Celebrating Excellence: A Deep Dive Into The Starnet Design Awards

For 28 years, the Starnet Design Awards have stood as a pinnacle of achievement in the commercial flooring industry. Often compared to the “Oscars” of flooring, this exclusive competition celebrates the intersection of innovative design, technical precision, and the collaborative spirit of Starnet members and vendor partners. If any of these categories, designs, or projects match your needs be sure to check find a reliable and professional contactor near you here.

With the 2026 submission deadline of January 15th fast approaching, let’s explore the diverse categories that define this prestigious event.

CORPORATE

The Corporate category highlights the evolution of the modern workspace. Moving beyond “boring” cubicles, this category celebrates designers who use flooring to foster productivity and brand identity in office buildings, lobbies, and conference rooms.

The 2019 winner, Interpublic Group Global Headquarters (by Architectural Flooring Resource, Inc.), showcased how vibrant colors and intricate layouts can make a floor the “star” of a corporate environment.

HEALTHCARE

In Healthcare, the stakes are high. Flooring must balance extreme precision and hygiene with a sense of healing. This category includes hospitals, clinics, and patient rooms where the material choices are critical to the facility’s function.

The 39 Rainbow Healthcare project in Kansas City, the 2015 Gold Winner by Interior Surface Enterprises LLC, remains a gold standard for how flooring can contribute to a therapeutic atmosphere.

EDUCATION

Focused on K-12 and higher education, this category looks for innovative learning environments. Judges look for projects that prioritize the needs of students while maintaining durability.

Success in this category requires a perfect match between flooring design and the surrounding environment to avoid “floor care nightmares” and ensure longevity. A good example is from 2025 with San Antonio Floor Finishers’ School of Science & Technology submission.

HOSPITALITY AND PUBLIC SPACES

This category covers a broad spectrum, including restaurants, libraries, health clubs, and hotels. These projects often involve massive scale and complex, varying patterns across large footprints.

Work by partner Universal Metro illustrates how high-traffic hospitality venues can achieve “cranked up” levels of creative design despite their immense size. The 2025 Grand Prize winner by Universal Metro the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort represents everything this category stands for and represents.

MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENTS

As urban landscapes change, Mixed-Use projects—buildings containing at least two different types of facilities under one roof—have become a vital category. These projects require versatile flooring solutions that transition seamlessly between different functional areas.

The 331 Pine Street project in Jersey City, the 2023 winner by Flooring Central, stands as a prime example of innovative product use in a multi-functional space.

SINGLE SOURCE INTERIOR CHALLENGE

This niche category recognizes companies that provide both interior design and construction services. By keeping the design and installation “under one roof,” these firms assume all the risk but gain total control over the creative vision.

Midwest Floor Covering, Inc. took home Gold in 2024 for the Skutt Student Center at Creighton University, proving the power of a unified “single source” approach.

UNIQUE INSTALLATION CHALLENGE

This is widely considered the most exciting category because it focuses on the “level of difficulty.” While other categories prioritize design, this one is judged by technical experts on the complexity of the execution.

For this award, the written project strategy is vital. It must detail the obstacles faced and the innovative solutions used to overcome them. No project in recent years highlights that better than ReSource New Jersey’s NBC Sports 2026 Summer Olympics Studio which was not only the Unique Install Gold winner BUT the Grand Prize winner in 2017.

CANADIAN PROJECT OF THE YEAR

A newer addition to the awards, this category specifically honors the exceptional work of Starnet’s Canadian members. Unique in its structure, a project can be submitted for a specific sector (like Healthcare) and simultaneously compete for Canadian Project of the Year.

At the 2025 Starnet Design Awards the Canadians had their best performance in the history of the showcase. Our Canadian members are very valuable to the Starnet family and they overperformed with several awards and gold honors. The Canadian Project of the Year in 2025 by Maxwell Floors combined Canadian culture and masterful design. If you need reliable and professional commercial flooring contractors in Canada be sure to check out our excellent list of Canadian Flooring Installers.

ROB STARR PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

Named in honor of the late Rob Star, who treated the Design Awards like “his baby,” this award is held dear by the community. It is the only category decided by the popular vote of Starnet members and vendors, making it a true peer-recognized honor.

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center (by WC Carpenter LLC) won the 2019 popular vote, proving that a project can be a “fan favorite” even if it doesn’t take gold in its primary category.

