News
Celebrating April Work Anniversaries at Quarra Stone Company
Each month, we take a moment to recognize the people who make Quarra Stone Company what it is. This April, we are proud to celebrate the work anniversaries of Steve Ensor, Marc Vaage, and Kim Nelson—team members whose dedication, skill, and character have shaped our culture and our craft for decades. From sales and technical design to production maintenance and essential business operations, these individuals represent the heart of our company and the expertise behind every architectural masterpiece we create.
From the American Dream to Franco Cervietti’s workshop
James Durham embodies the true spirit of the American self-made man. Starting his journey in the industry at just 22 years old, he built one of the most prestigious architectural stone companies in the United States: Quarra Stone Company. For over 30 years, Durham has led the Madison-based company through a deep evolution—from managing limestone quarries to acquiring the historic Franco Cervietti artistic workshop in Pietrasanta. Discover his story, rooted in a passion for chemistry, craft, and the enduring beauty of natural stone.
Site Visit to Silver Cloud Quarry for Peace Corps Park Project Assessment
This month, Quarra’s Nate McCalmont and Steven Rousseau traveled to Atlanta’s Silver Cloud Quarry as part of our ongoing work for the Peace Corps Park project. This congressionally authorized memorial in Washington, D.C., will feature sculptural benches crafted from world-renowned Silver Cloud granite. Our team was on-site to assess grain patterns and structural integrity, ensuring the selected stone meets the high aesthetic and performance standards required for this historic national tribute.
Quarra Stone Hosts AIA Southwest Wisconsin and CSI-Madison Chapter for Facility Tour
Quarra Stone hosted AIA and CSI members, highlighting how modern technology and traditional craftsmanship come together in precision stone fabrication and custom projects.
Striving Toward Perfection: How Quarra Stone Uses Levitation To Shape Stone
Quarra Stone unveils a groundbreaking CNC machine with magnetic levitation technology, enabling frictionless, ultra-precise stone fabrication and redefining what’s possible in architectural and sculptural stonework.
Quarra Stone Expands Global Reach with Acquisition of Franco Cervietti, Italy’s Premier Stone Workshop
Quarra Stone acquires Italy’s Franco Cervietti studio, blending Italian craftsmanship with Quarra’s expertise to elevate global stone fabrication and sculpture.
Site Visit to Vermont Marble Quarry for E9 Project Assessment
Our team visited a Vermont marble quarry to inspect a rare block for the E9 project, conducting detailed assessments and gaining insights into the quarry’s advanced stone processing operations.
Quarra Stone’s Brian Smith & Alex Marshall present at MIT’s Out of Frame Lecture Series
Quarra Stone leaders joined MIT’s Out of Frame series to share how the company merges traditional craftsmanship with modern digital fabrication to shape the future of architectural stonework.
James Durham of Quarra Stone and Germane Barnes Present Columnar Disorder at CODAsummit
At the 2025 CODAsummit, Quarra Stone and architect Germane Barnes presented *Columnar Disorder*, a reimagining of classical architecture through the lens of the African diaspora. Their collaboration produced sculptural works now part of the Art Institute of Chicago’s collection.
Bloomberg Businessweek
Quarra Stone is proud to be featured in Bloomberg Businessweek’s story on how robotics and digital tools are transforming the art of stone sculpture. From Pietrasanta, Italy—home to Michelangelo’s marble—Quarra is helping lead the future of craftsmanship by blending tradition with innovation.
Quarra Stone and Client Visit Sierra White Quarry in Preparation for Major 2026 Project
Quarra Stone recently joined a client at the Sierra White® quarry in Minnesota, marking a key milestone for a major 2026 project. The visit, hosted by Coldspring USA, highlighted Quarra’s collaborative approach to material selection and its commitment to quality from quarry to installation.
Honoring Craft and Community: Quarra Stone’s 4th Annual Gathering in Pietrasanta, Italy
Each summer, Quarra Stone hosts a gathering in Pietrasanta, Italy to celebrate stone, art, and collaboration. This year’s event featured a private studio tour at Cervietti by Quarra and an unforgettable evening at Hotel Paradis, bringing together creators from around the world.
James Durham & Martin Foot Visit Candoglia Quarry and Milan Cathedral
Quarra Stone visited the historic Candoglia Quarry and Milan’s Duomo, tracing centuries of craftsmanship and cultural legacy. The experience reaffirmed our commitment to timeless stonework and inspired our ongoing dedication to the craft.
Germane Barnes’ Identity Column Finds a Permanent Home in Miami
Quarra Stone helped bring Germane Barnes’ Identity Column to life—a powerful reinterpretation of the classical column through an African diasporic lens. Now installed at Magnus Brickell, the work blends cultural storytelling with architectural innovation.
Mentorship Spotlight: Rachele Pierini Visits from Pietrasanta
Last week, Quarra Stone welcomed Rachele Pierini, a master craftswoman from Pietrasanta, Italy, renowned for its rich marble artistry heritage. Her visit fostered a hands-on mentorship, bridging centuries of stoneworking tradition and enhancing our team’s skills. This collaboration underscores our commitment to preserving and evolving the timeless art of stone carving through meaningful partnerships.
Iowa State Architecture Students Visit Quarra Stone for Sustainable Design Project
Quarra Stone recently hosted Iowa State architecture students for a hands-on sustainability project. Using reclaimed stone and innovative composites, the students will design and build a functional structure to support agricultural workers—showcasing real-world solutions for sustainable architecture.
