And So It Flows Podcast
How Shower Design is Changing
Shower design has come a long way from the days when homeowners simply accepted whichever drain happened to be on the plumber's truck.
On this episode of And So It Flows, Plumbing & Mechanical Associate Editor Kristen Bayles is joined by Mike Rizzuto, National Technical Sales West for Infinity Drain, to discuss how changing consumer expectations are reshaping shower and drain design.
Rizzuto, who has been with Infinity Drain since its beginnings roughly 20 years ago, works with plumbing professionals, engineers, architects, designers, showrooms and other industry stakeholders across the country.
According to Rizzuto, one of the biggest changes in shower design is that consumers no longer want to choose between luxury, accessibility and performance — they increasingly expect all three. Along with aesthetics, homeowners and building owners are placing greater emphasis on accessibility, ease of maintenance, durability and long-term performance.
The conversation also explores the growing popularity of linear drains. Beyond their clean appearance, Rizzuto explains that linear drains can open up new design possibilities by allowing the shower floor to slope in one direction, making it easier to incorporate large-format tile and solid-surface materials.
Accessibility and aging in place are also influencing the category. Rizzuto notes that features once selected primarily to meet accessibility needs are increasingly being incorporated because homeowners also appreciate their aesthetics and convenience. As more consumers plan to remain in their homes longer, he expects aging-in-place considerations to become an even larger part of bathroom design.
For wholesalers and showroom professionals, Rizzuto sees an opportunity to make drains a more intentional part of the specification process rather than an afterthought. By discussing the drain early, industry professionals can help customers coordinate finishes and functionality while maintaining greater control over the overall bathroom specification.
Looking ahead, Rizzuto expects innovation to focus not simply on making drains more complex, but on creating complete shower systems that are easier to install, more reliable and increasingly customizable. From barrier-free showers to custom drain shapes and larger, more personalized shower spaces, he sees the bathroom continuing to evolve into a highly functional space that also delivers a luxury experience.
Listen to the full episode of And So It Flows to hear more from Rizzuto on the evolution of shower and drain design.
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