ABOUT US

Where Craft Meets Character: The Story of Motawi Tileworks

It all started in a garage.

Back in the early '90s, Nawal Motawi was handcrafting ceramic tiles in her Ann Arbor garage and selling them at the local farmers market—long before "artisan" was a buzzword. Her designs, inspired by everything from the sinuous curves of Art Nouveau to the crisp geometry of Midcentury Modern, struck a chord. People couldn't get enough.

So in 1992, Motawi Tileworks was born.

Today, we’re still rooted in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where over 40 tile-loving folks carry on the tradition of making tiles that are anything but ordinary. Each piece is made by hand, with intention and artistry, in our bustling studio. You'll find our colorful, dimensional tiles in gallery displays, kitchen backsplashes, fireplace facades, bathroom walls, and even large-scale public installations across the country.

We're proud to offer:

  • Art tiles: Vivid, multicolored pieces perfect for display or installation.

  • Field tiles: Beautifully glazed in single colors for seamless surfaces.

  • Relief tiles: Sculptural, tactile tiles that play with light and shadow.

From our original designs to licensed collections inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and Charley Harper, Motawi tiles are sold in over 300 shops across North America—and seen in homes and hospitality spaces around the world.

It’s Fun to Be Good

Behind every tile is a team dedicated to craft, creativity, and continuous improvement. We’re big believers in thoughtful growth, lean manufacturing (thanks, Toyota!), and open-book management. It’s part of what earned us a spot on Forbes’ list of Small Giants—companies that choose to be great instead of just big.

As Nawal says, "It's fun to be good." And we live that out every day: through joyful collaboration, hands-on artistry, and a workplace culture that values people as much as product.

Want to see how the magic happens? Come visit us! Our Ann Arbor gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, and we give behind-the-scenes factory tours most Fridays at 11 a.m.