The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is one of the busiest venues in the United States, hosting large-scale conventions, expos, and public events year-round. In 2024, International Flooring, Inc. was honored to be selected for a critical renovation: the complete flooring replacement of the OCCC’s North and South Concourses – two expansive, high-traffic corridors that demanded excellence in both design and execution.
Project Overview
International Flooring, Inc. was hired directly by the Orange County Convention Center and partnered with KMF Architects and TJNG. The team was entrusted with the complete flooring renovation of the North and South Concourses, two massive corridors spanning over 2,000 linear feet combined.
The scope included installing 27,000 SY of custom Royal Thai carpet and 55,000 SF of terrazzo, along with 154 terrazzo-clad steps, all while the facility remained fully operational and actively hosting events. This high-traffic, high-visibility project demanded absolute precision, flawless logistics, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Materials & Craftsmanship
This project showcased a thoughtful balance of premium materials and artisan execution. The 22 custom terrazzo colors, designed to reflect natural motifs like seaweed and compass roses, required hand-fabrication and on-site precision to bring the architect’s vision to life.
At the same time, the Royal Thai carpet featured a complex four-part pattern that demanded exact sequencing across 27,000 square yards. Every detail, from 45°-polished terrazzo base corners to custom stair joint covers, reflected the team’s commitment to high-performance, long-lasting finishes that deliver both beauty and durability, while complying with modern codes and accessibility standards.
Schedule & Milestones
With a condensed seven-month timeline from September 2024 to April 2025, the project demanded precise planning and adaptive execution. The team mobilized quickly and worked in tightly coordinated day and night shifts, matching their pace to the Convention Center’s ongoing event schedule.
Key milestones included early barricade installation, phased terrazzo pours, stair modifications, and sequential carpet laying, leading to a final punch list and delivery on schedule. Despite numerous variables, every phase was completed on time without disruption to venue operations.
Safety & Quality Control
Operating in a live, high-occupancy environment demanded zero compromise on safety and cleanliness. International Flooring, Inc. maintained a flawless safety record throughout the project, implementing stringent protocols that included barricades, HEPA-filtered dust control, and daily cleanup routines. ADA access was maintained at all times, with temporary paths and phased zone work ensuring compliance.
Quality control was built into every step, from careful material inspections to coordinated communication with manufacturers when a carpet defect was discovered late in the process, demonstrating diligence and professionalism at every level.
Challenges & Solutions
Operating in an Active, High-Profile Venue:
Working around the Convention Center’s non-stop event schedule, our team operated in alternating day and night shifts, adjusting in real-time to minimize disruptions to ongoing functions. We constructed 8-foot-high custom wood barricades draped in black fabric, papered over windows to conceal active work zones, and implemented aggressive dust control measures using HEPA vacuums, ensuring minimal impact on the venue’s operations.
Complex, High-Detail Terrazzo Installation:
With 22 custom colors, intricate seaweed motifs, and hand-crafted compass roses at each rotunda, this terrazzo project demanded exceptional artistry. A specialized crew of 12 artisans worked meticulously to hand-cut and polish 7,800 linear feet of 8″ base with 45° corners and fabricated all pattern components on-site, delivering flawless visual continuity and high-end craftsmanship throughout.
Massive Scale with Logistical Limitations:
Navigating limited loading access and ongoing event setups in this massive facility, we laid protective wood paths from docks to work zones, staged deliveries by zone, and sequenced the workflow to preserve ADA-compliant access routes at all times, successfully maintaining the schedule without compromising functionality or safety.
Custom Carpet Design and Delivery:
Installing the intricate four-part Royal Thai carpet pattern over 27,000 square yards, our 12-person team executed a precise sequence of steps. When a defect was discovered in one of more than 160 rolls, we acted swiftly, coordinating directly with the manufacturer for expedited replacement and reinstallation with no delays.
Expansion Joints Over Stairs:
With no manufacturer-supplied components for stair expansion joints, we engineered 15 custom, welded steel covers tailored to each staircase. This bespoke solution ensured a secure, durable finish with a clean aesthetic aligned with the surrounding architecture.
Code Compliance and Stair Modifications:
To meet updated building codes, we modified the existing stair geometry during installation, carefully preserving the original design intent while ensuring full compliance and a seamless flow within the renovated space.
Final Result
International Flooring, Inc. delivered a transformative renovation that elevated the aesthetics and functionality of one of the nation’s busiest convention centers. With a meticulous blend of craftsmanship, innovation, and logistical coordination, our team successfully executed a project of immense complexity under tight constraints, without disrupting a single event. This project exemplifies the highest standard in commercial flooring excellence.
