(August 2011) Exclusivity is British company Lapicida’s trademark. This holds true for the types of stone used – emanating from around the globe. „We source only the finest Grade A stones and discard any lesser grade“ according to company spokeswoman Karen Rowe.
Another aspect of exclusivity falls upon the market segment „Antique and reclaimed“. These would be e.g. the stone floor from a French castle, available in but a strictly limited surface area but complete with the seal of royal footprints.
„Bespoke“ is yet another market segment, in which interior decorators and designers work hand in hand to develop a planning concept individually cut out according to the client’ wishes. „We have worked in the UK and abroad on many ‚world class houses’ where we have been asked to supply staircases, full stone swimming pools and complete bathrooms“, writes Karen Rowe. According to the company’s self-presentation, special customers can expect the red carpet treatment.
In-house specialists are responsible for completion of the projects – owing not least to the company’s name, Latin for „stonemason“. The company’s workshops are equipped with state-of-the-art machinery.
Lapicida’s entrepreneurial concept was originally born during the course of an extended business trip, which chief executive Jason Cherrington undertook with his father, himself a roofing merchant and specialist in his field. Together they stumbled upon stone tiles and immediately recognized the marketing potential. Lapicida has since become a specialist for manifold use of such products.
The company’s head office is in the North Yorkshire spa town of Harrogate where would-be clients can visit the 20,000’² showroom (1.800 m²), recipient of one of the 2010 British Northern Design Awards. Lapicida entertains another exhibition venue in London.
The company has entered into cooperation with the Fired Earth brand but also markets well-known designer products such as those of Italian Lithos Design.
Lapicida is also way up front as far as modern technology is concerned. One may e.g. purchase a Rolex Pietra Dura in its e-store or download an app for stone-design from its website.
Photos: Lapicida
