AT THE “TOPS” OF THEIR CLASS: Cheng Concret Exchange Honors Best in Concrete Countertop Design Competition

Cheng Concrete Exchange announced the winners of its second annual Members’ Circle of Distinction Design Challenge at the World of Concrete 2006 (WOC) in Las Vegas, NV. The industry's only concrete countertop design competition received 93 submissions resulting in a total of seven “Best” category winners, two Merit Awards, and 11 Honorable Mention recipients. The contest was open exclusively to Members of Cheng Concrete Exchange, an online resource and directory providing building professionals, designers, homeowners and do-it-yourselfers with training, design ideas, business opportunities, and a full line of concrete countertop products.

Currently, Cheng Concrete Exchange’s membership count includes approximately 250 concrete professionals. Most have taken at least the Concrete Countertop Essentials workshop or Advanced Countertop Design Training from the concrete countertop industry’s most notable expert, Fu-Tung Cheng. Cheng is founder of Cheng Concrete Exchange and is also author of bestseller Concrete Countertops and Concrete at Home books.

"Fu-Tung really opened my eyes to just how expressive concrete can be in addition to its functionality. So to be recognized, [and] honored by him in this way, is both thrilling and humbling. Now all I've got to do is keep up the good work!” said Mack Perry of PerryWorks, a Member and Circle of Distinction award recipient for Best of Show.

“I am so proud of the Concrete Exchange Members who submitted their entries in the competition. They collectively raised the standard of sophistication and craftsmanship on what is being produced in this growing industry,” said Cheng. “Our Members’ innovations will create a movement—not a trend—toward increasing the appreciation of good design and craftsmanship. Kudos to the winners and those who entered…the decisions were especially difficult to make this year!”

The reception for the Design Awards, held at Cheng Concrete Exchange’s WOC booth, was filled with anticipation—and an anxious audience. Members from all over North America were in attendance and many Circle of Distinction award winners were on-hand to personally receive their award from Cheng. The Circle of Distinction announcement drew a large, curious crowd of WOC attendees interested in observing the media presentation of the award-winning concrete countertop projects, which signifies a growing interest in the craft of countertops and the decorative concrete industry.

Entries are evaluated on exceptional design, technical skill, and overall aesthetic appeal. The design challenge did not require a fee, but did require membership in Cheng Concrete Exchange.

Award winners are as follows:

Best of Show:
Mack Perry, PerryWorks, Chicago, IL

Best Kitchen Countertop:
Christian Lincoln, Counter Culture Concrete, Willow, NY

Best Bathroom Countertop:
Chris Becker, South St. Paul, MN

Best Integral Sink:
Andrew Simon & James McGuire, Lokahi Stone, Honolulu, HI

Best Decorative Finish:
Ian Wyndlow, Liquid Stone Studios, Ladysmith, BC, CA

Best Functional Feature:
Carol Miller, Sonoita Concrete Design, Sonoita, AZ

Best 3-Dimensional Application:
Betsy Vork-Howell, Wabi Sabi Concrete, Excelsior, MN

Merit Award:
Gregg McCallum, Impressive Concrete Surfaces, Charlevoix, MI
Guy Chomistek, Rafter C Precast Concrete, Medicine Hat, Alberta, CA

Honorable Mention:
Mike Moncrieff, New Edge Design, Lynden, WA (3)
Jeff Grzywinski, Form Concrete Design, Vail, CO (2)
Jack Cooper, Cooper’s Custom Surfaces, Cardiff by the Sea, CA
Preston Addison, Karma Dog Construction, Cloverdale, CA
Tyler Oosterhouse, Bay House Design, Traverse City, MI
Karen Smith, Countercast Designs, Surrey, BC, CA
Dale Blayone, Concrete Cuisine, Hamilton, Ontario, CA
Brian Brown, Soul Focus Stone, Mendocino, CA


TRAINING, PRODUCTS, & DESIGN IDEAS
For instructional products, Concrete Countertop Essentials Workshop and Advanced Countertop Design Training, design ideas and complete photo galleries, or to become a Concrete Exchange Member, visit: www.concreteexchange.com or contact: Jeff Osteen, Tel: (510) 849-3272 ext. 217, jeff@chengdesign.com or Tom Wegner, ext. 207, tom@chengdesign.com.