Versa Believes in Better

Innovation By Design

Everything we do—and everything we are—is focused on creating better ways to transform walls. Innovation and continuous improvement aren’t buzzwords, they’re our business model.

Creativity Unbound

No company offers more technologies, processes, or capabilities to create beautiful, functional, meaningful spaces. Every bold, new design and innovative technique is here to inspire and empower.

Power in Partnerships

Transformation is collaborative. As champions of walls and spaces, we rely on relationships with architects, designers, distributors, and talented team members around the world.

Sustainability Leads

The instinctive drive to protect and preserve our shared environment shapes our strategy and guides our actions. Every product is crafted for beauty and performance without compromise.

Projects

You’ll find Versa Designed Surfaces in some of the world’s most-loved spaces.

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History

As a stone mason in the Italian region of Abruzzo, Giovanni Tarullo earned the moniker, “Il Maestro del Muretto”—the Master of the Small Wall.

In classical Italian architecture, “small wall” often referred to a low wall or interior partition that was typically finished with plaster or adorned with a mural.

Giovanni was one of a long line of Tarullo family artisans and craftsmen whose passion and attention to detail are reflected in the company known today as Versa Designed Surfaces.

This photo shows Giovanni Tarullo’s mason’s mark or signature. Like his ancestors before him—dating back to the time of Michelangelo and da Vinci—Giovanni saw each wall as not only a point of pride but as a tangible symbol of one’s honor, integrity, and dedication.

John Tarullo, grandson of Giovanni, was a first-generation American born in Chicago, Illinois. In 1955, he was one of the first two employees hired at Laminating Services, Inc.—the company that would become Versa Designed Surfaces. As a key leader in the business, John presided over significant growth and change. In 1974, he acquired the company from American Standard and expanded its operations, product lines, and distribution.

Phil Tarullo joined his father's business in 1977 as a part-time employee in the sample department. By 1989, he had climbed the ladder to become president of LSI. Phil later purchased the company and began shaping the strategic vision that would help define its long-term growth and influence. His passion for the craft and focus on innovation and leadership in design, technology, and sustainability have earned Phil the Wallcoverings Association (WA) Justin P. Allman award for lifetime achievement and contributions in the industry.

Giovanni Tarullo, “The Master of the Small Wall,” with family.

Joseph's brother, Flaminio, immigrated from Italy to Coraopolis (Pittsburgh), Pennsylvania, where he founded the family's last masonry enterprise, Tarullo Company. His son, Tony, ran the business until 2012.

Joseph Tarullo and his wife Gina immigrated from Italy to Chicago in 1921, continuing the family tradition of masonry

In 1955, Joseph's son, John Tarullo, joined Laminating Services, Inc. (LSI) as one of its original employees. He later purchased the company from American Standard and set the course for Versa Designed Surfaces.