--- title: "Architessa — Kitchen & Bath Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/architessa-pfvwus-pf~436222730 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~436222730.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: Architessa category: ["Kitchen & Bath Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/20832bc30f61447a_3978-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States" phone: "(866) 323-1322" website: http:// rating: 4.6 review_count: 52 best_of_houzz_awards: 9 followers: 621 last_updated: 2026-09-14 --- # Architessa Original Houzz profile: [Architessa](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/architessa-pfvwus-pf~436222730) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Kitchen & Bath Designers - **Location:** Rockville, MD - **Serves:** Germantown, Gaithersburg, Bethesda, North Bethesda, Montgomery Village, Chevy Chase, North Kensington, Chevy Chase Village, Derwood, Chevy Chase Section Three, North Chevy Chase, Atlanta, DC (Washington), Washington - **Houzz rating:** 4.6 out of 5 (52 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2013–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves For over 40 years, we’ve brought artful living and highly-curated design to diverse client spaces around the country—first as Architectural Ceramics and now as Architessa. Certified Women-Owned and family-operated since our founding, Architessa brings generations of knowledge, passion, and experience to our ever-evolving industry. We are a comprehensive tile and stone company that works with homeowners, designers, architects, and more to find the perfect tile for every project. ### Services Provided - Tile ### Areas Served - Germantown - Gaithersburg - Bethesda - North Bethesda - Montgomery Village - Chevy Chase - North Kensington - Chevy Chase Village - Derwood - Chevy Chase Section Three - North Chevy Chase - Atlanta - DC (Washington) - Washington ### Typical Job Cost $500 - 5,000 $500 - 5,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Architessa | | Address | Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States | | Phone | (866) 323-1322 | | Website | http:// | | Followers on Houzz | 621 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/architessa - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/architessatile - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/architectural-ceramics-inc- - Blog — http://www.pinterest.com/architessa ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Architessa](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/architessa-pfvwus-pf~436222730) - **Website:** http:// - **Phone:** (866) 323-1322 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Best of Houzz (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018), Washingtonian Voted Architessa one of the Top Tile Stores in DC Area in 2010, - **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2013–2026), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 — 52 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 45.0 - Value: 46.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — VALLEFUOCO Contractors, LLC, July 2026** > As co-owner of a custom tile installation company, I've been doing business with Architessa (formerly Architectural Ceramics) for 27 years. I will take the time to write a detailed review as they are worthy of it. Architessa has an abundant selection of tiles (glass, stone, handcrafted ceramic, porcelain, any kind of stone, mosaics, and their signature budget-friendly stocked lines too). The most important thing that the average consumer may not know is how high quality their tiles are. They are extremely particular about what lines they carry... Allison Eden Studios, ARTO, Sonoma Tilemakers, Encore Ceramics, Artistic Tile, and countless other brands. For those who don't know tile products, they carry Laticrete as their stock brand of grout, mortar, and setting materials. This is pretty much the tile industry litmus test for excellence. The quality of the tiles and setting materials we install is critical to any installation company. We know our clients are in excellent hands, selecting from Architessa. That being said, their greatest asset is their team of talented, dedicated, thoughtful humans. They are why I am writing such a long review. They stand behind their products and clients. I will do my best to mention many of them by name. > > We are so grateful to the Rockville team: Cerrissa and Marie whose patience, knowledge, and talent is above and beyond expectation, no matter how demanding the details of each job. Kristen is truly a seasoned expert and Akeila is a joy to work with! DC team: J.T. and Judi have crossed state lines over the years in multiple showrooms for some of our most challenging and detail-oriented jobs, and they've managed them all with incredible