Architessa

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!

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

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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 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!