Each month, we take a moment to recognize the people who make Quarra Stone Company what it is. This June, we are proud to celebrate the work anniversaries of Nate McCalmont, Taeyong Kim, Brian Adams, and two more valued members of our team — individuals whose dedication, expertise, and character continue to shape our culture and our craft. Behind every project and every milestone are the people who show up, day after day, and make it all possible.
Nate McCalmont | Project Manager
The way his coworkers talk about Nate says a lot — deeply committed, highly reliable, and fully invested in every project he takes on. He digs deep into his work to be the best project manager he can be, always mindful of Quarra’s position and a strong advocate for the team. He’s even earned the unofficial title of the “king of the change order.”
Once Nate is on board, he’s all in — no matter how long it takes or what it demands.
As a Project Manager, Nate especially enjoys working closely with clients to bring their visions to life, with projects including the National Arts Club, Wesleyan University, and Peace Corps Park.
Outside of work, Nate is happiest outdoors — fishing, hiking, camping, kayaking, golfing (disc or traditional), or floating down a river.
What he values most about Quarra is simple: working with great people and pushing the envelope of what’s possible.
Congratulations, Nate — and thank you for three years of dedication, reliability, and impact.
Taeyong Kim | QLAB Design Engineer
Over the past four years, Taeyong Kim has become a key voice in how we think, research, and solve complex challenges at Quarra. As a Design Engineer in the Q LAB, his work lives at the intersection of curiosity, rigor, and applied problem-solving.
Driven by curiosity, Taeyong approaches projects with a research-oriented mindset grounded in computational design and analysis. His impact on the company has been substantial — particularly through the scripts he’s written to optimize how we approach and “blanket” complex stone pieces, reshaping internal workflows and fabrication strategies.
One project he especially enjoyed was A Parallel Nature by Maya Lin, installed at the JPMorgan Chase headquarters — a collaboration that brought together art, engineering, and thoughtful technical problem-solving at a monumental scale.
Beyond project work, Taeyong is also an active researcher and widely published author. His work has appeared across multiple publications and platforms, including publication by the Architectural Institute of Korea. Written in Korean, his research helps introduce Quarra’s work and design approach to the Korean architectural community. The depth and rigor he brings to his academic work show up clearly in the way he approaches design and analysis here. As his coworkers put it simply: “He’s a genius.”
Aside from work, Taeyong can often be found playing tennis, observing the night sky — stars, planets, and moons — or diving deeper into research and writing. That same sense of curiosity carries through everything he does.
What he values most about being part of the Quarra team is the opportunity to work on meaningful problems, explore new ideas, and contribute thoughtfully to each project.
Cheers to four years, Taeyong — we’re grateful for the perspective, care, and intellectual rigor you bring to the Q LAB and beyond.
Brian Adams | Project Manager
For the past five years, Brian Adams has been a steady, trusted force at Quarra. As a Project Manager, he supports projects from planning through installation with care, skill, and consistency. He brings a solutions-oriented approach to every project, pairing technical skill with a positive attitude.
Coworkers describe Brian as a core part of the Quarra team — someone who’s always willing to help clients and teammates navigate challenges, no matter the scale. He has participated in and led multiple field installations, playing a direct role in upholding Quarra’s reputation for quality and excellence.
What Brian values most about his role is the balance it offers. He’s had the opportunity to manage teams, take on technical leadership, and get his hands dirty — working directly with materials and fabrication when needed. That mix of responsibility and hands-on problem-solving is what keeps the work engaging. One of his proudest accomplishments to date is the Emanuel 9 project.
Outside of work, Brian enjoys fishing, riding motorcycles, and golfing — interests that mirror his appreciation for focus, patience, and being outdoors.
What he enjoys most about being part of the Quarra team is that no two projects are ever the same. Each one brings new challenges to solve, new skills to learn, and new opportunities to grow — ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
Cheers to five years, Brian — we’re grateful for the dedication, leadership, and positive energy you bring to Quarra every day!
Peter Vaughan | Machinist, 2nd Shift Manager
For the past seven years, Peter Vaughan has been a steady presence on the shop floor at Quarra. As a Machinist and 2nd Shift Manager, he brings experience, focus, and a strong respect for the craft to everything that moves through the shop.
One project that stands out for Peter is the Memorial to Enslaved Laborers — a job that required precision, care, and close collaboration, and one that left a lasting impression on the team. He’s also always enjoyed working with labradorite. It’s demanding material, but that challenge is part of what makes it so rewarding — and visually striking.
When he’s away from the shop, Peter enjoys spending time out in the wilderness. That appreciation for quiet, space, and focus shows up in his work, where patience and attention to detail are essential.
What Peter values most about being part of Quarra is the people. With a wide range of talents across the company, he believes the best results come when everyone brings their skills together — producing work that’s stronger because of the collaboration behind it.
Cheers to 7 years, Peter. We’re grateful for your leadership, craftsmanship, and the calm confidence you bring to the team.
A Culture Built on People
While Quarra Stone Company is known for its craftsmanship and capability, it’s the people behind the work who truly set it apart. From the precision of the Q LAB to the steady hands guiding projects through installation, each individual contributes to a culture built on trust, skill, and shared purpose.
We’ll be back next month to celebrate the next group of anniversaries — because at Quarra, recognizing the people who show up is something we do all year long. These stories are a reminder that great work doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built over time by people who care. And at Quarra, that’s what makes all the difference.