grace. Cristian's and Meklit's constant support is unmatched! And VA team: Jo-jo, Eric, and Colleen work tirelessly to help our clients. Marianna has worked her rare and spectacular design magic on our jobs for decades, including for our own home. Kimberley has been running the show for years, solving any challenge that arises, along with Joey, Denise, Laura, Kris, Courtney, Kersi, Yassin, Shanta and Anthony. The Benson/ Sullivan family is still the driving force. David, Blanca, Lisa, Betty, Larry, and Christina have ensured that the company retains its values. And I cannot forget Jose and Milton who make our pickups a seamless process, and are known to improve the day of anyone who pulls into the Rockville warehouse! It says a lot that Jo and Brenda just returned to Architessa after years away. Forgive me for the names I missed because there are many other wonderful employees who are there for us and our clients! So grateful for this company! **★★★★★ — HOLLSPA, Jan. 2024** > For ANYONE in need of creative guidance to find the just right tile for their beloved project, look around no more! Ask for Marianna Ouzdanova at the Vienna VA Showroom. She listens to your vision. She gives attention to all of your requirements. She is dependable. > > Marianna intuitively has a special way to find the dream tile that speaks your language and reflects who you truly are. For more than a decade, we have collaborated on a dozen or so award-winning tile projects which attest to her gifts. Marianna is the Saint of Tile. Once you know her, you cannot not love her! > > Davis Holland Leichsenring, UDCP > Architect and Inventor of the HOLLSPA Shower Bench **★★★ — Anne Kensok, July 2023** > Update 10/17/23: they worked with me to resolve the issue to my complete satisfaction. > > Took them 4 weeks to send an in-stock tile and they sent the wrong tile. Contacted them immediately and told them that if they couldn't expediate a replacement order, I didn't want it. They went ahead and reordered without confirming with me and now it's been 3+ weeks and I'm still waiting. No communication in 10+ days. They've made no arrangements to pick up wrong tile. Their error is costing me significant time and money. > Will never buy from them again. **★★★★★ — Judith, July 2021** > Architectural Ceramics is always the first place I go when I need tile because they have a beautiful selection of tiles and knowledgeable designers. I’ve used it for three different projects over the last five years; every time I have been very satisfied with the results. Most recently Judi Simon at the Bethesda store helped me find tile for a kitchen backsplash. After I described the kitchen and showed her a few pictures she quickly pulled an assortment of tiles for my consideration. She checked pricing and availability and helped me narrow the assortment down to two choices. By the time I returned home with the tiles she had emailed me a quote for both tiles. Altogether it was a wonderful experience. I was very busy and did not want to embark on a lengthy and time-consuming search. Judi made it quick and painless. Thanks Judi! **★★★★★ — Amy Peltier Interior Design & Home, July 2020** > I love the Vienna Showroom! They have the best selection and I can always find what I'm looking for regardless if I'm working on a budget and especially if I want someting extra special. They have the best selection of gorgeous, high-end, unique tile and Marianna is my favorite to work with! **★★★★★ — Valeria Design Studio, April 2019** > Their Baltimore location has the most amazing team! Loren Thomas is the best!!! If you are building or renovating a home or a commercial property, stop by the Baltimore location and look for Loren! **★★★★★ — Melissa Mack, Sept. 2018** > THE tiles we ordered are SPECTACULARLY gorgeous. We really were stunned, and they surpassed our expectations. Architectural Ceramics was fabulous to work with. Diana Benesh, our contact could not have been more helpful and responsive. While building our house, we've had some challenging times -- but the floor tiles were one of the things that went right! **★★★★ — Laura Rivera, May 2018** > We came to Architectural Ceramics and were very impressed with the level of service we received. > > The tile selection was also amazing....more tile options than any other tile store in the area. > > Save yourself the time and come here. **★★★★★ — Bob Rosenberg, April 2018** > Worked with Diana Benesh. What a pleasure! I can't think of anybody in the home trades that is more professional, helpful or responsive. We were flooring a home in another state and had to choose a contractor closer to the job for timing reasons, but I wouldn't hesitate one moment to contact her again when we have another job! **★★★★★ — KME Bath Designs, Nov. 2017** > I have worked with Yuvinka at Architectural Ceramic's