Resource center

Ateliers Zelij is a surface design studio and workshop, founded in 2003 by Delphine Laporte and Samir Mazer.

We are specialized in original and contemporary design-led pieces that are tailored to each project in color, dimensions, composition and finishes.

We design and craft contemporary bespoke collections to site-specific artworks, for architects, designers and private clients around the world.

Are surfaces are made between Africa and Europe.

For Zellige, every piece is handmade in our workshop in Morocco, following the traditional zellige process: clay shaped and fired, glazed, then hand-cut and assembled by our craftsmen.

Design and project follow-up are handled by our studio.

We treat zellige as a contemporary surface and an art form, rather than a decorative finish. Our Iconics collections, our Art pieces and our bespoke work reinterpret the craft with new shapes, reliefs, colours and compositions, while keeping the hand-made quality of the tradition.

Samir Mazer is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Ateliers Zelij. His artistic research forms the foundation of the studio's creative language.

Having a desire to challenge the conventional savoir-faire using the matter as a means, he has explored for more than two decades the relationship between craft, geometry, materiality and architecture, resulting in the developement of original surface concepts that have become the signature collections of Ateliers Zelij, and a source of transformation for many design professionals we work with.

Delphine Laporte is Co-Founder and Managing Director of Ateliers Zelij.
She oversees project development with the clients, international partnerships and the strategic growth of the studio.
Since the studio's inception, she has played a central role in shaping its development, transforming creative ideas into meaningful collaborations and architectural projects. Working closely with architects, designers and private clients, Together with Samir Mazer, she contributes to defining the long-term vision of Ateliers Zelij and its position at the intersection of art, craft and architecture.

• Iconics are our signature designs (Creative, Sculptural, Chiseled, Painted, Paz).
• Basics are the classic shapes and bejmat.
• Art gathers our sculptural and pictorial works (Traces, Froisser les murs, Compositions).

Each collection has its own catalogue in the Resource center.

Customization is at the very heart of Ateliers Zelij. Every iconic collection can be adapted (depending on the model) to suit the specific requirements of a project, whether through dimensions, layouts, colorways, patterns or bespoke developments.
The scope of customization may vary depending on the collection and the nature of the request. Certain adaptations may require minimum order quantities or specific production conditions.

Our team works closely with architects, designers and private clients to explore the most suitable solutions for each project and guide them throughout the process.

In Ateliers Zelij, as surface creators, the customization is the heart of our existence.

The path to customize the surfaces is simple:

1. Select the collection and model that best reflects your inspiration and project needs.
2. Choose the color(s) that complement your space or scheme/scale (depending on the model - see our catalogues) that resonates with your vision.
3. Reach out to us so we can learn more about your project; via email, a call or our contact form.
Once we have all the necessary information, we’ll be able to provide a customized service and tailored recommendations based on your needs.
4. We guide you through the ordering process with personalized support.
5. You will receive your bespoke surface and proceed with installation following our recommendations.
6. Enjoy our hand made surface !

Our predetermided colour charts list is available for each collection, from natural and mineral tones to deep colours, in glossy or matte finishes. Visit our resource center for more information.

Zellige is suited to walls, bathrooms, kitchens and many floor applications; some formats and finishes are better suited to specific uses. The technical sheets and installation guides, found on our resource center, give the recommendations for each collection, and our team can advise on your particular situation.

Our bespoke service creates a surface specifically for your project: a custom shape, color or composition, developed together with you or your designer, from the first sketch to the sample and the final production.

Our expertise is to transform your vision into handcrafted surfaces tailored to your space.

Art is an exclusive service for projects and design professionals that require an artistic curation, creating works that become an integral part of the project — whether as a mural, sculptural piece, or other artistic element or collectible designs.

This service is commissioned through Ateliers Zelij and led by our artistic director, Samir Mazer, whose vision and understanding of the project’s needs guide each creation.

Whether selecting an existing piece or developing a site-specific commission, every work is conceived in dialogue with its architectural context, becoming an integral part of the space.

Visit our Art section in Services for an in-depth description of this approach.

Soucing is an exclusive service for design professionals that require a specific hand-made surface for an exclusive project.
Ateliers Zelij, as surface creators, has developed over the years a large network of ateliers and artisans who have collaborated with us. Through this network, we have established strong relationships with multiple ateliers and have the resources to support on your project.

