Ceramics offer many attractive properties including low-density, high compressive strength, remarkable thermal stability, and high oxidation/corrosion resistance. However, these materials suffer from brittleness, which substantially limits their range of application, especially when high toughness is required. The exploration of the microstructure of these high performance natural materials has revealed the underlying principles required to achieve a balance between stiffness and toughness. In this study, we present several multilayered ceramic systems with bioinspired architectures with an enhanced toughness and multi hit-tolerance. We have developed architectured ceramics inspired by natural materials such as nacre and conch shell. In another example, stochastic ceramic systems have been designed based on the architecture of the American white pelican feather and the dragonfly wing. These ceramics were manufactured by stacking laser-engraved/cut architectured ceramic tiles and commercial monomer Surlyn. The mechanics of these multilayered architectured ceramics was investigated both numerically and experimentally by subjecting them to out-of-plane quasi-static and impact loads. Digital image correlation (DIC), computed radiography technique, micro-CT scanning and 3D laser scanning microscopy were used for multiscale damage assessment during and after loading. The finite element analysis was performed using ANSYS LS-DYNA or ABAQUS to model the quasi-static and impact responses and to investigate the effects of architectural parameters on the energy absorption and multi-hit capabilities of architectured ceramics.