Rockville location for several years and she is a true asset to this company. She is energetic, passionate, professional and extremely knowledgeable. **★★★★★ — Old Dominion Kitchen Design, Aug. 2017** > I highly recommend Architectural Ceramics to my clients. They have a wonderful selection at all price points and take the time to listen to the client and come up with suggestions that incorporate the style and the price point for the client. I love that they create drawings for the client as well! **★★★★★ — Collins Tile and Stone, Aug. 2017** > Collins Tile and Stone has worked with Architectural Ceramics on many projects. We appreciate the collaboration and have had a very good experience with their team. They provide excellent service to our customers and to us. We strive to exceed customer expectations through superior service and quality craftsmanship and we feel the associates at Architectural Ceramics really help us to achieve this goal! ## Selected projects - [Greige Zellige-Look Open Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/greige-zellige-look-open-kitchen-pj-vj~7492848) - Location: North Bethesda, MD - Photos: 4 - [Elegantly Subtle Herringbone Stone Backsplash Mosaic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elegantly-subtle-herringbone-stone-backsplash-mosaic-pj-vj~7492792) - Location: Atlanta, GA - Photos: 8 - [Spanish Colonial Hacienda Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spanish-colonial-hacienda-bathroom-pj-vj~7492784) - Location: Miami, FL - Photos: 2 - [Mary Drysdale Award Winning Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mary-drysdale-award-winning-bathrooms-pj-vj~833259) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Brocade Oval Backsplash](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brocade-oval-backsplash-pj-vj~1639939) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Modern Farmhouse Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-farmhouse-kitchen-pj-vj~1197631) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - [Blue Glass Mosaic Backsplash](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/blue-glass-mosaic-backsplash-pj-vj~833345) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: Elite Kitchens designed this kitchen with Architectural Ceramics stained-glass mosaic tile backsplash from our Tozen series. - [Rustic Farmhouse Kitchen with Wood Accents](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rustic-farmhouse-kitchen-with-wood-accents-pj-vj~1290247) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Marble & Custom Mosaic Bathroom & Traditional Kitchen in Rock Springs Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/marble-and-custom-mosaic-bathroom-and-traditional-kitchen-in-rock-springs-residence-pj-vj~1457141) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Classic Bathroom with an Open Floor Plan](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/classic-bathroom-with-an-open-floor-plan-pj-vj~1792097) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Pale Blue Ceramic Arabesque](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pale-blue-ceramic-arabesque-pj-vj~930593) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Dayton Street Development Modern Home Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dayton-street-development-modern-home-remodel-pj-vj~1767810) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Modern Rustic Gray Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-rustic-gray-kitchen-pj-vj~1726590) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Florida Intercoastal Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/florida-intercoastal-residence-pj-vj~833152) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Contemporary Residence in Arlington, VA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-residence-in-arlington-va-pj-vj~769316) - Location: Arlington, VA - Photos: 8 - Description: We were responsible for tiling of all areas (floors, kitchen backsplash, numerous bathroom areas) and several months later, after cabinets have been installed, we came back to work on the countertops. The floors throughout the house are natural stone – 12x24 Brazilian Black Slate installed in a herringbone pattern. Their rough finish contrasts nicely with the warm, honey-colored wood. Takin into account all areas of the house, we’ve installed about 2100 sq.ft of this gorgeous stone floor! - [Patterned Concrete Tile Backsplash in Farmhouse Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/patterned-concrete-tile-backsplash-in-farmhouse-kitchen-pj-vj~1726544) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Washington D.C. - Traditional - Award-Winning Rowhouse Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/washington-d-c-traditional-award-winning-rowhouse-kitchen-pj-vj~1016053) - Location: Washington