This document provides information about a seminar on the evolution of tile usage from decorative to sustainable. The seminar will discuss how advancements in tile manufacturing have allowed it to be used beyond traditional floor and wall applications. Attendees will learn strategies for using large format tiles in commercial and residential projects and how tile can be leveraged as a building material apart from just finishes. The objectives are for participants to identify application strategies, design opportunities, best practices, and latest products involving large format stone tiles.

1. Tile: From Decorative to
Sustainable
Michael P Johnson
Lira Luis, AIA , RIBA, LEED

2. Coverings is a Registered Provider with The American
Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems
(AIA/CES). Credit earned on completion of this program will
be reported to AIA/CES for AIA members. Certificates of
Completion for both AIA and non-AIA members are available
on request.
This program is registered with AIA/CES for continuing
professional education. As such, it does not include
content that may be deemed or construed to be an
approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of
construction or any method or manner of handling, using,
distributing, or dealing in any material or product.
Questions related to specific materials, methods, and services
will be addressed at the conclusion of this presentation.

3. Course Description
The earliest usage of tile was for flooring. The need for
sophisticated decorations in buildings inspired advancements
in tile manufacturing processes. The realization that floor tiles
would be too delicate for heavy usage led to it becoming a
decorative wall element. In contrast, we have seen century old
buildings inlaid with it, proving its longevity and strength. This
seminar session will introduce participants to the evolution of
advancements in tile products beyond the traditional usage.
Participants will identify strategies to help them find
appropriate products and components that will lead to greater
building efficiencies. One of the best ways to achieve a
sustainable building using tile is to leverage it beyond the
decorative.

4. Learning Objectives
• Participants will be able to identify application
strategies for large format tiles in commercial and
residential building types.
• Participants will be able to plan for design opportunities
involving tile as a building material apart from finishes.
• Participants will be able to apply knowledge about best
practices in handling various format tiles.
• Participants will be able to identify the latest products
and techniques involved in working with large format
stones.

6. michael@mpjstudio.com
Questions? Lira Luis, AIA, RIBA, LEED AP BD+C
lira@liraluis.com
ALLL