FLOOR Trends & Installation cover, Sept, 2025

UMI Featured in FLOOR Trends & Installation

Posted by Jacqueline Dumbrille on

At Universal Metro, we are proud to see our work recognized not only by the 2025 Starnet Design Awards, but also by one of the flooring industry’s most trusted voices: FLOOR Trends & Installation. Their recent coverage highlighted our award-winning contribution at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, where our team earned the Grand Prize as well as Gold Awards in the Hospitality and Public Spaces categories.

Recognition Beyond Awards

Being mentioned in FLOOR Trends & Installation is an honor we don’t take lightly. As a leading publication in the commercial flooring industry, FLOOR has long set the tone for industry standards, emerging trends, and contractor excellence. To have Universal Metro highlighted in their coverage affirms the impact of our work and the craftsmanship that defines every project we take on.

Why It Matters

Industry recognition does more than celebrate one project—it reinforces our mission to deliver exceptional commercial flooring installation that combines durability, technical precision, and design excellence. The Murrieta Hot Springs Resort project was about more than just revitalizing a historic space. It showcased what’s possible when skilled installers, visionary architects, and innovative manufacturers collaborate toward a shared vision.

Thank You to FLOOR and Our Community

We are grateful to FLOOR Trends & Installation for including Universal Metro in their publication. We are equally thankful to our clients, partners, and talented team members who made this recognition possible. Every successful installation is a team effort, and this feature is a reflection of the dedication behind the scenes.

See the Full Feature

For the full story on the 2025 Starnet Design Awards and to see how Universal Metro’s work was recognized among the best in the industry, we invite you to read the complete write-up.

👉 Click here to read the full article on FLOOR Trends & Installation

👉 Click here to see more of our award winning work

Murrieta Hot Springs Lobby
the outer realm 01

Universal Metro’s Unique Installation of Carpet Tile Creates Fully Immersive 360 Experience at The Outer Realm Art Exhibit

Posted by Alexis Triepke on

How do you push the boundaries on a gallery space? For artist Michael Reeder, creating a fully immersive 360 experience with carpet tile was just the answer. In collaboration with Milliken’s national designers, their Los Angeles-based sales team, and our team of project managers and installation mechanics, Milliken’s DDI process was engaged to create a custom, patterned carpet tile that would extend the canvas beyond the showpiece to the floors and walls that surround it. To do so, the custom carpet tile needed to be as bold and as the artwork itself, and the installation had to be as precise and meticulous as the artist’s showcased work.

Continue reading “Universal Metro’s Unique Installation of Carpet Tile Creates Fully Immersive 360 Experience at The Outer Realm Art Exhibit” →

evolution of commercial flooring contractors - Floor Focus Cover

Evolution of Commercial Flooring Contractors: Interview with Grant Petruzzelli

Posted by Alexis Triepke on

In June 2019, Floor Focus Magazine published an article highlighting a panel discussion with four leaders from the Starnet Commercial Flooring network. Among them was Universal Metro’s president, Grant Petruzzelli, who joined his peers to reflect on the evolution of commercial flooring contractors and the opportunities—and challenges—shaping the industry.

You can read the full article here: Floor Focus Magazine – Evolution of the Commercial Contractor.

From Core Products to Comprehensive Services

A decade ago, commercial flooring contractors were largely focused on the basics: carpet, vinyl, and resilient products. At Universal Metro, much of our work centered on healthcare facilities, with sheet vinyl and linoleum being the dominant choices. Budget pressures often meant substituting with lower-cost finishes like VCT or broadloom carpet.

Today, however, the evolution of commercial flooring contractors has transformed the industry. Expanded budgets and greater design freedom have created demand for high-end, customized finishes such as polished concrete and porcelain tile. Contractors are no longer just installers; they’ve become single-source partners, offering a range of services under one contract.

At Universal Metro, this shift led us to expand into areas like moisture testing, infection control, and lift systems—services that add value for clients while reducing the need to coordinate multiple subcontractors.

Diversification Driven by Client Needs

Why have contractors broadened their offerings? The answer is clear: clients expect more. Facility managers and general contractors want bundled solutions, fewer vendors, and expertise across flooring categories.

Universal Metro has seen this firsthand. Facilities that once prioritized only cost are now focused on lifecycle value, performance, and long-term risk reduction. This has driven adoption of advanced moisture-control systems, epoxy coatings, and concrete underlayments—services that our teams have mastered through vendor partnerships and manufacturer certifications.

Other Starnet members echoed this trend, citing floor care divisions, stone restoration, epoxy coatings, and even wall systems as ways to meet client needs while strengthening margins. Simply put, the modern flooring contractor must evolve—or risk falling behind.

