As architects and designers strive to create designs that are both aesthetically pleasing as well as environmentally friendly, stone and tile manufacturers are working to develop materials and methods to assist these goals.

Lord, Aeck & Sargent was created in 1989 when two Atlanta, GA-based practices, Aeck Associates, which was founded in 1942, and Lord & Sargent, started in 1983, made the decision to join forces. Since that time, the firm has demonstrated a strong commitment to keeping sustainability at the forefront of its designs.

Utilizing panels of recycled engineered stone, renowned designer Aldo Cibic collaborated with producer Santamargherita to create an eco-friendly space for social interaction.

It has been said that it only takes one good idea.  And that was exactly the case for Ellen Blakeley of Ellen Blakeley Studio in San Francisco, CA, who was a pioneer in using recycled material to make glass tiles. 

CHANDLER, AZ -- The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), the largest tile contractors association in the world, gathered for four days at the Wild Horse Pass Resort in Chandler, AZ, for the 2010 NTCA annual winter meetings that kicked off on February 15.

OAXACA DE JUÁREZ, MEXICO -- Since March 2009, Alcalagres, a Tile of Spain branded manufacturer, has been involved in the development of one of the most significant projects in the city of Oaxaca de Juárez -- the capital city of the State of Oaxaca, in southern Mexico. Through the company's local representative, Porcer, Alcalagres has supplied an extensive amount of exterior porcelain cladding for the project Ciudad Judicial (meaning "Judiciary City") -- a project by the Government of the State of Oaxaca that has turned into the largest administrative infrastructure improvement initiative in the whole country. It is part of the city's urban development plan.

BOLOGNA, ITALY -- Because of last year's extraordinary success, Cersaie 2010 is repeating "Building Dwelling Thinking," the cultural event held in the Architecture Gallery that is both a meeting venue and an opportunity for discussion on key issues of building and materials. The International Exhibition of Ceramic Tiles and Bathroom Furnishings, which will be celebrating its 28th edition in Bologna, Italy, beginning on Tuesday, September 28, 2010, confirms its role as an important forum for the Italian and international design world.

CAMBRIDGE, MA -- The Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturers' Association (ASCER) will support a one-year research effort undertaken by the Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD) called "Ceramic Futures." The project will explore the best ways to meet the increasing challenges of product customization, adjustment to buyers' preferences and sustainability in production.

NEW YORK, NY -- Ceramic Tiles of Italy and The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) have a long-standing partnership and a shared mission to educate architects, designers, contractors, developers and tile specifiers about new products and cutting-edge installation techniques. Now, the two industry leaders are working together to present a series of seminars across the country. In this ever-changing world, it is important to keep up with the latest advances in technology and design. In terms of Italian tile, this translates to modern motifs, ultra-slim thicknesses and extra-large formats. The traveling program, called "Beyond the Surface: The Skinny on Italian Tile," will feature CEU accredited sessions from industry experts and an opportunity for attendees to see what's new in the local marketplace.