Damla Turgut is the founder and creative director of Otto Tiles & Design, a brand that has redefined the tile industry with its bold, handcrafted collections. As the company marks its 10th anniversary in 2025, Damla reflects on a journey fuelled by passion, resilience, and an eye for exceptional design.

Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, Damla’s career began in an entirely different field—law. She practiced for three years before moving to London to specialise in the financial sector. However, as she navigated the job market, an unexpected shift in her path led her back to Turkey in 2013. During a period of economic uncertainty, she recognised a unique business opportunity in the tile industry, an untapped niche for design-led, high-quality handcrafted tiles that combined tradition with contemporary aesthetics. Inspired by Turkey’s rich heritage of craftsmanship, she began working with local artisans to bring her vision to life.

In 2014, alongside her brother, she founded Otto Tiles in Istanbul. A year later, she returned to London and officially launched Otto Tiles & Design, bringing her distinctive vision to a global audience. From the beginning, Damla was determined to move beyond mass-produced designs and instead champion the beauty of handmade, artisanal tiles.

Under her leadership, Otto Tiles & Design has become known for its signature collections, including encaustic cement, terrazzo, zellige, and marble tiles. Each piece reflects a careful balance of old-world craftsmanship and modern creativity. Damla’s passion for design, combined with her commitment to quality, has positioned Otto Tiles as a go-to brand for architects, interior designers, and homeowners around the world seeking something truly special.