Growth Through Expertise and Partnerships

Adding new services requires more than just ambition—it requires knowledge. Universal Metro has invested heavily in training, certifications, and vendor partnerships with industry leaders like ARDEX. Our LevelMaster Elite Installer status and ongoing workshops with product experts have allowed us to bring innovative, high-performance solutions directly to our clients.

This commitment to expertise ensures that when clients choose Universal Metro, they’re not just hiring installers. They’re gaining a partner who understands the complexities of healthcare environments, corporate spaces, hospitality projects, and beyond.

The Future of Commercial Flooring Contractors

The panel discussion underscored a key truth: the evolution of commercial flooring contractors is ongoing. Contractors must adapt to market demands, expand capabilities, and deliver bundled, value-driven solutions.

At Universal Metro, this philosophy has fueled significant growth. By offering services others can’t—or won’t—we’ve expanded our client base, deepened relationships with existing customers, and set ourselves apart in a competitive market.

Conclusion

The commercial flooring industry looks very different than it did ten years ago, and it will continue to evolve. Contractors who embrace change, invest in expertise, and partner closely with their clients will lead the way.

Universal Metro is proud to be at the forefront of this evolution, delivering flooring solutions that combine innovation, compliance, and long-term value.

👉 Read the full article in Floor Focus Magazine: Evolution of the Commercial Contractor

More from UMI

Interested in learning more about our perspective on the flooring industry? Explore additional interviews with Universal Metro leaders to see how we’re shaping the future of commercial flooring, tackling unique challenges, and driving innovation across healthcare, corporate, and hospitality projects. Read more UMI interviews →

commercial flooring design - PLH Cath Lab

Universal Metro Wins Silver at Starnet Commercial Flooring Design Awards for Unique Installation Challenge

Posted by Alexis Triepke on

This weekend, Universal Metro, Inc. earned the Silver Award in the Unique Installation Challenge category at the Starnet Commercial Flooring Design Awards. The recognition highlights our expertise in healthcare flooring installation and our ability to deliver complex projects under demanding conditions.

The award-winning project was distinguished by strict OSHPD (Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development) requirements, intricate flooring designs, ongoing moisture concerns, and a phased construction schedule that allowed an acute care facility to remain fully operational during nearly two years of construction.

We’re proud to be recognized for this achievement, and we extend gratitude to our skilled installation team, vendor partnerships, and design collaborators at c|a Architects in Long Beach, CA.

Project Overview:

New Cath Lab Suite at Placentia-Linda Hospital

The project focused on the construction of a new Cardiac Catheterization (Cath) Lab Suite at Placentia-Linda Hospital, part of an ongoing investment to enhance patient care.

  • Design by c|a Architects: The existing admin area was transformed into a spacious, family-friendly waiting area, an efficient Cath Lab, and new staff support spaces.

  • Patient-Centered Design: The suite features a warm finish palette that aligns with the hospital’s standards. The waiting area incorporates nature-inspired textures, soothing patterns, and a nourishment bar to enhance comfort for families.

  • Collaborative Planning: The design team worked closely with the hospital and GE Healthcare to ensure efficient layout and functionality. Adjustable peg boards and versatile perimeter storage create an optimized, high-performance clinical environment.

    or more examples of how we create patient-centered design environments, see our recent projects.

Tackling the Unique Installation Challenge

Working in occupied hospitals is always challenging, but in California, OSHPD regulations add an extra layer of complexity. Universal Metro’s team managed a phased, two-year construction schedule that demanded consistency in dye-lots across six separate phases while ensuring minimal disruption to patient care.

Moisture Control Solutions

One of the largest obstacles was addressing inherent slab moisture issues. Our team partnered with ARDEX Technical Service Division to engineer a custom flooring solution capable of handling:

  • High RH levels

  • Seismic cracks

  • Wide cold joints

  • Long-term warranty requirements

The solution included shot blasting, dual applications of ARDEX MC Rapid with sand broadcasts, and self-leveling with ARDEX K10. As an ARDEX LevelMaster Elite Installer, we were able to extend the warranty an additional five years beyond the standard coverage.

Infection Control & Phased Scheduling

With patient safety as the top priority:

  • Negative air containment with HEPA filters was used to maintain infection control while work continued in adjacent occupied spaces.

  • Crews operated in extremely tight conditions, often working just feet from active medical procedures.

  • Flooring designs were executed in phases, ensuring seamless transitions as containment zones shifted.

Overcoming Unexpected Challenges

During construction, three slab leaks required sections of the flooring system to be reinstalled. Through careful product management and use of attic stock, our team avoided unsightly patching and maintained design continuity.

