It started with a stack of orders, a floor full of busy artists, and a big question: How can we keep up?
Back in 2003, Motawi Tileworks was growing fast. The demand for our handcrafted tile was thrilling—but behind the scenes, things were getting chaotic. We made a lot of lists, all of them immediately out of date, and delivery times were long and unpredictable. That’s when we found guidance in a most unexpected place: the auto industry.
With the help of Dr. Eduardo Lander (a PhD student at the time), and Dr. Jeffrey Liker, a professor at the University of Michigan, two experts in Toyota’s lean manufacturing methods, we began a transformation. They introduced us to tools designed to streamline production and empower people with information—systems built not just for efficiency, but for respect. One tool in particular changed everything: Kanban.
Kanban (Japanese for “visual card”) is a deceptively simple visual system with big impact. It shows us what needs to be done, and in what order—using a visual flow of color-coded cards that represent real work, in real time. Orders move step by step through our tile-making process: pressing, bisque firing, glazing, and final firing. Instead of producing excess inventory, we make what’s needed when it’s needed. That means less wasted time and materials, and a whole lot less chaos.
But the real magic? Kanban didn’t just make our production smarter—it made our work culture stronger.
By creating a steady, sustainable rhythm, this system supports the kind of work-life balance that’s rare in manufacturing. No late-night shifts. No burnout marathons. Our team can count on a predictable, calm workflow—one that respects the rest of their life. In a world that often glorifies the grind, we’ve found a way to do great work without exhausting our people.
As founder Nawal Motawi puts it: “I wanted to have a business that made intrinsically beautiful products that touch other people in a positive way, but to do that, I didn’t want to create a cycle where people are laid off when sales are slow and then doing crazy overtime at Christmas; that’s not how we wanted to live or work. I wanted to create a sustainable lifestyle for our people.”
Kanban helps make that vision real. And because the system makes everything visible, everyone knows what needs to get done and problems surface quickly. This is helpful, because a problem you know about is one you can solve. Have an idea to improve flow? Let’s test it. That’s the spirit of continuous improvement—a core tenet of lean thinking. Drs. Lander and Liker helped us understand that great systems create environments where people solve problems, together.
So yes, our tiles are inspired by timeless design traditions—Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts, Midcentury Modern. But the way we make them is guided by something just as intentional: a thoughtful, people-first production model that blends artistry with innovation.
And sometimes, the most artful solution is a visual card, quietly keeping everything (and everyone) in the know. That’s what makes each Motawi tile not just beautiful—but beautifully made.