italy Design Competition. Sponsored by Assopiastrelle, the Association of Italian Ceramic Tile Manufacturers, and the Italian Trade Commission, this annual awards program recognizes design excellence in projects that feature Italian ceramic tile. North American architects and interior designers are invited to submit residential, commercial and institutional projects completed between January 2002 and January 2007.

Previous winners range from star architects like Bernard Tschumi and Laurinda Spear to young up-and-comers. Entries may be submitted for domestic and international new construction and renovation projects. A panel of design professionals will judge the projects based on their creativity, aesthetic value, and how the tiles meet their functional and technical requirements. The criterion for the jury includes: overall design of the project, innovative use of tile, tile design, quality of installation and degree that tile enhanced the setting.

Winners in each category will receive a cash prize of $5,000 and a trip to Coverings, which will be held in Chicago, Illinois from April 17th-20th, 2007. Winners will also be treated to a 5-day trip to CERSAIE 2007, the world's largest exhibition for ceramic tile and bathroom furnishings, and join a delegation of leading design media journalists. The organization will once again offer an additional $1,000 to be shared by the winning contractor/distributor team.

Completed submissions must be received no later than February 9, 2007. For more information contact Novità Communications atinfo@novitapr.com.