Canadian surface installation specialist Urban Design and Ceramics has officially entered the Egyptian market with the opening of its Cairo office in the Fifth Settlement, marking a strategic expansion into one of the region’s fastest-growing construction markets.

Founded in Ottawa by Jean-Francois Urbanowicz and Catherine Urbanowicz, the company brings more than two decades of experience delivering high-precision tile, ceramic, marble, and specialty surface installation across complex construction projects throughout Canada.

Urban Design and Ceramics has built a strong portfolio spanning hospitality, mixed-use, institutional, commercial, and high-rise developments. Its completed projects include the restoration of Parliament Hill, AC Marriott Hotel, Hard Rock Cafe and Casino Ottawa, the Zibi mixed-use development, Statistics Canada headquarters, Le Nordik Spa, Moxy Hotel, St. Laurent Mall, and several other landmark developments.

The company said its decision to establish operations in Egypt reflects confidence in the country’s sustained construction boom, driven by continued investment in hospitality, residential, commercial, mixed-use, and institutional developments.

“Egypt’s construction sector is growing rapidly, and quality execution is clearly a priority across the industry,” said Catherine Urbanowicz, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer. “We see a strong alignment between the market’s ambitions and our expertise in delivering technically demanding projects with precision and consistency.”

Rather than focusing solely on project volume, Urban Design and Ceramics said its Egypt strategy centers on building long-term partnerships with developers, contractors, architects, suppliers, and local installation teams to strengthen project execution and share technical expertise.

“We’re not entering Egypt to compete on volume,” Urbanowicz added. “We’re here to build trusted partnerships founded on precision, accountability, and exceptional execution.”

The company also plans to provide on-site technical coordination and mentorship as part of its collaborative approach, drawing on the same operational model that has supported its success in Canada.

“A successful finish begins long before installation starts,” said Jean-Francois Urbanowicz, Co-Founder and Senior Project Manager. “Surface preparation, sequencing, coordination between trades, and material selection all determine the final result. Managing those details has always been at the core of our business, and that commitment remains the same wherever we operate.”

Urban Design and Ceramics operates as part of The Urban Group, which has business activities in both Canada and Egypt.

To mark its official market entry, the company will host a launch event in Cairo in July 2026, bringing together leaders from the development, construction, architecture, manufacturing, and supply sectors, alongside members of the Canada–Egypt business community.