Gerflor Group Has Announced Its Acquisition of Matter Surfaces

Gerflor Group, a global specialist in resilient flooring and surface solutions, has acquired Matter Surfaces, a prominent provider of entrance systems and architectural surface products in the U.S. commercial marketplace. The transaction marks a strategic step, merging two companies united by client focus, innovation, and a shared legacy rooted in customer service and design excellence.

Matter Surfaces, originally founded in 1971 by Bob and Catherine Schiffmann as Mats Inc., has evolved from a regional mat supplier into a distinguished brand serving the entire architectural surfaces market. The company remains driven by its founding family, with Paul, Richard, and John Schiffmann continuing in top leadership roles, supporting the business’ next chapter under Gerflor’s stewardship. Current CEO Barry Hume will remain at the helm and report to Benjamin Bachman, CEO of Gerflor North America.

“This partnership is less about change and more about progress,” said Benjamin Bachman. “Matter and Gerflor share a deep commitment to customer success, design leadership, and operational excellence. By coming together, we’re able to deliver even greater solutions and value for our partners across North America.” Matter Surfaces will continue as a standalone brand within the Gerflor North America group, ensuring continuity and stability for customers, suppliers, and associates.

More About Gerflor and Matter Surfaces

Gerflor, headquartered in France and operating in over 100 countries, is recognized across the institutional, athletic, and commercial flooring sectors. Its North American division encompasses several leading brands. The company continues to prioritize innovation, sustainability, and strong customer partnerships.

Matter Surfaces, from its Massachusetts base, now enters an exciting new phase, blending legacy family leadership with the global resources and reach of Gerflor Group. Both organizations look toward a future defined by growth, customer value, and continued focus on market-leading surface solutions.

Congratulations From Starnet Worldwide

Starnet Worldwide Commercial Flooring Partnership proudly congratulates both Gerflor and Matter Surfaces, longtime preferred vendor partners, on this exciting new chapter together. Their shared commitment to product innovation, customer experience, and design excellence helps drive the industry forward and supports successful projects across North America.

If you need these outstanding flooring products in any commercial space, Starnet’s nationwide network of commercial interior professionals offer local expertise and proven track records. Find a professional commercial flooring contractor through Starnet, and ensure quality installation for every project.

Find A Partner Near You

M. Frank Higgins Recognized by ARDEX for Outstanding Partnership and Performance

M. Frank Higgins & Co., Inc. has been named the first-place winner of the ARDEX Polaris Giveaway, a national incentive campaign designed to celebrate strong partnerships and exceptional performance in the flooring industry. This recognition highlights Higgins’ commitment to excellence and the power of collaboration between installers and suppliers.

The campaign, which ran from December 2024 through June 2025, rewarded top-performing customers who consistently chose ARDEX products for their flooring projects. M. Frank Higgins earned the grand prize—a Polaris General XP 4-Seater—by purchasing the highest volume of ARDEX underlayment in the country during the campaign period.

Celebrating Collaboration and Loyalty

The ARDEX Polaris Giveaway drew enthusiastic participation from across the U.S., underscoring the importance of trusted partnerships in delivering successful project outcomes. Greg Hunsicker, Vice President of Business Operations at ARDEX Americas, shared, “We launched this giveaway to celebrate our customers and the incredible work they do. M. Frank Higgins has been a fantastic partner, and we’re thrilled to recognize their loyalty and support with this well-earned prize.”

This recognition serves as a testament to the value of long-term collaboration and the tangible benefits that come from investing in quality products and trusted relationships. Higgins’ consistent use of ARDEX underlayment and other installation solutions reflects a shared commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.

Industry Leaders Supporting Industry Excellence

This acknowledgments reinforce ARDEX’s dedication to supporting its partners and celebrating excellence throughout the flooring community.

M. Frank Higgins is based in Berlin, CT, provides a comprehensive range of flooring solutions—including hardwood, tile, vinyl, carpet, and more—serving sectors such as healthcare, education, hospitality, corporate, and retail. Their partnership with ARDEX exemplifies how high-performance materials and expert installation come together to deliver exceptional results. We are happy to see such a strong partnership within the Starnet Worldwide Network!

Looking Ahead

As ARDEX Americas continues to invest in initiatives that promote collaboration and recognize excellence, the flooring industry can expect more opportunities to celebrate the achievements of its top performers. The Polaris Giveaway is more than just a prize—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when suppliers and installers partner for success!

Announcing the Top Preferred Vendors At The 2025 Starnet Design Awards

We’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on the outstanding contributions of our preferred vendor partners in the Starnet Design Awards! This year, a remarkable 97 commercial flooring projects were submitted for consideration, showcasing the incredible talent and collaboration within our network.

