One of the highlights of Coverings every year is the Installation Design Showcase and this year’s showcase delivered great designs, great installations and great products. The Installation Design Showcase is a combined live-action demonstration and exhibit and it underscores how critical skilled installation is to realizing any design project. The construction got underway a day prior to Coverings’ opening and the designs were finished by Wednesday, April 18. The designs remained in full view through the show’s closing on April 20. Three distinguished designers were matched up with three outstanding installation teams thanks to The National Tile Contractors Association, a Coverings co-sponsor that helped originate the Showcase three years ago. To participate, installers had to have achieved NTCA Five Star Recognition, the association’s highest ranking, and have been certified by the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation. Joan DesCombes, a nationally known kitchen designer who has her own practice in Winter Park, Florida joined up with Cox Tile and Marble, of San Antonio, Texas, to dream up an outdoor retreat. Grant Gribble, ASID, IIDA and president of Gribble Interior Group joined with Collins Tile and Stone from Arlington, Virginia to create the ‘Mod Squad of master baths.’ Finally, senior associate from tvsdesign, Atlanta, Foreman Rogers, ASID, envisioned a ‘sophisticated and luxe’ look for his hotel guestroom. Is vision became real the the expert installation of the  David Allen Company, headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. The exhibit highlighted some of the latest tile and stone products and essential installation elements from Coverings 2012 exhibitors, including Crossville, Ceramics of Italy, Florida Tile and Metropolitan Ceramics. Furthermore, QEP, Rubi Tools USA and European Tile Masters, Inc. provided the necessary tools to construct the exhibit, while H.B. Fuller Construction Products, MAPEI and USG Corporation supplied the basic building needs. TOTO supplied products for the master bathroom space.