Issue 03: From Idea to Install, Behind the Rug, and What's Next in Oklahoma

Encore Spotlight: The Design Studio

A Creative Playground for Your Next Project

One of the most powerful tools at Encore isn’t exactly a product, it’s a starting point for real-world applications.

The Encore Design Studio is an interactive tool that lets you bring carpet concepts to life right from your browser. No login required. No software to download. Just a simple, powerful way to bring ideas to fruition.

Why the Design Studio Delivers:

• Visual Flexibility: Choose from multiple color pom boxes, product types, and pattern styles to match your project vision.

• Room-Ready Views: Instantly preview your designs in curated room scenes for real-time decision-making.

• Streamlined Customization: Easily adjust colorways and layouts, then download a professional PDF to share with clients or internal teams.

The tool lets you customize carpet designs in real time. You can test colors, adjust scales, and instantly see how those changes shift the feel of a pattern. It’s intuitive, fast, and made to support early conversations before anyone commits to a mill order.

I use this tool constantly in my own work. It helps clients see possibilities. It gives designers a way to iterate. And for tribal hospitality projects in particular, where visual storytelling is key, it lets us prototype with purpose.

If you haven’t explored our online Design Studio, I’d invite you to take a few minutes to try it. Whether you’re a designer looking to visualize a pattern in a new palette, or a client trying to understand how a concept could live in your space, this is the place to begin.

Where the Pattern Hits the Floor: The Art of Expert Installation with Erica Liti

In the world of hospitality and gaming design, flooring can set the tone visually, functionally, and emotionally. It influences sound, traffic flow, brand & cultural identity, and overall guest experience. But no matter how beautiful the design, it takes expert hands and mind to bring that vision to life. Installation is where it all becomes real.

This month at the OIGA Conference & Trade Show, I sat down with Erica Laub Liti, daughter of national installer Kevin Laub, and a rising force in the commercial flooring world. Like me, Erica was raised in the industry by a father who built his reputation on integrity, precision, and pride in craftsmanship. Her journey into construction leadership and her role helping Centrex Flooring deliver projects nationwide offer a powerful look into what it takes to execute excellence across casinos, hotels, resorts, and entertainment venues, where failure is not an option, especially when the lights never go off and the stakes are extremely high.

We talked about legacy, leadership, and the critical (and often overlooked) role installation plays in transforming design into performance.

AL: You and I both come from families where our dads built something special with their hands and their reputations. What was it like growing up around the warehouse and on job sites, and how did that shape your mindset and work ethic?

EL: From an early age, I loved any chance I got to go to the “Office” and warehouse with my siblings. We would climb on the carpet racks and play hide-and-seek for hours. I saw firsthand how much pride, precision, and care went into everything my father did. Centrex Flooring Inc. was established in 1975, before I was born, so I have truly been around this industry my entire life – it is in my blood. 

One thing that always stood out to me was my father’s relentless attention to detail and his drive for perfection. That trait has shaped who I am. I hold myself to the same ambitious standards. Excellence is in the details, and if something is worth doing, it is worth doing right.

Growing up in that environment gave me an edge. I learned early on that your name is on anything you do, whether you sign it or not. My father instilled a strong work ethic in us from the start. I still remember picking up nails around job sites – we would earn a penny for each one, and we would do it for hours. It wasn’t about the pennies; it was about learning discipline, responsibility, and the importance of pride in your work. Those lessons have stayed with me, and I bring them into everything I do today.

AL: Centrex Flooring works with some of the most intricately designed products on the market, often with non-repeating patterns, that look stunning on paper but bring serious complexity in the field. What are the real-world skills an expert installer needs to manage those types of designs and conditions without disrupting project execution?

EL: At Centrex Flooring, Inc., we work with some of the most intricate and design-forward products on the market – materials with non-repeating patterns, custom dyes, directional textures, and site-specific layouts. These kinds of designs may look stunning on paper, but they require an extraordinary level of expertise to execute in the field without causing delays or costly rework. That is where Centrex Flooring Inc. and our team of in-house Craftsman truly shine.

Many of our lead Craftsman have been with Centrex Flooring Inc. for over 25 years. They are more than installers; they are true artisans. They have the eye, the precision, and the field instincts that only come from decades of hands-on experience.

In real-world conditions, things are not always perfectly square, elevations can shift, and timelines get tight. Our teams know how to read a space, interpret design intent, and make field adjustments without compromising the integrity of the design. 

That level of craftsmanship and foresight is why Centrex Flooring Inc. is so trusted in the industry. It is not just about laying down material; it is about bringing a creative vision to a project in a way that looks effortless, even when it is anything but.