D.C., DC - Photos: 11 - Description: Washington D.C. - Traditional - Award-Winning Rowhouse Kitchen design by \#JenniferGilmer Working with Barnes Vanze Architects on this 1900s Embassy Row townhouse whole home renovation produced an award-winning traditional kitchen. The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art Mid Atlantic Chapter awarded this project a John Russell Pope Award for excellence. The JGKB kitchen was chosen by Kitchen + Bath Business News magazine as the Best Traditional Kitchen of 2014. View more award-winning kitch… - [Mary Drysdale Thassos Marble Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mary-drysdale-thassos-marble-bathroom-pj-vj~1576831) - Location: Rockville, MD - Photos: 12 - Description: Mary Douglas Drysdale Interior Design, http://www.marydouglasdrysdale.com/index2.html Photo Credit: John Cole Photography, http://www.johncolephoto.com/ Tile: Architectural Ceramics, http://www.architecturalceramics.com/ - [Bianco Carrara Master Bathroom with a Modern Twist](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bianco-carrara-master-bathroom-with-a-modern-twist-pj-vj~1792042) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [Calacatta Gold & Mosaic Border Master Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/calacatta-gold-and-mosaic-border-master-bath-pj-vj~833233) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 [See all 101 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/architessa-pfvwus-pf~436222730) ## Ideabooks - [Altimetry, Stone Waterjet Mosaics](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/87499763/list/altimetry-stone-waterjet-mosaics) — 8 ideas - [Living Room Designs with Tile](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/60551359/list/living-room-designs-with-tile) — 19 ideas - [Interior Design Ideas for Home Decor](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/60551037/list/interior-design-ideas-for-home-decor) — 9 ideas - [Spa-like Baths](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57858752/list/spa-like-baths) — 3 ideas - [Covered in Glass Tile](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57725471/list/covered-in-glass-tile) — 7 ideas - [Shop ACI on Houzz!](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55597479/list/shop-aci-on-houzz) — 273 ideas - [\#ImpactOfDesign](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54948214/list/impactofdesign) — 20 ideas - [Our Shared Projects](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6098438/list/our-shared-projects) — 92 ideas [See all 8 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/marketing) ## Community Q&A **Q: Love the tile. Where is it from?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hello! This is our Sabine Hill cement tile: https://www.architecturalceramics.com/products/cement/sabine-hill **Q: What is the thickness of this tile?** *(in Product Questions)* The length and width of this tile is perfect; however, I need to know how thick to ensure evenness with transition from one room to another. Please let me know the thickness as soon as possible as I am very interested in this tile. Thank you. Athena A: Hi Athena, Thank you for your question. This tile is 3/8" in thickness. Let us know by private messaging us if you are interested in getting more information on this tile for your project! Thank you! **Q: Edger for cement tile** *(in Photo Questions)* What did you use? Most products aren't deep enough. A: Thank you for reaching out to us! The cement tile used in this stunning backsplash is a custom color-way from one of our specialty lines, Sabine Hill. Let us know if you are interested in finding out more information about this amazing tile by messaging us! Thank you! **Q: are these tiles suitable for a pool?** *(in Product Questions)* Are these tiles suitable for a pool? A: Thank you for your question! Yes, this tile is suitable for pools. Here is a link to our **Q: hello, can i get a sample of this tile?** *(in Product Questions)* A: The 12x24 is actually the smallest field tile size available in this series. There is a culture brick mosaic as well as a 2x2 mosaic that is a special order option from Italy with a lead time of 10-12 weeks. We do not offer these special order items through Houzz, but I would be happy to provide pricing if you are interested. Please private message or contact us directly for this information. Thank you, \- AC Team **Q: Textured or smooth?** *(in Product Questions)* Is this textured or smooth tile? When will the white be back in stock? Thanks! A: Thank you for your question. This tile does have a lightly textured surface. We do not currently have an eta for when this tile will be back in stock, but we would be happy to reach back out to you when we do. Thank you, -AC Team --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-14.*