Brief Introduction
Zakiah Marble is a family-owned stone artistry and architectural craftsmanship company with
more than three decades of experience in creating bespoke marble mosaics, inlays, bas-reliefs,
and other forms of decorative stone art.
Founded in 1985, Zakiah has grown from a traditional craftsmanship business into a global
producer of high-end custom mosaic artwork. Today, the company combines generations of
stone-working expertise with contemporary design, working with architects, interior designers,
hospitality brands, and private clients around the world.
With more than 33 years of artistry and over 50,000 projects completed globally, our focus has
always been on transforming natural materials into artwork that is both visually exceptional and
built to last.
1. “What inspired you to enter the marble art industry, and how did Zakiah Marble’s begin?”
Zakiah Marble began in 1985, founded by Bakhtiyar Ahmad, with a passion for fine
craftsmanship and the timeless beauty of natural stone.
What began as a traditional family craft developed over the years into a much broader vision: to
take the centuries-old art of marble craftsmanship and bring it into contemporary architecture
and interior design.
For us, marble is more than a construction material. Every piece of stone has its own color,
texture, movement, and character. The real art lies in understanding those qualities and
composing them into something meaningful.
Today, the next generation continues that family legacy, combining traditional craftsmanship with
modern design, technology, and international collaboration.
“Every piece of stone has its own color, texture, movement, and character.”
2. “What has been your proudest project or achievement in your journey so far?”
Our proudest achievement is not one particular piece, but the scale and diversity of projects we
have been trusted to create.
From highly detailed residential medallions and fireplace artwork to large-scale pool mosaics,
ceilings, floors, palaces, and hospitality projects, we have had the opportunity to turn very
personal ideas into permanent works of art.
We are especially proud of the fact that our clients can come to us with something as simple as
a photograph, sketch, architectural plan, family crest, or inspiration image, and our team can
transform that idea into a completely bespoke mosaic.
3. “Many people don’t know the difference between marble mosaics, inlays, relief art, and sculptures. Can you briefly explain each one?”
Marble Mosaic
A mosaic is created by arranging many individually cut pieces, or tesserae, of marble, stone,
glass, or other materials to form an image, pattern, or composition. The pieces are hand-cut and
assembled to create everything from geometric designs to highly detailed artwork.
Marble Inlay
Inlay involves cutting shapes into a base material and fitting contrasting pieces of marble or
stone into those spaces. The result is generally a smooth, integrated surface and is commonly
used for floors, walls, medallions, borders, and decorative furniture.
Bas-Relief / Relief Art
Relief art is created by carving or modeling a design so that elements project from a background
surface. It creates depth and a three-dimensional appearance while remaining attached to the
architectural surface.
Sculpture
A sculpture is a three-dimensional artwork that is generally designed to be viewed from multiple
angles. Unlike a wall relief, it exists independently in three-dimensional space.
At Zakiah, we work across these disciplines and often combine different techniques to create a
complete architectural artwork.
4. “How can homeowners and architects identify high-quality marble craftsmanship before making a purchase?”
There are several things to look for.
First, examine the precision of the cuts and joints. In a high-quality mosaic, the individual pieces
should follow the intended curves and patterns accurately, with clean and consistent transitions.
Second, look at material selection. Natural stone varies considerably in color and veining, so an
experienced artisan should select pieces intentionally rather than simply using whatever
material is available.
Third, ask about the fabrication process. True bespoke mosaics are not simply printed or
mass-produced patterns. They are designed, cut, shaped, and set specifically for the project.
Finally, ask to see previous completed work and understand how the company handles design
approval, fabrication, quality control, packaging, delivery, and installation.
At Zakiah, clients receive concept renders before production and have opportunities to review
and approve the design throughout the process.
5. “What are the best maintenance tips to keep marble artworks like fireplaces, fountains, and inlays looking beautiful for years?”
The most important thing is to treat natural stone according to its specific type and finish.
The exact maintenance routine depends on the marble, stone, finish, location, and application,
so we always recommend choosing a maintenance approach based on the specific artwork
rather than using a one-size-fits-all solution.
— Use pH-neutral stone cleaners rather than harsh acidic or abrasive chemicals.
— Avoid products containing strong acids, bleach, or aggressive abrasives unless
specifically recommended for the particular stone.
— Wipe spills promptly, particularly from substances that can stain natural stone.
— Use soft cloths or appropriate non-abrasive cleaning materials.
— For outdoor fountains and pools, follow an appropriate stone-care and water-treatment
routine.
— Periodically inspect the surface and grout for signs of wear or damage.
— For valuable or large-scale artwork, professional cleaning and resealing should be
considered when appropriate for the material.
6. “What types of custom projects does Zakiah Marble specialize in, and can clients request completely bespoke designs?”
Absolutely. Bespoke design is at the heart of what we do.
Clients can approach us with a reference photograph, sketch, floor plan, architectural drawing,
heritage motif, logo, family crest, religious artwork, or simply an idea of what they would like to
achieve.
We can develop that idea into a custom composition and adapt it to the exact dimensions and
requirements of the space.
Our projects include walls, floors, fireplaces, pools, ceilings, domes, entrances, medallions,
furniture, and other architectural surfaces. We work with both traditional and contemporary
aesthetics, depending on the project.
“Bespoke design is at the heart of what we do.”
7. “If someone wants to work with Zakiah Marble, what is the process—from consultation and design to installation?”
Our process is designed to make a highly customized project as clear and collaborative as
possible.
01 — Consultation
We begin by understanding the client’s vision, space, dimensions, preferred style, materials,
and project requirements.
02 — Design & Materials
Our design team develops concept visuals and explores appropriate materials, colors, patterns,
and artistic details. We provide cost information and allow customizations during this stage.
03 — Approval
The client reviews the design and refinements are made until the concept and budget are
approved. We do not move forward with fabrication until the client is satisfied with the final
design.
04 — Hand Fabrication & Delivery
Our artisans then hand-cut and hand-set the artwork according to the approved design. Clients
receive progress updates throughout production and can review the completed piece before it is
shipped. We also provide guidance for installation, and our work can be delivered
internationally.
Ultimately, our goal is simple: to take a client’s vision and turn it into a timeless piece of
architectural art that can be enjoyed for generations.
