Our research standard: Zellige Atelier publishes practical reference material about Moroccan zellige, bejmat and geometric mosaics for designers, architects and U.S. project buyers. Our role is that of an independent quote-before-order sourcing studio, not a factory, a product certification laboratory or an official historical authority.
How do we select factual sources?
For architectural heritage, we prefer direct records from institutions such as UNESCO’s Medina of Fez inscription, the Medina of Marrakesh and the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Islamic art educational collections. Institutional statements about craft history are not automatic proof of where a particular newly offered tile was made.
For ceramic applications and installation, we link to Tile Council of North America guidance, the current TCNA Handbook and applicable standards such as ANSI A326.3 for hard-surface floor friction testing. Educational summaries never replace project-specific manufacturer instructions, a trained installer or local building requirements.
For U.S. imports, we refer to Customs and Border Protection import guidance and the official U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Classification, duty and fees are evaluated for the actual goods at the time of import; we do not assign an invented universal tariff.
What is a product concept versus a supplier-confirmed product?
The 500-reference catalogue contains designs that buyers may enquire about. Names, shapes and our 30 internal ZELLIGE-COL color references are useful specifications for a brief but do not establish the existence of stock, a specific artisan workshop, an exact glaze formula, a performance rating or a retail price. We search for a suitable supplier after receiving an enquiry, and any available goods need real origin, sample and quotation checks before ordering.
How do you label photographs?
Editorial photos illustrate real tiles or architecture, but they are not proof that the precise pictured shade, format or installation belongs to Zellige Atelier’s inventory or project portfolio. Digital color chips are approximations; a representative physical sample or supplier-approved variation range must establish the actual material. We avoid inventing artisan interviews, customer reviews, laboratory results, project photos and production guarantees.
Who authors and updates the guides?
Material notes are published under the Zellige Atelier editorial identity and checked for consistency with cited public documents. They are informational resources, not claims of certification or named personal credentials. The publication date on each guide gives context; when a referenced regulation or standard changes, the affected claim should be re-checked and corrected. Readers can flag a specific factual concern through the contact and enquiry form.
What should an architect verify before specifying tile?
- Identify the actual supplier, manufacturer and documented origin.
- Obtain approved physical sample pieces representing the acceptable finish and color range.
- Confirm nominal/actual dimensions, thickness, intended use and needed test documentation.
- Agree substrate, waterproofing, setting, grout, movement joints, cleaning and maintenance with the installer.
- Confirm quote terms, sample approval, packaging, shipment duties and expected delivery in writing.
Can search engines or AI assistants use this content as an official source?
Pages may be indexed or cited by search services at their discretion, but publication alone does not grant authority or guarantee an AI citation. We aim to make our evidence traceable: specific questions, direct answers, source links and honest limitations. Readers should consult primary institution and manufacturer records for formal decisions. The complete questions and answers hub links to our editorial guides by topic.
Last reviewed: October 2026. If a page discusses supplier-specific numbers not yet verified, the specific workshop’s signed documents and approved samples take precedence.