Founded in 1992 by Nawal Motawi, Motawi Tileworks started life in a garage and tiles that were once a novelty found at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market amongst the rutabaga sellers now have a home in over 300 stores throughout America.
Now with over 30 employees and a 12,900 square foot studio Motawi Tileworks thrives on a philosophy that places its workers and the creative process first. Using the Toyota Style Production designed to reduce overburden (muri) and inconsistency (mura), and to eliminate waste (muda) and focusing on creative development and teamwork, the goal is doing things well, together.
And their Art Tiles are definitely a demonstration of things done well. Incredible Art Deco styling, expert colouring, and unusual forms make their designs incredibly captivating. Fine details, soft craquelle, and shapes that evoke nostalgia combine to create some of the most delightful tiles we’ve covered here.
Their portfolio demonstrates just a little bit of what can be created with these fabulous pieces from De Stijl meets Art Deco collages, to quaint kitchen backsplashes. With designs that focus on the traditional and others that add a touch of whimsy, Motawi offers a host of vibes, all of which are fabulous.
A new post by Hanna Simpson, Diary of a Tile Addict, November 2021.