The success of these award-winning installations is truly a testament to the quality and innovation provided by our vendor partners. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 vendors is based on the number of projects in which their products were used, demonstrating their widespread impact and integral role in these premier designs. We had a few ties, so we get to celebrate some bonus preferred vendor achievements!

  1. Mapei & Johnsonite – 57 Projects
  2. Tarkett – 43 Projects
  3. Uzin Utz – 33 Projects
  4. ARDEX – 28 Projects
  5. Measure Square – 27 Projects
  6. Mohawk Group & Daltile – 26 Projects
  7. Milliken & RFMS – 21 Projects
  8. J+J Flooring & Roppe – 20 Projects
  9. AHF – 18 Projects
  10. Wagner Meters – 17 Projects

These partners exemplify the spirit of collaboration and excellence that defines the Starnet network. Their commitment to providing top-tier products is crucial for bringing innovative and high-quality commercial flooring projects to life.

We extend our congratulations to all our preferred vendor partners and encourage everyone to continue fostering these successful partnerships to achieve future industry highlights. Be sure to submit your commercial flooring projects for the upcoming competition to showcase your incredible work!

Partner for success with Starnet Worldwide Commercial Flooring!

Starnet Announces the 2025 Design Awards Winners

Showcasing Innovation in Commercial Flooring Design and Installation!


Starnet Commercial Flooring, the world’s largest network of full-service commercial flooring contractors, is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 Starnet Design Awards. Now in its 27th year, the competition showcases excellence in flooring design and installation, celebrating the collaborative achievements of Starnet Members, architects, designers, and leading commercial flooring brands across North America.

This year’s entries set a new benchmark for creativity and technical execution, with projects completed in 2024 competing across eight categories: Corporate, Education, Healthcare, Hospitality & Public Space, Mixed-Use Developments, Single-Source Interior Contractor, Unique Installation, and Canadian Project of the Year. A panel of industry leaders specializing in flooring, architecture, and design evaluated the projects based on innovation, craftsmanship, and their overall contribution to the built environment.

Gold category winners advanced to consideration for the prestigious Starnet 2025 Grand Prize, awarded to the year’s most outstanding flooring project. The Grand Prize, along with all gold, silver, bronze, and honorable mention honorees, will be celebrated at the Starnet Design Awards gala on April 25, 2025.

Additionally, the competition featured the Rob Starr People’s Choice Award, where Starnet Members—highly skilled commercial flooring contractors—and their supporting Preferred Vendor Partners voted on standout peer projects that exemplify superior workmanship and design.

Grand Prize Winner:
Murrieta Hot Springs Resort – A Historic Revival with Modern Luxury

Universal Metro earned top honors at the 2025 Starnet Design Awards, taking home Gold in both the Hospitality and Public Space categories, along with the coveted Grand Prize, for its work at the revitalized Murrieta Hot Springs Resort.

Tucked into the hills of Southern California, the historic resort—originally established in 1902—has long been known for its natural hot springs and timeless Spanish-style architecture. The recent transformation required a sensitive approach, blending the site’s rich past with the comforts and aesthetics of contemporary wellness design.

Guided by the theme “California Nostalgic,” the interiors reflect a seamless fusion of rustic charm and coastal elegance. In the main building’s reception, café, and guestrooms, warm terracotta-toned tile echoes the resort’s Mediterranean-inspired roofs. In the bathhouse, materials were carefully selected for both resilience and refinement, with earthy matte mosaic tile paired against glossy off-white walls for a clean, modern contrast.

Behind the scenes, high-performance installation materials ensure long-term durability, moisture protection, and a flawless finish—critical to maintaining beauty and function in a hospitality environment.

“Murrieta Hot Springs Resort beautifully balances historic charm with modern luxury. The textures, materials, and overall execution seamlessly align with its design vision,” said Judge Sarah Joubert of Gensler.

Judge Megan Skaalen of Smith Group added, “The complexity of renovating a historic space brings unique challenges, and this project was exceptionally well executed to maintain its integrity while achieving a cohesive, refreshed look.”

The renewed Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is now poised to welcome a new generation of visitors, offering a restorative experience that bridges heritage and modern luxury.

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, Santa Fe Springs, CA

Category Winners:

Gold in Corporate
Consolidated Flooring; Confidential Law Firm

The firm’s office design integrates flexible workspaces with flooring that enhances acoustics and defines distinct areas. A bold red carpet feature in the boardroom adds a dynamic brand statement.

