Thibodeau Ceramic Design

Thibodeau Ceramic Design, founded by Claire Thibodeau, is a Detroit-based studio crafting dishware that honors everyday rituals through intentional, artful design. Our signature line, The Forma Collection—derived from the Latin word for “form”—embodies the philosophy that form should adapt to life, not the other way around.

Unlike mass-produced tableware, our pieces are handmade by artists. Every item is touched and shaped with care through each step of the process, from raw material to finished form. We craft our own porcelain clay and glazes in-house, allowing the natural voice and movement of the material to shine through. This process restores character, warmth, and meaning to the act of gathering, eating, and sharing.

Thibodeau Ceramic Design also serves as a platform for emerging Detroit artists, supporting the next generation of makers in developing sustainable, expressive ceramic practices. Our mission is to create dishware that lives as functional art—deeply personal, thoughtfully made, and alive in your daily rituals. Every piece invites an artist-to-table experience.

Our Vision

At Thibodeau Ceramic Design, our vision is to create handcrafted wares that offer a direct artist-to-table experience. Each piece reflects the ceremony of craft—unique in form and marked by subtle details that reveal the process of making. We imagine a world where every day dishware is not treated as temporary or easily replaced, but instead as vessels of intention, care, and artistry. Thoughtfully crafted objects have the power to elevate daily rituals—transforming meals into moments of connection and presence.

Our approach celebrates the harmony between design and craft. Every piece is shaped by hand and grounded in a philosophy of slowness, material engagement, and care. We mix our own porcelain and glazes in-house and support a growing community of local Detroit artists, working together to build a sustainable studio culture that honors both material and maker. Ultimately, our vision is to reintegrate art into everyday life—creating objects that are not just functional and durable, but meaningful. Our dishware is designed to be held, used, and cherished—not unconsidered, but lived with.