This year’s NTCA Tile Setter Craftsperson of the Year Awards were announced at the Tile Solutions Plus Conference in November. The awards recognize two outstanding professionals for their exceptional craftsmanship, leadership, and commitment to the trade.
Will Richardet of Richardet Floor Covering was honored as the 2025 Commercial Tile Setter Craftsperson of the Year and Mark Christensen of Tarkus Tile, Inc. was named the Residential Tile Setter Craftsperson of the Year. Both honorees will be formally recognized this month at the Ambassador Reception on January 26, 2026, during The International Surface Event (TISE) in Las Vegas.
Commercial Tile Setter Craftsperson of the Year: Will Richardet
Will Richardet began his career at Richardet Floor Covering while still in high school. Today, as a journeyman installer, he has successfully managed hundreds of commercial projects, consistently meeting budgets and exceeding client expectations. Known for his creativity, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills, Richardet is always eager to learn about new tools and products. When the right tool doesn’t exist, he creates one—he holds a patent for an adjustable screed that improves both efficiency and precision on the job.
Todd Huber, COO of Richardet Floor Covering, calls Richardet a dedicated mentor who enjoys working with apprentices, often telling them, “Training is like climbing a ladder. You take one rung at a time.” Huber noted that no matter where an apprentice is on the ladder, Richardet meets them at their level, helping them progress toward becoming journeyman tile setters. He also actively supports local workforce development initiatives.
Richardet said, “My foundation is rooted in hard work, attention to detail, and a dedication to producing quality results that stand the test of time. Being a craftsperson means taking pride in doing things the right way, even when no one’s watching, and also knowing that every project, big or small, represents me long after I’ve left the site.”
He advises budding craftspeople to stay curious, humble, and ready to learn, even from people who might have less experience. “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes,” he said. “Just make sure you learn from them. Most importantly… care about the work. Show up on time, pay attention to the details, and don’t cut corners. This mindset will take you further than talent alone ever could.”
By focusing on being reliable and producing quality work day after day, respect and opportunities will come naturally, he said. “We’re all still learning. The moment you think you know everything about the trade is the moment your growth stops.”
Pool project
The tiling phase of this project began with Richardet verifying all grades with the shotcrete provider to ensure a flawless final finish. Precise mud-bed preparation enabled the roll-off ledge to sit perfectly level for even waterflow. The 1”x1” mosaic tiles used on the roll-off edges required meticulous cutting and placement to achieve a smooth, clean arc. Richardet managed every aspect of the project—from layout and materials to scheduling and coordination—while also navigating the added complexity of an integrated water feature.
The completed work was highly successful, satisfying both the contractor and the owner. Building on this and other successful projects, Richardet Floor Covering is working with a leading pool architectural firm to establish industry standards for mud-bed specifications, material selections, waterline band considerations, and L701 requirements to improve pool quality and reduce unnecessary buildup.
Exterior winery fireplace
This custom exterior fireplace was designed as a seamless architectural focal point for a winery, requiring both structural precision and artistic craftsmanship. Stonework rose continuously from the lower level through the roofline, demanding exact layout and alignment to maintain uninterrupted coursing. Every technical element—substrate prep, anchoring, flashing, material selection, and installation sequencing—was engineered for durability in harsh conditions.
Detailed attention to jointing, bonding patterns, and corners ensured both structural integrity and refined aesthetics. Each stone was intentionally placed to create a natural, cohesive feature. The project set the benchmark for the “Richardet Way,” defining the company’s standard for precision, durability, and design excellence.
Residential Craftsperson of the Year: Mark Christensen
With over 25 years of tile setting experience, Mark Christensen first entered the flooring industry helping his father install carpet. In 1999, he shifted his focus exclusively to tile and founded Tarkus Tile, Inc.
Driven by a passion for learning, Christensen continually seeks to improve his craft. In 2010, through in-depth discussions on the John Bridge Forum, he mastered the art of mudwork, a skill he now shares through educational YouTube videos.
Christensen thrives on technical challenges, often taking on the most intricate projects with enthusiasm. His exceptional workmanship has earned him three Coverings Installation & Design (CID) Awards, recognizing excellence in tile installation and design.
“Mark is known for mentoring the next generation,” said Jeff Occhipinti, Owner of NTCA Five-Star Accredited Contractor Columbia River Tile & Stone. “He works alongside his sons, passing down skills and values, and shares his knowledge openly with other installers online and in person. He is honest about his personal journey and challenges, which have inspired many people to keep going and improve their own work.”
Christensen called the tile craft “metaphorical to life” in the opportunities it offers to create something new, learn something new, improve from mistakes, and overcome hardships through meticulous troubleshooting and hard work each day. He said he pours his “heart into trying to create beauty that will stand the test of time.”
He cautions aspiring craftspeople that you can’t rush the process, and advises patience as the process unfolds. “Don’t put your focus on ‘likes’ and followers and awards and recognition—and try not to get caught up in comparison,” he said. “What really matters are the things you do and the way you treat your work and the people around you when nobody is watching.”
He added, “Slow down and put in the work. Take the time to try to improve every day. Build that foundation of skills and knowledge and integrity so strong that it just eventually becomes who you are at the core. You are your brand. The journey is the destination.”
Indoor spa and steam room
This 2019–2020 project marked a personal and professional turning point, pushing Christensen far beyond his comfort zone during eight months of intensive, technically-demanding work. He tackled this project only a year into recovery from addiction, and his confidence was tenuous. “I had something to prove to myself,” he said of the project that continually took him out of his comfort zone and produced small victories and failures.
He and his sons floated and tiled over 3,500 sq. ft. of walls—primarily a large indoor pool and steam room finished with 24”×48” tile. The project’s daily challenges, hard work, and steady progress restored his skills, strengthened his business, and profoundly reshaped the course of his life.
Midcentury Modern bath renovation
This bathroom from a 2023 Midcentury Modern renovation is one of Christensen’s all-time favorites. “I love geeking out on detailed mud prep work, and this one was all mud walls and floor,” he said. He slowed down and poured his time into prep, having fun making “it as nice as I could.” He said this fun and gratifying project “encompassed everything I love about this craft.”
Lesley Goddin has been writing and journaling since her first diary at age 11. Her journey has taken her through a career in publishing and publicity, landing her the editor position of TileLetter and its special publications in 2006. Her goal is to educate, inspire, recognize and encourage those in the tile industry -- especially the tile and stone contractor.
