TIMELESS BY DESIGN: MARC THEE ON CREATING TILE THAT LEAVES A LASTING IMPRESSION
DESIGNING BEYOND TRENDS
Some designers chase trends. Others create work that quietly outlives them.
For internationally recognized interior designer Marc Thee, timeless design has never been about following what's new—it's about creating spaces that continue to evoke emotion decades later. That philosophy has defined his career designing luxury residences around the world, and today it lives on through his exclusive collections with Audrey Lane. Rather than viewing tile as a finishing material, Thee sees it as one of the most influential design decisions within a home.
Project: 444 N. Michigan ft. Marc Thee Waterjet Bright Side
TWO COLLECTIONS. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES.
While both collections share Marc's signature design philosophy, they offer distinctly different experiences.
The Skord Collection
For projects that embrace restraint, the Skord Collection delivers quiet sophistication through clean lines and understated geometry. Designed for designers who appreciate subtle elegance, Skord creates custom architectural moments without overwhelming a space. "It's ideal for those who prefer clean, timeless design with less ornamentation while still creating a distinctive look," Marc says. Its simplicity also allows designers to achieve a highly customized aesthetic while remaining conscious of budget—an increasingly valuable balance in today's projects.
The Waterjet Collection
If Skord represents restraint, the Waterjet Collection celebrates creative freedom. Made possible through precision waterjet technology, each pattern opens nearly limitless opportunities for customization through material selection, color combinations, and layout. "The precision of waterjet technology allows us to dream bigger," Marc explains. "Even when used sparingly, these designs have the power to transform a space." Whether specified as an entry statement, powder room floor, fireplace surround, feature wall, or luxury bath installation, every installation becomes uniquely its own. No two projects need to look alike.
Project: Private Residence ft. Marc Thee Perma Link
WHY CUSTOMIZATION MATTERS
Today's luxury homes are more personalized than ever before.
Clients expect interiors to reflect their lifestyle—not simply follow a catalog.
That's exactly why customization became one of the defining characteristics of Marc's collaboration with Audrey Lane.
"We wanted this collection to reflect individuality by offering flexibility in color, material, and layout," he says.
Rather than prescribing a finished design, the collections provide designers with an architectural toolkit—one that allows every installation to become a personal expression of its owner.
Whether creating something bold and dramatic or quiet and understated, the design remains uniquely theirs.
FINDING BEAUTY BETWEEN GEOMETRY AND NATURE
One of the most recognizable characteristics throughout Marc's work is the balance between structured geometry and organic movement.
It's a contrast that feels both architectural and effortless.
"Geometry reflects the structure and architecture of our built environments," Marc says. "Organic forms connect us back to nature and the beauty of the natural world."
For him, the most memorable interiors exist somewhere between those two ideas.
That balance creates spaces that feel authentic—not because they're trendy, but because they're rooted in principles that have existed for centuries.
It's also what gives many of his patterns their enduring quality
Project: Elysian at Tivoli ft. Marc Thee Good Vibes
A DESIGNER’S FAVORITE
Choosing a favorite from an entire collection isn't easy.
But one pattern continues to stand out.
Recently installed in Marc's own Palm Springs home, the design perfectly captures what he believes timeless luxury should feel like.
"It feels as though it could have been original to a grand New York City hotel 100 years ago," he says, "yet it also feels completely fresh and contemporary today."
That intersection of history and modernity is exactly what he strives to achieve.
"To me, that is the definition of timeless design."
The home itself became an opportunity to showcase multiple Audrey Lane patterns, each selected for a different emotional experience.
Magnetic anchors the primary bathroom with dramatic elegance reminiscent of a luxury penthouse at The Plaza.
Bucket List introduces a bold Mid-Century Modern personality in the VIP bathroom.
Word of Mouth brings playful movement and whimsy into the office and guest suite.
Each installation tells its own story while reinforcing the flexibility of the collection.
Professional photography of the home is planned ahead of Modernism Week 2027, where the project will officially make its debut.
designer spaces people feel
Ask Marc what he hopes people notice when they enter a space featuring one of his designs, and his answer isn't about craftsmanship or pattern.
It's about emotion.
"I love a true wow factor."
"My hope is that these designs create that kind of emotional response—a moment that is felt before it's even put into words."
That immediate reaction is what great design accomplishes.
Before someone notices the furniture.
Before they appreciate the architecture.
Before they understand why a room feels extraordinary.
They simply feel it.
ADVICE FOR DESIGNERS
For designers hoping to create more memorable interiors, Marc offers surprisingly practical advice.
Start small.
Powder rooms.
Guest bathrooms.
Foyers.
Secondary spaces.
These are the places where clients are often willing to embrace creativity—and where unforgettable moments can happen.
"They're the perfect opportunity to take risks, introduce personality, and incorporate details that feel unique," he says.
They're also where a thoughtfully customized tile installation can become the defining feature of an entire home.
Project: Private Residence ft. Marc Thee Modern Overlay
LOOKING FORWARD
As manufacturing technology continues to evolve, Marc sees even greater opportunities for designers to create highly personalized architectural surfaces.
Innovations in waterjet fabrication, mixed materials, metals, mirror, and specialty finishes continue to expand what's possible.
"The future is truly limitless," he says.
Yet despite all the technological advances, his philosophy remains remarkably unchanged.
Great design isn't about novelty.
It's about creating something unique enough to feel personal—and timeless enough to feel like it has always belonged.
EXPLORE THE MARC THEE COLLECTIONS
Whether you're specifying a one-of-a-kind waterjet installation or searching for a refined geometric pattern with timeless appeal, the Marc Thee x Audrey Lane collections were designed to give architects and designers the freedom to create spaces that are deeply personal, unmistakably luxurious, and built to endure.
Explore the collections and begin designing a surface that's entirely your own.
“The future is truly LIMITLESS.”
-MARC THEE, INTERIOR DESIGNER