AL: You’ve led installations in active casinos, where there’s typically no such thing as a “closed” day. What’s the secret to getting in, getting out, and making it flawless under pressure?

EL: Installing flooring in an active Casino is high stakes, where there is no such thing as a closed day, everything must run with military precision. The key to getting in, getting out, and making it flawless under pressure comes down to three things: intense planning, seamless communication, and a trusted, experienced crew.

We build out every detail in advance – phasing schedules, material staging, noise control, you name it. We work hand-in-hand with casino operations, often coordinating work in tight overnight windows with hard start and stop times. If the floor needs to be clear by 6 a.m., we are cleaned up and out by 5:30 am.

Because of the depth of experience and preparation, we have built a reputation for not just delivering quality under pressure but often finishing ahead of schedule. In this industry, that is rare – and it is something we are proud of. Our clients trust us to protect both their time and their image, and we take that very seriously. 

AL: Every stakeholder on a project - designers, engineers, operations teams - has a different lens on what success looks like. Some are focused on aesthetics, some on functionality, and others on timelines and logistics. Where do you and your install team fit into that mix, and how do you work to align all those priorities during the planning phase?

EL: Allison, you are exactly right, every stakeholder on a project has their own lens. Designers are focused on aesthetics, engineers on structural integrity, operations teams on function and flow, and owners and GCs are watching timelines, budgets, and logistics. Where Centrex Flooring fits into that mix is right in the middle. We are the team that brings design off the page and into the build. Our job is to translate vision into execution without compromising on quality, timeline, or functionality.

AL: Let’s talk product. What tools, seam tapes, sundries, or systems do you insist on using when you're working with high-end hospitality carpet?

EL: When it comes to high-end hospitality carpet, the products and systems we use aren’t plain important; they are non-negotiable. My father has spent decades mastering which tools, adhesives, seam tapes, and installation methods hold up in demanding environments like casinos and luxury hotels. Honestly, he knows these products better than most in the business through years of experience. 

We rely on Orcon Super Double Stick Tape; it is one of the few solutions that gives us the strength and precision we need without the mess of wet glue. The spread rate, the trowel and notch size, the double stick method, and the correct seam tape all play a critical role in a long-lasting seamless install. These products and methods may cost more upfront, but cheaper alternatives almost always lead to failure, and in hospitality, that’s not an option.

We are so confident in the tools and systems we use that we guarantee our work for 5 years. That is not typical in this industry. We stand behind our installs because we know the quality of what is going into them.

AL: Can you share a moment when the team had to adjust in real time - maybe a delivery issue, design flaw, or something unexpected? What did you learn from that situation?

EL: Unfortunately, things do arise; it is just the nature of construction. I can not think of one exact example; things always come up. It is how you respond that defines the success of a project. One thing I am proud of is that we do not panic; we problem solve. We work directly with the carpet manufacturer as a team to resolve issues quickly, most of the time without even needing to alert the client. When we do bring something to their attention, it is never just with a problem; it is with a solution already in hand. 

What I have learned is that preparation is key, but flexibility is everything. When your team is experienced, aligned, and trusted, you can pivot without chaos. That is what clients value.

AL: Being a woman in construction still comes with challenges. What’s helped you grow as a leader, and what advice would you give to women stepping onto job sites for the first time?

EL: Being a woman in construction still comes with challenges, but I have also seen real progress. I grew up in this industry and remember it was very much a “good old boys” network for a long time. You had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously, especially on job sites. I have seen that start to shift, and today there is more respect, more inclusion, and more opportunity for women than ever before, which makes me incredibly excited for the future!

What has helped me grow as a leader is staying grounded in the work. I do not ask for respect, I earn it, I show up prepared, I listen more than I speak, and I make sure I know what I am talking about. I also learned early on that you don't have to be loud to be effective; confidence, consistency, and follow-through go a long way. My advice for women stepping onto job sites for the first time is, know your stuff, trust your instincts, and don't shrink yourself to make others comfortable. You belong in the room, on the site, and at the table. Find mentors, both men and women, who support you, and be one for others coming up behind you. The industry is changing, and we are part of that change.

AL: If you had a direct line to every designer or casino exec planning their next renovation…What would you tell them about when to bring the installer to the table?

EL: I would say bring your installer or, in our case, craftsman in early, especially one like Centrex. We are not just a flooring contractor; we are a turnkey partner. We handle everything from product procurement to final installation. 

When Centrex Flooring is involved in the planning phase, we help protect the integrity of the design, the timeline, and the budget. We can identify if materials are suitable for the environment, whether patterns will translate well in the field, and how to phase work around active operations like gaming floors and VIP areas.

