Masonry and Stone Work Design Services

The best materials and installation skills mean nothing if the overall design of a project is wrong. From working intimately with masonry materials for the last 20 years we have strived to improve our understanding of beautiful masonry design by studying the patterns and the buildings of many of the worlds great cities. During the renaissance stone cutters worked in guilds ad the top members of those guild did much of the design work that we see on the beautiful buildings in Europe. By working with the materials every day, learning the architectural language of the region, and constantly improving these men reached a level of expertise that is far beyond what most of the members of our field posses.

At that time a man was defined by his craft far more than we are today. In most cases they started in the stone guild at the age of 12-14 and spent nearly everyday of the rest of there lives immersed in their trade with the goal of becoming masters of their craft. When we look back in history at the greatest artist who were members of the stone cutters guild including Michelangelo Buonarroti we are humbled. This has to make us ask the question. Is our system of architectural design better now than it was 500 years ago when true artisans designed much of the work that is still standing today? We have not produced that many great masonry buildings in the last 50 years. How much of what has been built in the last five decades will not be here 5 decades from now? The one thing we are sure will be here in two or three more generations is those beautiful old stone building that are still located in desirable locations.

Well designed and constructed masonry is an investment, it costs little to maintain, it's timeless, extremely durable and people instantly recognize it as a symbol of status and wealth.

Today we respectfully strive to walk in the footsteps of the great master guildsmen of the past and do them honor by designing and creating exceptional projects that last the test of time. We are lucky in that we now have many tools and techniques at our disposal that the masters did not have. These include AutoCAD, 3D modeling, Email, band saws, air chisels, cut off saws, grinders, diamond impregnated cutting equipment, and world wide supply chains. We have the benefits of structural analysis software, soils engineers, steel reinforced concrete, polymer and epoxy enhanced masonry adhesives and sealing and restoration chemicals. With all these advances masonry construction is a smarter investment now then it has ever been.

We can guide you completely thru the design and construction process from concept to completion. We handle every detail, show you the finest materials, provide alternatives, developed budgets, create models, build mockups, render beautiful hand drawn perspectives, and manage the civil, soils, and structural engineering. We pull the permits, manage the budget, the inspectors, keep the site orderly, prevent the project from disturbing your life, build the project to perfection, clean it so it is neat as a pin and have fun with you the whole way thru. At the end of the project we will not only have been your designers and contractors we will be your friend. This is how we work.

Our design studio is part of our parent organization The OuterSpaces Group, who for the last two decades has treated every job as it was their own home. Aesthetics, quality of workmanship and the improvement of our surroundings have been their guiding principals and will be for generations to come. Please contact our office for a free consultation. To view our design work you need only to look through these web pages and the pages of OuterSpaces. The quality of design and commitment to excellence speaks for itself.

Thank You
Robert Nonemaker
Principal
The OuterSpaces Group