Please read the section on sourcing and have a look on the blog "inside AZ"

If you are looking to source what you envision, reach out to us and we’ll help you create it.

The Trade Program is an invitation-only service dedicated to architects, interior designers, and developers.
As a member you will benefit from the support of projects from all scales. The program provides privileged access to our collections, technical expertise, bespoke developments and dedicated project assistance. Members also benefit from sample services, specification support and access to selected collections not publicly available through our standard channels.
If you would like to join the program, simply contact us through our contact form, chose "trade program" as subject. Our team will be delighted to review your application and welcome you to the Ateliers Zelij professional community.

Once the design process and selection of the surfaces for your bespoke project has been completed, through our collaboration and guidance, placing the order becomes the simplest step:

1. Provide all the necessary information for the quotation, including billing and delivery details, delivery contact information, fiscal number.
2. Provide the required surface quantity. Please, note that we are not responsible to calculate the quantities and we recommend an additional 10% allowance.
3. We prepare the final order based on the selected scheme and color composition.
4. We determine the most suitable shipping method according to your project needs — by road, air, or sea freight.
5. We inform of the delivery time

As a private client, you have four options:

1. Already know what you’re looking for?
If you have already selected your surfaces from our catalogues, give us a call or reach out via our contact form, and we will guide you through the ordering process.

2. Ready to order using our E-shop?
Browse our ready-to-ship options and order directly online.

3. Need a little guidance?
Book a free 20-minute call, fill out our contact form, or visit our showroom and get advice from our experienced team.

4. Looking for a dedicated design service?
Our Expert Rendez-vous is a one-and-a-half-hour session with our team to define your project, explore your options, select your surfaces and receive a quotation.

Architects, designers and contractors can join our Trade Program, which gives access to dedicated support, purchase support, samples, technical documentation and professional conditions. Contact us via at our contact form to open an account.

Ready-to-ship surfaces lead time is 2-4 weeks. For bespoke surfaces lead time goes from 6-8 weeks and 10 weeks for stone surfaces.

We ship worldwide and confirm the production schedule and delivery terms with each quotation.

A selection of our most requested designs are available through our e-shop for direct purchase. These ready-to-ship surfaces offer a simplified way to access some of our signature collections.

Requesting a color sample is very simple. Direct to our contact form. Once there select "order sample" as a subject, then enter your shipping address and you color selection found on our catalogues.

If you are located in France, the shipping cost for a set 4 sample color is €20,00.
For shipping outside of France, we can give you a simple quote based on your location.

After you fill out the sample form you will receive a response within 2 days, with a secure payment link for the shipping cost.

Please refer to our catalogs for more information. Generally the minimum order for our Zellige models is 2 sqm (square meters),  for the stone models (Paz collection) is 10 sqm and for the ready-to-ship model on our e-shop the minimum order is 2 sqm.

Delivery costs vary depending on the destination, order volume, weight and packaging requirements. Shipping fees are calculated and communicated before order confirmation. For large architectural projects or international deliveries, our team will provide a dedicated quotation.

Ateliers Zelij ships worldwide. Delivery options and transit times may vary depending on the destination country and the nature of the products ordered. Please contact our team for specific shipping requirements.

Orders may be modified or cancelled before production begins. Once production has started, customized and made-to-order products cannot be cancelled or refunded. Please contact our team as soon as possible if you need to make changes to your order.

You can contact us through our contact form or call us directly at +33 05 62 48 18 09.

A member of our team will get back to you by email or phone call to learn more about your project, answer your questions and guide you through our collections, services and customization options.

Whether you are an architect, designer or private client, we will be happy to discuss your project and explore how we can assist you.

We'd love to welcome you in our showroom by appointment only in our design studio based in Toulouse, France.

We welcome architects, designers, professionals and private clients wishing to discover our collections, discuss a project or benefit from a personalized consultation.

Visits to our R&D (Research and development) Studio in Toulouse, France,  may be arranged upon request. As this space is dedicated to ongoing research, development and confidential projects. Access may occasionally be restricted.

Please note that our logistics warehouse is not open to the public and orders cannot be collected on site.

For press and professional enquiries, reach out to us on our contact form.