Call For Entries

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Coverings, a leading stone and tile exhibition in the U.S., recently announced the call for entries to the 2005 PRISM Stone in Architecture Awards, honoring out-standing examples of architectural achievement in the use of natural stone. The $10,000 grand prize will be awarded at the opening General Session of Coverings 2005, which is scheduled for May 3 to 6, 2005, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.

The 2005 PRISM Stone in Architecture Awards competition is open to architects and other design professionals whose projects demonstrate creativity and achievement in the use of natural stone, with particular interest in original or unusual uses. The deadline for all entries is 5 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on Friday, February 18, 2005. To be considered for an award, projects must have been completed within the last three years (January 2001 to December 2004). All entries must include a binder with an official entry form, a typed project description, high-quality photographs of the entry, an entry fee of $100 and an identification of the submission. Multiple entries are encouraged, with an additional $85 fee for additional submissions. Entry forms and materials can be found on www.coverings.com.

The Marble Institute of America (MIA) and Architectural Record magazine are coordinating the 2005 PRISM Stone in Architecture Awards competition. The entries will be evaluated based on creativity in design and excellence in application by an independent panel

of judges.

â€œThroughout history, natural stone has proven to be one of the most beautiful, versatile and dependable building materials in the world,â€ said Tamara Christian, Coverings' show director and president of National Trade Productions. â€œWe look forward once again to reviewing an array of submissions that showcase the craftsmanship and sophistication that natural stone can add to any project.â€

Garis F. Distelhorst, executive vice president of MIA, shares Christian's sentiments. â€œEach year the PRISM Award submissions overwhelm us in terms of their beauty and elegance,â€ he said. â€œFor 2005, we fully expect another assortment of entries that capture the grace, style and timelessness of natural stone.â€

Additional prizes include: Residential First Prize, $2,500; Residential Award of Merit, $1,500; Commercial First Prize, $2,500; and Commercial Award of Merit, $1,500.