Thomas Lehn, IIDA
Principal
LMN Architects
Seattle

Shaw Contract Group
Silk Collection, Yarn
www.shawcontractgroup.com

Due in part to its timeless design, sophisticated color palette, and subtle luster, this product lends itself to a wide variety of applications ranging from corporate to high-end retail to residential design solutions. The emphasis on textural variation as opposed to large-scale pattern shift allows this modular tile to be used as a solid field or intermixed with any variety of coordinating patterns.

InterfaceFLOR
Entropy Collection, Random Pattern
www.interfaceflor.com

This non-directional product is ideal for large corporate interiors as a field carpet. The lack of directional pattern allows for easy maintenance and repair from a facilities standpoint. The wide variety of colorways allows a designer to create an active environment. The product also offers a minimum of 62 to 74 percent total recycled content in both the backing and the yarn.

Lees Carpets
Progressions Collection, Pix
www.leescarpets.com

Versatility of scale, installation, and color make this product a new favorite in our book. The Pix pattern is simple and geometric without being overly literal in its expression, while refined variations in pile height add another level of textural complexity. This product also has a great green story with its excellent long-term performance, non-PVC backing, and high recycled content.

Rhea Vaflor, LEED AP
Designer
Hickok Cole Architects
Washington, D.C.

Masland Carpet
Aqueous
www.maslandcontract.com

Aqueous tile is a beautiful product that provides a more upscale look to any project. The striations and depth variations in the tile give it a texture and dimensionality that you do not usually see in modular carpet products.

InterfaceFLOR
Accent Flannel
www.interfaceflor.com

Interface impresses me with its complete commitment to environmental stewardship. While providing superior environmental benefits such as adhesive-free installation and high levels of recycled content in the tile, the products are also attractive, innovatively engineered, and moderately priced. Recently, I collaborated with Interface to create a custom version of Accent Flannel tile for a project. I am enamored with the tailored crispness of the pattern. Instead of the traditional method of having the mill create conventional carpet take-offs of the options during our initial explorations, Interface sent me paper simulations of the color options and patterns I requested. Not only did it save time, but the "sym" process also produced less carpet fiber waste.

Lees Carpet
Progressions Collection
www.leescarpets.com

Abstraction and non-linearity of the patterns Pix, Connexion, Channels, and Passage makes Progressions an intriguing collection. The use of loop and cut loop yarns gives the tiles a striking aesthetic. In addition, Lees' strong dedication to the environment draws me to its products, which feature PVC-free backing on its carpet tile, a significant level of pre-consumer recycled content, and a "SMART book" samples format that uses 63 percent less virgin raw materials than traditional sample folders.

Sean Wayne, AIA
Senior Associate
Hickok Cole Architects
Washington, D.C.

Constantine
Archetype
www.constantine-carpet.com

Constantine's multiple yarn Infusion process results in an exceptionally high tuft density, giving it a plush look and sophisticated appearance. Archetype has a subtle yet complex multi-directional pattern which contributes to a broadloom aesthetic and provides superior environmental benefits. This tile works well in expansive as well as smaller spaces.

C&A
Grid Overlay
www.tandus.com

Grid Overlay provides a more upscale look by using loop and cut yarns while providing exceptional durability. The striations and depth variations in the tile give it a texture and dimensionality that you do not usually see in moderately-priced carpet products. C&A also impresses me with its commitment to environmental stewardship.

Fortune Contract
Acadia
www.fortunecarpet.com

Tip shearing gives the tiles a tailored linear pattern and a lustrous, subtle shimmer. The tiles are constructed with NATIQ ENVIROWORK recycled content.