Starnet Design Awards 2026: Projects showcase innovation, craftsmanship and design impact – May 2026

The grand prize winner this year is James Floor Covering’s F1 Arcade in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

For 28 years, the Starnet Design Awards have highlighted projects that turn flooring into an inspiring design element rather than a supporting detail. This year’s winners, announced by Starnet Commercial Flooring at its annual meeting, showcase how material, pattern and precision can shape the way a space is experienced.

The 2026 program honors projects across eight categories. In addition to category awards, the Rob Starr People’s Choice Award gives members and vendor partners the opportunity to recognize standout work among their peers.

Entries were judged by a panel of industry professionals, with gold winners advancing to the Grand Prize. All honorees were recognized during the Starnet Design Awards Gala, held at the JW Marriott Turnberry Resort & Spa in Aventura, Florida on April 24.

GRAND PRIZE WINNER & Category Winner—Hospitality & Public Spaces

MEMBER: James Floor Covering

PROJECT: F1 Arcade, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

ARCHITECT: GMA Architects

DESIGNER: ARCO/Murray

STARNET PREFERRED VENDORS: Ardex, Daltile, Mapei, Mohawk Group, Pliteq, TEC Specialty Products, Tarkett, Uzin Utz North America

Jury quote: This project features a successful push-pull between pattern and negative space. The unique quality of the floor adds richness to the project’s design story.

Category Winner—Corporate

MEMBER: Consolidated Flooring

PROJECT: Confidential Financial Firm Headquarters, New York, New York 

ARCHITECT: MMoser

STARNET PREFERRED VENDORS: AHF Products, Ardex, Bostik, Küberit, Mapei, Matter Surfaces, Mohawk Group, Pliteq, Schönox, TEC Specialty Products, Tarkett 

Jury quote: The flooring is seamlessly integrated with the overall interior—ideal for a professional and timeless corporate space.

Category Winner—Healthcare

MEMBER: M. Frank Higgins & Co.

PROJECT: Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Tower, Hartford, Connecticut

ARCHITECT: Cannon Design

STARNET PREFERRED VENDORS: C/F Data Systems, Climit, Gerflor, Measure Square, Profilitec, Roomvo, Roppe, Spec-ID, Tarkett, Uzin Utz North America

Jury quote: The outside-inside connection was well executed. Seeing that whimsy as you’re approaching as a child, it makes you want to go into that space.

Category Winner—Education & Canadian Project of the Year

MEMBER: Antex Western 

PROJECT: École Sage Creek Bonavista, Winnipeg, Canada

ARCHITECT: Number Ten

STARNET PREFERRED VENDORS: Ardex, Gerflor, Henry Adhesives, Mapei, Measure Square, Milliken, Quantify North American, Spec-ID, Tarkett

Jury quote: There was a lot of visual cueing and wayfinding within the design of the flooring, and to be able to pull off the installation with such creativity was beautiful.

Category Winner—Unique Installation & Rob Starr People’s Choice Award

MEMBER: Capital Carpet & Flooring Specialists

PROJECT: Concord Middle School, Concord, Massachusetts

ARCHITECT: Ewing Cole/SMMA

STARNET PREFERRED VENDORS: Ardex, C/F Data Systems, Climit, EcoSurfaces, Mapei, Roppe, Tarkett, WF Taylor

Jury quote: The difficulty factor of these small pieces being installed with linoleum in this setting makes it a more technically challenging installation. And then to have it look like it does—it’s incredible.

Category Winner—Single-Source Interior Contractor Award

MEMBER: Ruggieri Brothers

PROJECT: Baldwin Elementary School, Pawtucket, Rhode Island

ARCHITECT: Torrado Architects

STARNET PREFERRED VENDORS: C/F Data Systems, Climit, Daltile, Gerflor, Icon Protection, Mapei, Milliken, Roppe, Spec-ID

Jury quote: The design for this space nicely balances playfulness against a muted color palette. Connections between flooring and architectural gestures are well-considered.

Category Winner—Mixed-Use Development

MEMBER: H.J. Martin and Son

PROJECT: The Promenade, Green Bay, Wisconsin

ARCHITECT: Engberg Anderson

STARNET PREFERRED VENDORS: AHF Products, Altro, Gerflor, Henry Adhesives, J+J Flooring, Mapei, Milliken, RFMS, Roppe, Schönox, Spec-ID, TEC Specialty Products, Tarkett

Jury quote: I loved the simplicity of materials, and the execution is flawless for mixed-use development.