“The mix of materials and bold color choices make this law office stand out—sophisticated yet unexpected,” said Judge Megan Skaalen.

Confidential Law Firm, Chicago, IL

Gold in Healthcare
Antex Western; Ksyen Regional Hospital

“The seamless transition of colors and materials enhances the architecture and patient experience,” noted judge Sarah Joubert.

Designed to foster a calming and intuitive patient experience, the hospital’s flooring plan integrates materials that guide movement, enhance well-being, and support care environments.

Ksyen Regional Hospital, Winnipeg, Canada

Gold in Education
Commercial Flooring of Toledo; Owens Community College School of Nursing

With a focus on functionality and aesthetics, the nursing school’s flooring selection supports both rigorous healthcare training and a welcoming atmosphere.

“This project masterfully aligns flooring with the architecture, enhancing both functionality and design integrity,” said Judge Sarah Joubert.

Owens Community College School of Nursing, Toledo, OH

Gold in Hospitality & Public Spaces
Universal Metro; Murrieta Hot Springs Resort

The Murrieta Hot Springs Resort renovation honors the site’s Spanish architectural roots while introducing contemporary materials that elevate its historic charm.

“The flooring played a key role in achieving that timeless aesthetic—beautifully selected and expertly executed,” said Judge Sarah Joubert.

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, Santa Fe Springs, CA

Gold in Unique Installation Challenge
Tri-State Carpet; Delaware Museum of Nature and Science

Using six distinct flooring colors to define exhibit zones, this installation required intricate hand-cut designs, bringing nature themes to life.

“Every intricate cut, from tree trunks to pond details, was meticulously hand-cut, demonstrating unparalleled craftsmanship,” praised Judge Robert Varden of UNITE.

Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, Wilmington, DE

Gold in Single Source Interior Contractor
Couvre-Planchers Labrosse; Good News Chapel

The design and construction of the Good News Chapel, from material selection to installation, was carefully considered to create a space that fosters a sense of warmth, tranquility, and purpose.

Judge Sarah Joubert said, “This project is deserving of gold, because it is so well executed.” The judges also noted the stepped auditorium and how difficult it is to get the flooring in on such a project. “I appreciate the complexity and a job well done,” added Judge Megan Skaalen.

Good News Chapel, Laval, Quebec, Canada

Gold in Mixed-Use Developments
Consolidated Flooring; Havas

A diverse palette of textures and patterns creates a rich, layered environment, while the strategic use of flooring materials helps define and differentiate key zones throughout the space, enhancing both functionality and visual appeal.

“Havas brought together a bold mix of flooring types in a way that felt cohesive and visually compelling,” said Judge Sarah Joubert. Judge Caitlin Turner added, “It’s a daring design that really stands out.” Judge Megan Skaalen summed it up: “I love it—it’s funky, dynamic, and full of energy.”

Havas, Chicago, IL

Gold in Canadian Project of the Year
Maxwell Floors; Dogwood Care Home

A defining feature of the project is the hand-crafted in-floor native logo in the Sacred Room—an intricate, meaningful detail that highlights both technical skill and cultural respect. This thoughtful element reinforces the project’s commitment to creating a care environment that is not only functional but also deeply rooted in place and community.

“In Canadian healthcare design, it’s rare to see such refined details due to government funding,” said Judge Caitlin Turner. “This project stands out for honoring Indigenous culture in a way that’s especially important to Vancouver Island.”

Dogwood Care Home, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada

The Rob Starr People’s Choice Award

Honoring the legacy of former Starnet Director of Marketing and Member Services Rob Starr, this award continues to recognize projects that resonate within the industry for their craftsmanship and impact. Starnet President & CEO Mark Bischoff reflected, “This award, renamed in Rob’s honor, celebrates the projects that bring our industry together through innovation and excellence.”

Capital Carpet & Flooring Specialists; Hingham Foster Elementary School

This year, the award was presented to Hingham Foster Elementary School by Capital Carpet & Flooring Specialists. The Hingham Foster Elementary School is a state-of-the-art, net-zero-ready facility serving over 600 students from Pre-K through 5th grade. Designed around collaborative learning neighborhoods and inclusive education spaces, the project integrates sustainable flooring materials that enhance comfort, safety, and acoustics. Selected for its innovation, functionality, and impact on the community, the school sets a new benchmark for educational design.

Hingham Foster Elementary School, Hingham, MA

Meet the 2025 Judging Panel

Submissions for 2026 are NOW OPEN!