August 10, 2005

Architectural Supply, Inc., one of the nation's largest importers of fine hand-carved marble and limestone, has announced that it has been awarded a contract to supply 308 fire surrounds for a new development of luxury townhouses located in Houston, Texas. The 19th Century European-Style fire surrounds will be incorporated into the 152 four-story townhouses under the direction of Evans Construction Inc. ofHouston.

Architectural Supply, Inc. (A.S.I.) is widely known for its exquisitely carved pieces that turn stone into intricate works of art. The expert in-house artisans at A.S.I. create enchanting hand-carved fireplaces, columns, fountains, statuary, door surrounds, benches, gazebos, balustrades, urns, planters, vanities, and bathtubs. The high-quality, beautiful stone used by A.S.I. is imported directly to the Houston Ship Channel from Italy, France, Greece, England, Brazil, and parts of Asia.

The elegant works available at A.S.I. are priced in direct competition with lesser-quality concrete-cast pieces. Architectural Supply, Inc. takes pride in being able to offer the enduring opulence of European stone design to almost anyone's home or business, once a luxury affordable only to the wealthiest of patrons. 

In addition, A.S.I. has recently acquired their own private overseas quarry, further reducing the overhead operating costs of the company and keeping the prices for these amazing pieces in an affordable range. 

"We are, of course, extremely excited about this contract with Evans Construction, Inc. Our hand-carved marble fire surrounds will create an atmosphere of drama and luxury for the residents of these townhouses," says Bruno Leonardt of Architectural Supply, Inc. "We have worked hard to develop our business with low overhead costs, in order to make beauty and history available to everyone. To our tremendous delight, our authentic hand-carved marble and limestone pieces can meet or beat the price of similar concrete-cast stone pieces. Why buy something inferior when you can have the real thing?"

Mr. Evans, president of Evans Construction, adds: "Architectural Supply, Inc. has created beautiful marble mantles reflecting the European Old World design that keeps in the theme of our project at a cost that we paid for cast stone mantles in the past. We did not realize that hand carved solid marble mantles could be sold this inexpensively and only regret we did not find Mr. Leonardt and his company five years ago. It really improves the look and value of each townhouse from a customer's perspective."


Architectural Supply, Inc. hopes that this momentous contract with Evans Construction, Inc. will lead to others, further presenting their richly ornate 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th Century European-style architectural masterpieces to the general public.

"Everyone deserves beauty in their lives and in their homes," says Leonardt. "Limestone and marble have been cherished for thousands of years. At A.S.I., we simply uncover the magic already hidden within."

Famed artist Michelangelo once said: "I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set her free." Architectural Supply, Inc. operates by these words. Their aspiration is to continue to set free the life inside precious marble and limestone, and to continue to ensure that everyone may enjoy the magic and elegance of naturalstone.

To see for yourself, explore the graceful galleries at www.architecturalsupplyinc.com

Contact:
Bruno Leonardt
Architectural Supply, Inc.
1001 West Loop North
Houston, Texas 77055
713-266-2033