Our primary focus is on the restoration/conservation of 19th Century masonry structures, i.e., those that are load-bearing solid wall brick and/or stone construction. This is sometimes referred to as "traditional masonry."  Traditional brick and stonemasonry are among the oldest building methods known to man. The most ancient of this type of masonry is believed to be dry stone masonry, so-called because it is stone laid without mortar.  Traditional mortared masonry, both stone and brick, typically used mortars called lime mortars.

         The development of steel, concrete and dimensional lumber during the latter half of the 19th Century, and continuing today, completely altered the use of masonry in construction. These materials supplanted brick and stone as structural elements and transferred their use primarily onto the face, or veneer, of structures.  Masonry from this era, beginning in the late decades of the 1800s and continuing to today, is typically referred to as "modern masonry."

         In recent decades, many in the restoration/conservation trades have discovered that some of the methods and materials used in modern masonry have not proven to be compatible with traditional masonry maintenance.  In some instances, well-intentioned repair has resulted in accelerated deterioration of masonry and even structural failure. Because the changes in construction and the trade during the last century were so comprehensive, much of this type of building stock has endured either improper maintenance, or lack of maintenance, for many decades.

       The goal of each of our projects is to endeavor to return these structures back to their original cycle of care so that they may endure as intended and provide long-term value to their stewards.

We offer:

• General Building Conservation 

• New Build utilizing traditional methods and materials