Doty Tile has been installing ceramic tilework in the Bay Area since 1979. For over twenty years Doty Tile operated as a small custom tile company. Today Riley runs a one-person operation specializing in restoration projects, new period-appropriate work, public art installations, and working with handmade tiles. Large tile projects are best handled by a crew of today’s younger generation of tilers. However, Doty Tile is well suited for moderate sized projects which require experienced problem-solving, finesse, or historic knowledge about tile installations.
Riley is a director emeritus of Tile Heritage Foundation and does considerable research about the history of tiles. From time to time he writes and gives tours on subjects relating to tiles and architectural ceramics.
Sam Egan obtained 100 year old pieces of salvaged terra cotta made by Rookwood Pottery. He engaged Doty Tile to install them into an existing stone fireplace, turning it into a unique shrine of sorts.
This wonderful Arts and Crafts fireplace was designed by Michelle Nelson and uses Motawi tiles. Daniel Moore Photography.
Riley Doty installing the monumental archway at the front entrance to the Alameda County Juvenile Justice Center, designed by Artist and tilemaker Susan Dannenfelser (Dannenbeck Tile) The entire Dannenbeck commission is incredibly powerful and gorgeous.
The bathroom in this 1907 Julia Morgan cottage was brought back to period design, using tiles from American Restoration Tile Inc. and Subway Ceramics. Emily Hagopian, Photographer
Diane Winters designed this fireplace and made all the tiles, following the client’s request to reference the work of Greene & Greene at the Blacker House in Pasadena. Photo by Michael Grove.
Steve Rynerson designed these steps for an Arts & Crafts bungalow. The robust greenish limestone is inlaid with a single tile by Diane Winters. Photo by Michael Grove.
Phylece Snyder is seen here, restoring the original 1891 encaustic tile entry at Ravenswood Historic Site in Livermore, CA.
