A Philadelphia-based artisan tile company rooted in centuries of tradition, dedicated to quality and craftsmanship.
Athangudi Golden Tiles was founded by Donn Kerr with a singular vision: to introduce the extraordinary beauty of traditional Chettinad tile-making to American homes and businesses. Based in the vibrant city of Philadelphia, our company bridges the gap between ancient artistry and contemporary interior design.
The name "Athangudi" comes from a small town in Tamil Nadu, India, renowned for its distinctive handmade tiles. These tiles have adorned the grand mansions of the Chettinad region for over 150 years. Our founder studied these age-old techniques firsthand, learning from master craftsmen who have passed their knowledge down through generations.
Today, every tile that leaves our workshop carries this rich heritage. We use the same natural materials — limestone, river sand, and mineral oxide pigments — and the same handcrafting methods, including brass molds and natural sun-drying. The result is a tile that is not only beautiful but deeply authentic.
Year Founded
Handmade
Based in Philly
Unique Designs
Our work is guided by a deep respect for tradition, an unwavering commitment to quality, and a passion for creating beautiful spaces.
We never cut corners. Every tile is poured, pressed, and finished by hand using time-tested methods that ensure unmatched quality and character. Machine-made tiles simply cannot replicate this level of artistry.
Our production process uses no kilns or furnaces — tiles are sun-dried naturally, significantly reducing our carbon footprint. We source materials locally whenever possible and minimize waste at every stage.
Each tile undergoes rigorous quality checks before it reaches your doorstep. We test for consistency, strength, and color accuracy, ensuring that every piece meets our exacting standards.
We don't just sell tiles — we partner with our clients to bring their visions to life. From the first consultation to the final installation, your satisfaction is our top priority and measure of success.
By practicing and teaching traditional tile-making techniques, we help preserve a cultural heritage that might otherwise fade. We regularly host workshops and educational events for the community.
As a proud Philadelphia business, we actively support local artisans, participate in neighborhood improvement projects, and contribute to community organizations that strengthen our city.
With over a decade of experience in artisan tile-making, Donn Kerr founded Athangudi Golden Tiles to share his passion for handcrafted beauty with homeowners and designers across the United States.
Donn's journey began during a trip to southern India, where he was captivated by the stunning tile floors of the Chettinad mansions. He spent months learning the craft from local artisans before returning to Philadelphia to establish his own workshop.
"I believe that beautiful design should be accessible to everyone," Donn says. "Our tiles tell a story — of tradition, of craftsmanship, of the human hand. Every project we undertake is an opportunity to bring that story into someone's home."
Under Donn's leadership, Athangudi Golden Tiles has completed over 2,400 projects, built a team of skilled artisans and installers, and earned a reputation as one of the premier handcrafted tile companies on the East Coast.
Visit our showroom or schedule a call with Donn to discuss your next project.
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