Flooring Podcast

Shashi Caan Discusses the IFI Interiors Declaration and the Visions Design Awards

February 25, 2011—Interior designer Shashi Caan of the Shashi Caan Collective, and Kemp Harr, discuss recent work by the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers to build more respect for the profession and greater clarity for what interior design specialists do. Specifically, she talks about the IFI Design Frontiers: Interiors Entity, an effort that included designers and architects from 76 countries to develop a consensus about the profession. It resulted in the IFI Interiors Declaration, which will be released next month. She also talks about the Floor Focus Visions Design Awards, which is taking entries through March 1.

Kermit Baker Not Too Concerned with January's Flat AIA Billing Index

February 24, 2011—Kermit Baker, an economist with the American Institute of Architecture, and Kemp Harr discuss the flat January billings index. According to Kermit, he's not too concerned with this flat reading and still thinks we are "clawing our way" out of this recession. Listen to the interview to hear more details about this and his view of the residential remodel outlook for 2011.

Ed Korczak Discusses Virgil Hendricks' Contribution to the Hardwood Flooring Business

February 23, 2011—Ed Korczak, CEO of the NWFA, and Kemp Harr discuss the contributions that Virgil Hendricks, the National Wood Flooring Association's founding president, made to the hardwood business. Listen to the interview to hear details about Virgil's business career. Hendricks passed away on February 19, 2011.

Paul Murray Discusses His Background and Challenges as Shaw's New Head of Sustainability

February 22, 2011—Paul Murray, Shaw's new VP of Sustainability and Environmental Affairs, and Kemp Harr discuss Paul's background and the challenges he faces as he takes the leadership role in Shaw's sustainability efforts. Listen to the interview to hear more details.

Jeff West Discusses His Role as Marketing Head of Shaw's Patcraft Brand

February 18, 2011—Jeff West, VP of Marketing and Product Development for Patcraft, discusses his new role as head of marketing and how Shaw positions the Patcraft brand versus the Shaw Contract brand. Listen to the interview for more details.

InterfaceFlor Expands A&D Effort by Hiring Jennifer Thiele Busch

February 17, 2011—Peter Greene, VP of Marketing with InterfaceFlor, and Kemp Harr discuss the strategy behind Interface's decision to add to executive positions focused on the design community. Listen to the interview to hear more about Jennifer Busch and Vicki deVuono's new role at Interface.

Interior Designer Erinn Valencich Discusses Designing with Flooring

February 16, 2011—Recorded at Surfaces, Erinn Valencich, Quick-Step's spokesperson and style expert, discusses residential trends and what role flooring takes in the designs she does for her clients. Watch the video to see how drastically a room can change based on the color of the floor used underneath the furniture.

Steve Silverman Discusses Highlights of Abbey's Annual Meeting

February 15, 2011—Steve Silverman, President and COO of Abbey, and Kemp Harr discuss the new products and programs rolled out last week at the annual Abbey Carpet and Floor meeting in Reno, Nevada. Listen to the interview to hear more about Abbey's new Softique Nylon carpet fiber and about its annual consumer advertising program.

Mohawk Promotes SmartStrand and Wear-Dated Carpet at Surfaces

February 14, 2011—Recorded at Surfaces--David Duncan, VP of Marketing for Mohawk, and Kemp Harr discuss a recent consumer satisfaction ranking for SmartStrand versus other fiber types and Mohawk's brand extension of Wear-Dated into PET fibers. Watch the video to see how Mohawk is promoting these brands in 2011.

Crossville Rolls Out New Products at Surfaces 2011

February 11, 2011—Filmed at Surfaces, Laurie Lyza and Kemp Harr review a few of Crossville's new product introductions for 2011, its new smartphone app and its upcoming anniversary celebration. Watch the video to see what's new with Crossville.