July 11, 2005

What was once a luxury for only the wealthiest of consumers is now an option for almost anyone who desires the enduring opulence of European stone design in their home or business. Architectural Supply, Inc. has recently acquired its own overseas quarry, further reducing the overhead operating costs of one of the nation's largest importers of fine hand-carved marble and limestone from all over the world.

Architectural Supply, Inc. offers an extensive inventory of hand-carved marble fireplaces, columns, fountains, statuary, door surrounds, benches, gazebos, balustrades, urns, planters, vanities, and bathtubs. All of these elegant pieces are available to the public at prices that directly compete with second-rate concrete casting materials.

"Why would anyone choose inferior replicas in concrete cast stone over the real thing?" says Bruno Leonardt of Architectural Supply, Inc. "We have created a business with almost no overhead, passing the savings onto the customers, so that anyone who is remodeling or building a home can have the option of including magnificent stone details fit for a king. We can meet or beat almost any price on lesser-quality concrete cast stone bids."

The recent acquisition of their private quarry increases Architectural Supply, Inc.'s access to quality natural marble and limestone, which they import to the Houston Ship Channel directly from Italy, France, Greece, England, Brazil, and parts of Asia. From this fine stone, they hand-carve richly ornate 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th Century European-style architectural masterpieces. Marble and limestone have been valued for thousands of years for both their durability and natural beauty.

In addition to the brilliantly crafted pieces already in stock, Architectural Supply Inc. can create works specifically carved to your size and color specifications. Their in-house team of professional artisans will craft highly unique, custom pieces suited to your own home or business project. A recent addition to the ASI product line is a series of custom hand-carved, solid limestone and travertine marble kitchen hoods that fit any range width and ceiling height, priced in the same range as most copper and stainless steel kitchen hoods of the same size. They are stocked in their warehouse but may be custom carved to specifications within 60 to 90 days.

Famed artist Michelangelo once said: "I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set her free." Architectural Supply, Inc. believes that the presence of romantic, ancient marble or limestone can add drama and luxury to every home or business, be it a castle or a cottage. To that end they have strived to make such beautiful stone works of art as available and affordable as concrete cast stone replicas. To see for yourself, explore the graceful galleries at www.architecturalsupplyinc.com