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
