For over 85 years, Building Stone Institute has worked on behalf of the quarriers, fabricators, dealers, importers, exporters, carvers, restorers, designers and installers that comprise its membership. The organization takes a multi-faceted approach to achieving its goals: educating the architectural and design communities to ensure that they are well-versed on all applications of natural stone; publishing magazines and brochures to exhibit projects in natural stone; developing and supporting programs and resources that enable member companies to offer the highest level of quality products and services to their customers; and providing the arena for members to enjoy the camaraderie of working and socializing with others in the same business, those who share common problems and common goals.
Ordering stone for a project can also seem difficult at first. Shop drawings, fabrication, delivery and installation are important components of the process; until a designer has gained experience, the procedure may appear overwhelming. For example, the shop drawings needed to determine timeframe, and price may reveal problems with the design. Thus, plans may have to be altered slightly to accommodate these unforeseen problems. The delivery of stone to a jobsite - along with its shop drawings and setting instructions - is another step that becomes smooth and uncomplicated through education and experience.