Now in its 19^th year, the competition has recognized the outstanding work of North American architects and designers who have featured Italian ceramic tiles in their institutional, residential or commercial/hospitality projects. Past winners include: Belzberg Architects, Rene Gonzalez and Bernard Tschumi Architects.

For the 2012 Tile Competition, North American architects and interior designers are invited to submit domestic and international -- new or renovated -- projects completed between January 2007 and January 2012. A judging panel of design experts will critique the projects based on their creativity, functionality and aesthetic appeal. The official criterion for the jury includes: overall design of the project; innovative use of tile; tile design; quality of installation; degree that tile enhances the setting; and the project's sustainable attributes. Winners will be announced at the Ceramics of Italy Press Conference during Coverings, which will be held in Orlando, FL, from April 17 to 20, 2012.

Award recipients in each category will receive a cash prize of $4,000 and a five-day trip to Bologna, Italy, to attend Cersaie 2012 -- joining a delegation of top consumer and design journalists. In addition, Ceramics of Italy will recognize the contributions of the contractors and distributors involved in the winning works, with an additional $1,000 to be shared by the team.

In accordance with the environmental values of the Ceramics of Italy manufacturers, the Tile Competition works hard to reduce its carbon footprint by making the competition completely digital and free to enter. Applications, guidelines, and an inspirational archive of past winners are all available on the competition's official Web site at: www.tilecompetition.com. Deadline for entries is February 17, 2012.