Our team has decades of hands-on experience, especially in high-pressure environments, and we know how to spot problems before they happen. Waiting until the end to engage your installer often means rework, delays, and compromises. Bringing us in early means peace of mind, seamless execution, and a finished product that reflects the vision without the stress.

AL: Last question. Your dad, Kevin Laub, built Centrex Flooring around in-house expertise, consistent execution, and a commitment to delivering high-quality work. On time, every time. Now it's your turn to carry that legacy forward. What values are you bringing to work, both in how you lead your teams and serve your customers?  How do you see that shaping the legacy you're building?

EL: My dad, Kevin Laub, built Centrex Flooring with a powerful foundation: do high-quality work, do it consistently, do it ahead of time, and deliver on your word. Centrex truly goes the extra mile for each client. That kind of reputation does not happen overnight; it is earned over decades. I grew up watching that standard being lived out daily, and now that I am stepping in as a more active role, I take that legacy seriously.

For me, it is about carrying those core values forward but also evolving with the industry. I lead with transparency, collaboration, and a deep respect for the people on our team. I know that when you invest in people, they invest in the work.

With our clients, I am focused on proactive communication, thoughtful problem solving, and taking as much pressure off their plates as possible. I want our clients to see us as true partners and trusted advisors who make their lives easier.

The Legacy I am building is rooted in the same pride and standards my father instilled, but with a fresh energy and strong focus on keeping relationships and forging new relationships that last beyond the project. I want to grow the business, yes – but more importantly, I want to grow our impact, our people, and the trust we have worked so hard to earn.

Design may win awards. But installation is what makes it last.

It's the layout, the timing, the judgment call no spec sheet or seaming diagram can prepare you for. It’s the quiet expertise that holds everything together, especially when the existing conditions are less than perfect.

If you’ve ever walked a space after install, especially one with custom, high-end carpet, only to spot misaligned patterns, visible seams, or worse, been forced to replace that carpet just a year or two after opening, then you know firsthand: the cost of getting it wrong goes far beyond material.

There’s real value in experience, and Erica Liti brings that to the table and the floor.

Maybe these are the kinds of conversations we should be having a little earlier in the project process...

Before the spec is final, the carpet is delivered, and ideally…well before demo night.

OIGA Recap: A Rug, A Story, A Ceremony

Last week, the Encore team joined DG Smalling , Choctaw Nation master artist, at the 2025 OIGA Conference and Trade Show in Oklahoma City. Together, we shared something that felt bigger than a product launch. The rug we created became a space for story, for gathering, and for meaning.

Special shout out to the team that made it possible: Encore Hospitality Carpet DG Smalling Kelli Elizabeth Smalling Kimberly Pritchett Emser Tile Kelly DeVine, HBG Design Michael Steinhardt

The design was pulled from a 5,000-year-old pottery shard, a fragment of history from the borderlands of Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Muscogee Nations. From there, Encore designer Laura Gibson brought the concept to life—not just by translating DG’s geometry into carpet, but by layering in floral motifs from traditional Japanese yukata robes and adding textural movement that gave the rug depth and dimension.

At first, the rug hung on the wall as part of the exhibit. But partway through the event, we brought it down to the floor, and something shifted. The room changed.

That rug became the setting for a tea ceremony led by Sol Jung, the Shirley Z. Johnson Assistant Curator of Japanese Art at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art.

The crowd leaned in. People were quiet. Focused. And there we were, barefoot, standing on carpet that had just transformed into a place of ceremony.

In a show known for packed schedules and big energy, that moment felt rare. It reminded me what this work can really be. When indigenous artists lead the visual narrative, even a trade show floor can hold space for something sacred.

Sharing more of the story over on Instagram this week with behind-the-scenes moments from the design process, the event, and everything in between. If you want to follow along, come find me over there. I’d love to have you.

Click here to follow me on Instagram!

Where in the World is Allison Lampo?

After a whirlwind summer on the road, I’m spending August catching my breath. This month is all about recharging, reorganizing, and getting ready for what’s next.

I’m using this behind-the-scenes time to curate new sets of samples and explore fresh ways to share the stories that carpet can tell, through visuals, emotion, and the depth they deserve.

I’ve got something exciting in the works I'm calling the Oklahoma Road Show, and I can’t wait to share more soon. Until then, I’m grounding myself in the work and planning for the season ahead.

Thanks for reading. If you're passionate about storytelling through design, tribal-led development, or elevating under-recognized narratives in gaming, I’d love to connect. Follow along for future issues as we explore more projects, people, and patterns that shape the built environment.

Want to continue the conversation? Drop me a comment here on LinkedIn, on Instagram, or catch me at upcoming events. I’m always up for talking shop or carpet.

With care for every space and story,

– Allison