After more than a decade of planning, L.A. LIVE - a 4 million-square-foot, pedestrian-oriented entertainment and retail district in downtown Los Angeles, CA that sits adjacent to the Staples Center - has become a reality.

Design of dimensional stone veneer is a straightforward process when the stone sizes are similar, utilize the same material and are connected to an appropriately framed structural backup. However, if stone panels of different sizes and shapes are part of the architectural vision and the existing backup wall limits the location of anchors, the designer must be creative and meticulous in the cladding design.

The “Marmomacc Meets Design” (MMD) project again generated some of the more innovative booth designs. MMD 2010 paired leading international designers with stone processors. The pairings focused on this year’s theme - “irregular and exceptional” - in developing everything from objects to entire booth designs. 

Bass Studio Architects, based in Columbus, OH, selected the Black Gold Blend from the Tivoli series by Hakatai for the new Thaijindesu Thai and Sushi Bar, a contemporary fusion-style restaurant in beachside Newport News, VA. The iridescent glass mosaic tile, which is produced with recycled content, was employed for the face of an enclosed half-circle bar and two hosting stations in the lounge as well as an island-style service station in the main dining room.

Design of dimensional stone veneer is a straightforward process when the stone sizes are similar, utilize the same material and are connected to an appropriately framed structural backup. However, if stone panels of different sizes and shapes are part of the architectural vision and the existing backup wall limits the location of anchors, the designer must be creative and meticulous in the cladding design.

For a 10,000-square-foot private residence in Wexford, PA, ledgerock was selected for the exterior facade to complement its surrounding environment. The home, which is surrounded by a manicured landscape full of grass and trees, also features ledgerock on its interior. 

Silver Pearl granite from Tab India Inc. contributes to the signature look of the new 271 17th Street office tower in Atlanta, GA.

In 2007, WorthGroup Architects was commissioned to commence the design of a casino expansion and hotel addition for an existing casino operation in southeastern Oklahoma - the Choctaw Casino Resort. 

An existing terrazzo floor at the entrance to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center was recently replaced with a large granite medallion that includes waterjet-cut inscriptions of donor names.

The New York office of Lukoil Pan-Americas features an environmentally friendly interior design, including a number of sustainable building materials as well as Ambarino marble floor tiles that ensure durability and longevity.