Designed to help

That memorable line from the classic baseball film “Field of Dreams” echoes the sentiment felt by Patti Pitcher.

Pitcher, a longtime saleswoman for Las Vegas Tile Importers, wanted to help out the many interior designers and other building professionals who have been touched by the troubled housing market and current economy. So, she convinced the store’s owners to build The Studio, a reference library, design studio and meeting place.

Located adjacent to the tile company’s showroom on South Decatur Boulevard, The Studio is open to anyone who wants to use it as a place to meet clients or find materials for an upcoming project, Pitcher said. And the best part is there is no fee to use the facility.

“Everyone wants to know what the catch is. There is no catch,” Pitcher said. “I just want someone to use it.”

The only requirement for use of the facility is to sign the guest book.

The resource library is filled with hundreds of samples featuring various types of flooring, countertops, wallcoverings, molding and more for residential and commercial uses — with one major exception. Pitcher said she made sure not to turn The Studio into another showroom for Las Vegas Tile Importers so none of its products are featured.

“Our purpose was not to get business. We’re just trying to give back to the community,” she said.

The Studio itself is decorated in a variety of products available on the premises, much of which was donated by the vendors and manufacturers represented in the library.

It’s also equipped with a desk and Internet access.

Additionally, Pitcher said professionals can hang their business licenses at The Studio. Many of her customers have been working out of their homes since the high costs of doing business have caused them to close their offices.

“But, you can’t really bring clients to your home,” Pitcher said.

She also sees the facility as an ideal place for those new to the field to set up shop.

In addition to being a resource for building supplies, Pitcher said she would like to see classes there on a regular basis.

Plans call for The Studio to be open during regular business hours, but special arrangements can be made upon request.

Also, she said professionals can use — for a slight fee — the tile importer’s credit if they need to purchase supplies and don’t have their own accounts.

The Studio is located at 3575 S. Decatur Blvd. Call Pitcher at 250-3717 for more information or to arrange a tour.