This ability to adapt under pressure showcased not only technical expertise but also commitment to quality, safety, and patient-centered construction.

Why This Project Stands Out

This award-winning installation represents the very best of what Universal Metro, Inc. delivers:

  • Advanced solutions for healthcare flooring challenges

  • Expertise in OSHPD-regulated construction

  • Proven ability to manage multi-phase projects in occupied facilities

  • Long-term partnerships with leading product manufacturers like ARDEX

Conclusion

Receiving the Starnet Silver Award at the commercial flooring design awards is more than just an industry honor for Universal Metro—it’s a reflection of the passion, dedication, and care our entire team brings to every project. This recognition celebrates not only our commitment to commercial flooring excellence, but also the spirit of collaboration with our trusted vendor partners and the thoughtful vision of c|a Architects. Together, we turned challenges into opportunities, creating a space that serves patients, families, and staff with comfort and dignity. We are truly humbled and grateful to be recognized for work that makes a meaningful difference.

CHOC Hospital

Universal Metro Wins Gold for Healthcare Flooring Design at Starnet People’s Choice Awards 2018

Posted by Alexis Triepke on

When it comes to creating healing environments, flooring plays a vital role in shaping both aesthetics and function. Universal Metro is proud to announce that our work on the revitalized Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) NICU Wing earned the Gold Award in the People’s Choice category at the prestigious Starnet Design Awards.

The recognition highlights our commitment to innovation in healthcare flooring design, delivering spaces that are imaginative, resilient, and centered around patient care.

A Standout Project in Healthcare Flooring Design

The CHOC NICU Wing project was a bold reimagining of what pediatric healthcare spaces could look like. Working with architect FKP (CannonDesign) in association with Haynes + Oakley, Architects, our team helped bring a vision to life that combined playful creativity with clinical performance.

From the intricate lizards and leaves pattern in the elevator lobby to the warm, residential-inspired luxury vinyl tile in patient rooms, the flooring design captures both whimsy and comfort. Judge Paul Lewandowski described the project as “a real standout,” praising how the vivid colors and thoughtful details contributed to an uplifting environment for young patients and their families.

Collaboration that Drives Innovation

The success of this project reflects the power of partnerships. Universal Metro worked closely with Starnet Preferred Vendors, including ARDEX Americas, Armstrong Flooring, Daltile, Tarkett, Mannington Commercial, and Tandus Centiva, to ensure the right materials and solutions were specified for long-term performance.

The 20th Annual Starnet Design Awards ceremony, held in Orlando, Florida, celebrated the industry’s most outstanding achievements. As Jeanne Matson, president and CEO of Starnet Worldwide, emphasized, “The true value of Starnet is not only the finished work, but new and strengthened relationships that are driving our industry forward.”

This project is a perfect example: collaboration among architects, vendors, and installers produced a result that blends creativity with durability — the hallmarks of effective healthcare flooring design.

Recognition from Industry Peers

What makes the People’s Choice Award so meaningful is its source. Unlike other categories judged by a select panel, this award is voted on by the entire Starnet Commercial Flooring Partnership — a network of the best flooring contractors in the industry.

For Universal Metro, this is the second Gold Award in the People’s Choice category, following our 2014 win. President Grant Petruzzelli reflected, “While it’s humbling to win a design award in any category, it takes on a special meaning when your team’s commitment to excellence is validated by the vote of your peers.”

In addition to the Gold People’s Choice Award, the CHOC NICU Wing was also recognized with a Silver Award in the Healthcare market segment, reinforcing its impact as a benchmark for innovative hospital design.

Why Healthcare Flooring Design Matters

Hospitals and healthcare facilities are some of the most complex environments for flooring contractors. Materials must meet strict safety and infection control standards while also supporting comfort and emotional well-being.

The CHOC NICU Wing project demonstrates how thoughtful healthcare flooring design can transform a space:

  • Enhanced healing environments: Color and pattern create a calming, uplifting atmosphere for patients and families.

  • Performance under pressure: Durable finishes withstand the heavy traffic of staff, equipment, and visitors.

  • Seamless integration: Every design element works within hospital safety and compliance requirements.

Universal Metro continues to lead in this space, combining technical expertise with design-forward thinking to help healthcare clients achieve environments that are as functional as they are inspiring.

Conclusion

Winning the Gold Award in the People’s Choice category at the Starnet Design Awards is an honor we share with our partners, architects, and vendors. More importantly, it underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of healthcare flooring design to deliver environments that support healing, safety, and comfort.

👉 View more of our award winning work here: Projects

healthcare flooring design - CHOC