Guest Blog Post By: Joshua Vermillion, Associate Professor, School of Architecture at UNLV
This spring semester, architecture students from the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) are bringing their creative vision to life at Coverings 2026. Working in collaborative pairs, they’ve designed seven custom tile mosaics that will become the centerpiece of a furniture suite on display in The Coverings Lounge (LVCC Central Hall, Booth 6014).
The project launched in late January with an intensive introduction to the tile industry. Students participated in information sessions covering installation techniques, specifications, and industry standards, followed by hands-on workshops where they learned to cut, snap, and shape tile.
NTCA trainer Matt Welner visited the UNLV classroom on January 23 and led a Tile Matters workshop.
Brad Denny with CTEF and Leslie Del Pozo with Q.E.P. also joined Matt Welner at UNLV on January 23.
Members and trainers from the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) and the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) joined us on campus to share their expertise and real-world insights with the next generation of designers.
Coverings Managing Director Jamie Rich meets with the students to tell them about the upcoming Coverings show in their backyard and the many benefits of specifying tile for their projects.
Under the guidance of School of Architecture faculty members Paul Morrison and myself, students recently visited the Arizona Tile showroom in Las Vegas to hand-select ceramic tile for their projects—all generously donated by the company.
The students visited Arizona Tile on January 26 and where students selected tile and Jeff Occhipinti of Columbia River Tile & Stone and NTCA Five-Star Accredited Contractor also consulted on their initial concept drawings.
Now, they’re preparing for delivery and beginning the precise work of shaping their chosen tiles into finished mosaics. As the project progresses, students will continue learning through additional workshops and training sessions with members of the Coverings community, gaining invaluable experience that bridges academic study with professional practice.
Jeff Occhipinti visited the school again on January 27 to teach the students how to cut tile with a ring saw.
This hands-on learning opportunity wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of Arizona Tile, MAPEI Corporation, QEP Co, Inc., and wedi Corporation, and in partnership with Coverings, NTCA and CTEF.
A UNLV student learns how to cut tile on a QEP Katana SR-31 Tile Cutter
Stop by Booth 6014 at Coverings this March/April—we can’t wait to share what our students have created!