## Transforming an Entertainment Icon: Microsoft Theater's Massive Flooring Renovation
When you're tasked with updating the flooring in one of Los Angeles' most prestigious entertainment venues, there's no room for error. The Microsoft Theater (formerly Nokia Theater) recently underwent a comprehensive flooring renovation that required precision, speed, and exceptional coordination—a challenge that Tangram Interiors embraced with remarkable results.
### The Scale of the Challenge
The Microsoft Theater isn't just any venue. With seating for over 7,000 people and one of the largest indoor stages in the United States, this entertainment destination demanded flooring solutions that could handle massive crowds while maintaining the sophisticated aesthetic expected by high-profile performers and guests.
The project scope was substantial: nearly **20,000 square yards** of flooring across multiple areas of the theater. Derek Todero led the flooring installation while Leslie McDonald managed the furniture components, creating a coordinated approach that kept the project moving efficiently.
### Strategic Product Selection
The flooring design required careful consideration of each space's unique demands:
**Public Areas and Theater Bowl** - **11,000 square yards** of Bentley Mills broadloom and carpet tile - Installed throughout the main theater bowl, lobbies, and hallways - Selected for durability under heavy foot traffic and acoustic properties
**VIP and Backstage Areas** - **6,000 square feet** of Karndean LVT - Applied in VIP dressing rooms, catering areas, and green rooms - Chosen for easy maintenance and resistance to spills in high-use backstage environments
### Collaboration Under Pressure
The project timeline was aggressive, creating unique challenges that required exceptional teamwork. Brian Oshima of Oshima Studio faced the daunting task of designing the carpeting plan in just two days while working within strict budget constraints.
"I was given maybe two days to design the carpeting plan and, as always, the budget was a big challenge," Oshima recalls. "I was put in contact with the guys at Tangram. They did what they could to get the product installed on time and they were able to work out all the challenging design details that occurred in the theater."
The project required close coordination between multiple stakeholders, including Oshima Studio, Steiner Bros Construction, and the AEG team. This collaborative approach proved essential in navigating the complex logistics of working in an active entertainment venue.
### The Partnership Difference
What set this project apart wasn't just the scale or timeline—it was the quality of collaboration that emerged. Oshima's experience highlights how the right partnership can transform a challenging project into a rewarding one.
"Working with Tangram is different than working with other dealerships because the people there make it feel like we're all a team," Oshima explains. "I'm super happy with my working relationships, this project and now the friendships I've built. I could ask the guys at Tangram for anything, that's really how I feel."
### Key Takeaways for Commercial Design Professionals
**Timeline Management**: Even the most compressed schedules can be met with proper coordination and responsive vendor relationships.
**Product Specification**: Different areas within the same project may require vastly different flooring solutions. The Microsoft Theater project demonstrates the importance of matching products to specific use cases—from high-traffic public areas to specialized backstage environments.
**Collaborative Approach**: Complex commercial projects benefit from vendors who function as true partners rather than just suppliers. The relationship-first approach can make the difference between a stressful project and a successful one.
**Quality Results**: Despite the tight timeline and budget constraints, the final result exceeded expectations, proving that pressure doesn't have to compromise quality when the right team is in place.
The Microsoft Theater project showcases how thoughtful planning, strategic product selection, and strong vendor partnerships can deliver exceptional results even under challenging conditions. For commercial design professionals facing similar high-stakes projects, this renovation demonstrates that success lies not just in the products chosen, but in the relationships that make complex installations possible.
