Motawi Tileworks

In shades of blue, green, amber and everything in between, uncommon artistry shows through in each product that Motawi Tileworks and founder Nawal Motawi creates. Once you’ve seen the striking designs you’ll recognize them immediately in artisan shops, public spaces, and elegant homes throughout North America, but particularly here in the upper Midwest. The distinctive style celebrates the region with scenes of nature and classic architectural elements. Meet the artist behind the creations:

Nawal Motawi, Founder and Artistic Director of Motawi Tileworks

Nawal Motawi (pronounced No-EL Mo-TAO-ee) is a Michigan native and graduate of the University of Michigan’s Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design. She started her business in her Ann Arbor garage in 1992 creating historically-inspired tile to sell at the local farmers market.

As demand grew for her handcrafted tile, Motawi formed The Tileworks specializing in Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts and Midcentury Modern aesthetics. Motawi art tiles are now sold in more than 300 locations throughout North America and Motawi tile installations grace homes and public spaces worldwide.

The tile-making process is detailed and complex. Tile designs are etched into plaster molds. Clay is pressed into the mold, trimmed and fired. Each tile is then glazed by hand using a centuries-old technique, filling the spaces between thin raised lines in the clay, and then returned to the kiln for a final firing.

In addition to its own designs, The Tileworks is also licensed to produce art tile based on the work of noted Chicago architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, and whimsical birds and animals designed by artist Charley Harper.

Now with more than 40 employees, Motawi Tileworks continues to operate in Ann Arbor. Though currently closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Tileworks gallery is usually open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free public tours are offered every Tuesday at 1 p.m. and Thursday at 11 a.m. Free factory walk-through tours are offered Saturdays at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Motawi Tileworks offers Glaze-a-Tile workshops on the second Saturday of each month or through special arrangement. Find the products in shops and boutiques throughout the Great Lakes region. Some of our local favorites are listed below.