Arto, a California manufacturer of handcrafted ceramic and concrete tiles, has appointed Julie Grajeda as head of sustainability and product, marking the company's increased focus on environmental responsibility. Grajeda, who brings more than 10 years of tile industry experience, will lead sustainability initiatives and product development while ensuring the company's designs meet industry standards.

From her first factory tour a decade ago, watching artisans transform raw clay into handcrafted tiles, Julie Grajeda knew there was something special about Arto. Now, as the company's new head of sustainability and product, she's poised to help this California-based tile manufacturer write its next chapter.

Here, Grajeda shares her vision for combining Arto's renowned artistry with environmental stewardship, drawing on her 13-year journey in the tile industry. From her early days as a purchasing assistant to managing complex product portfolios, Grajeda brings a unique blend of technical expertise and creative insight to her role. Read on as she shares her passion for sustainability and her plans to shape Arto's future while honoring its artistic legacy.

Floor Trends & installation: Share an overview of your career path and key roles leading up to joining Arto.

Grajeda: I began in the tile industry as a purchasing assistant with a mentor who sparked my passion for all aspects of tile—from installation to technical details. Over the past 13 years, I’ve focused on procurement, product development, and operations, especially in high-end and specialty tiles. This hands-on experience shaped my perspective and prepared me to contribute fresh ideas at Arto.

I’ve gained extensive experience in product lifecycle management, sourcing, and quality control. I started as a purchasing assistant, developed technical expertise through product testing, and managed inventory for over 2,500 products in 40 locations. In my role as a product manager, I oversaw the selection and optimization of tile collections, working cross-departmentally to ensure success. These experiences give me the strategic and technical background to drive sustainability and innovation at Arto. 

Floor Trends & installation: What drew you to Arto, and how does the company’s mission align with your professional goals?

Grajeda: I’ve been a fan of Arto since my first visit to the facility about a decade ago. It was the first factory I ever toured, and seeing raw clay and concrete transformed into stunning, handmade tiles left a lasting impression on me. Watching the team hand-paint detailed pieces sparked my passion for unique and handcrafted tiles. Arto’s mission to set and surpass expectations aligns with my own values of being proactive and striving for excellence. Joining a team with a shared commitment to quality and innovation makes me excited about what we can achieve together.

Floor Trends & installation: What are you most looking forward to as you begin your journey at Arto?

Grajeda: I’m most excited about the opportunity to learn and grow in this role. I’ve spent over a decade mastering product development and procurement in the tile industry, and now I have the chance to immerse myself in sustainability. I’m eager to explore how sustainability principles can enhance our products, strengthen Arto’s brand, and impact how our tiles are specified and selected in the market.

I hope to bring my industry expertise to help Arto proactively address challenges and improve customer experiences. With the rise of DIY consumers, I want to ensure we provide clear, accessible information that prevents issues before they arise. Additionally, I aim to learn how we can leverage Arto’s sustainability initiatives to position our products for commercial projects, ensuring they meet or exceed industry expectations.

Floor Trends & installation: How do you see your role as head of sustainability and product impacting Arto’s mission of setting and surpassing expectations?

Grajeda: Arto is already known for surpassing expectations with its artistic products and exceptional customer service, and my role will help expand that reputation through sustainability. By improving transparency and providing the documentation architects and designers need, I can help build confidence in specifying our products. Once I fully understand where we stand on the sustainability scale, I would love to refine our processes and products to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

Transparency and education are my top priorities. Establishing clear sustainability metrics and obtaining certifications like LEED Green Associate and WELL AP will provide the knowledge to ensure our products meet industry standards. Transparency will build trust with customers, while education will empower consumers to make informed, environmentally conscious choices.

Floor Trends & installation: How do you plan to integrate Arto’s commitment to quality and sustainability into new product development?

Grajeda: Designing products with sustainability in mind is essential. First, I’ll learn which properties of products and manufacturing are important for creating a sustainable product. Then, I’ll incorporate what I’ve learned to create tiles that are durable, easy to maintain, and recyclable at the end of their lifecycle. Exploring eco-friendly materials that meet Arto’s high aesthetic standards will also be a priority.

I envision creating clear, detailed materials that highlight Arto’s sustainability efforts and the story behind our products. We already offer factory tours, which let customers see firsthand how raw materials transform into finished products. My goal is to capture that same sense of transparency and craftsmanship in our documentation, helping customers understand the care and artistry that goes into every tile.

Floor Trends & installation: How do you plan to collaborate with teams and stakeholders to drive sustainability and innovation at Arto?

Grajeda: I’ll focus on learning everything I can about sustainability in our industry and sharing that knowledge with stakeholders to guide informed decisions. Open communication will be central—through cross-functional meetings or documentation, I’ll encourage collaboration and idea-sharing across teams.

Floor Trends & installation: What role does industry compliance (e.g., Prop 65, LEED standards) play in shaping Arto’s products, and how do you plan to tackle these challenges?

Grajeda: Compliance is crucial for ensuring customer safety, maintaining trust, and avoiding legal risks. Regulations like Prop 65 and LEED standards are constantly evolving, so staying informed is key. I plan to educate myself on all aspects of sustainability and work with our teams to ensure our products meet—or exceed—compliance requirements.

Floor Trends & installation: What are your top priorities for the year ahead in product development and sustainability?

Grajeda: My top priority is to fully understand compliance requirements and sustainability standards in our industry. Once I have that solid foundation, I’ll evaluate Arto’s products to identify areas needing updates, testing, or adjustments. From there, we’ll integrate sustainability into all aspects of the company, ensuring Arto remains top of mind for sustainable tile choices.

Floor Trends & installation: What lessons have you learned along the way that have shaped how you approach your work today?

Grajeda: 

1. Don’t limit yourself—take risks and learn from failures. Naysayers only fueled my determination.
2. Hard work and preparation open doors. “Luck is being prepared when the opportunity arises” has guided me for decades.
3. Collaboration leads to growth. Knowing what you don’t know, and seeking help, fosters open-mindedness and innovation.