Our Team

From day one, our Young Ideas team has been our most valuable asset in creating remarkable work that achieves our clients’ design goals. From the people in the office to the masons on site, all of our employees have a wealth of knowledge and experience that makes them the best in the industry. Each team member is essential for the successful completion of a project. Our workers have honed the ability to take any design to fruition with expert skill and an artistic eye. Each stonemason completes comprehensive training, gaining hands-on-skills as well as command of the various stone types.

 A variety of workers will be on location including labors mixing cement, tenders cutting and picking out the appropriate stones for placement, and masons bringing the features to life by artfully placing the materials. Their collaboration reveals a high-quality finished product that melds stunning design with masterful craftsmanship. An organized team is crucial for the successful realization of a project, and Young Idea’s workflow has been tried and tested for maximum efficiency. We only hire masons that we trust will do the very best work, so our clients can rest easy knowing that their property is in the most capable of hands.

STONE VENEER

To create the desired look, whether it be a traditional style inspired by an old-world facade or a contemporary polished piece, we use stone veneers. Cut to various sizes and shapes (all the same thickness), stone veneers offer an ideal method to feature a wide range of exterior and interior designs. Based on the type of stone chosen and the process used to secure it in place, different aesthetics can be achieved.

 For a look resembling the hillside homes of Spain, over-grouting might be selected while a more rustic location might use lime wash, a process where extra mortar is applied and spread over the stone. A favorite of many homeowners is a dry stack look where stones are tightly assembled using no mortar. It’s a time consuming process that calls for a talented team, but the finished product is an ideal representation of stone masonry.

BRICKWORK

Beyond stone sourced from quarries across the world, the Young Ideas team also works with brick that has been reclaimed from historic cities and locales. Bricks from the Industrial Revolution or old Chicago (as well as new bricks) can be used to create dynamic decorations for any type of home. Masons can assemble brick features in any style from old world to contemporary.

 Bricks are made from a sand or clay mold and then are fired in a kiln and produced in colors like red, yellow, or white. Compilations of multi-colored brick can be assembled or, for a more modern look, one color can be implemented for a clean design. Whether used for an interior wine cellar or as an accent to an outdoor feature, the pieces offer a bold decorative component.

INTERIOR

When it comes to interiors, creating decorative details that are consistent with the exterior of the home is the highest priority. Any room can be made to feel exceedingly opulent with the addition of stone accents, whether it be in the form of a structural arch, kitchen backsplash, stone veneer bathroom tub, or a personal wine cellar. 

 Stone adds warmth to the home and creates a space that feels as though it has been standing for many years and will continue to stand for decades beyond. Highly skilled masons can help determine what possibilities are available for a home and give invaluable insight into the best way to fulfill the desired look.

HARDSCAPE

A home’s façade speaks volumes about a space’s style, but the exterior hardscape, meaning stone elements that can be walked on, offers another area to be creative and implement stunning design details. From stepping stones throughout a backyard to a Romanesque fountain clad with stone enhancements, the Young Ideas team can craft outdoor essentials that draw attention and create ideal spaces for relaxing and entertaining.

 Depending on the type of project, a variety of stones in an assortment of colors, shapes, and textures can be used. Working closely with a mason, clients are professionally guided through deciding on an appropriate approach. There is always a way to make a client’s wishes materialize.

PAVING

Using stone to create an entrance to a home is a client’s opportunity to showcase an elevated design aesthetic from the very start. A variety of materials can be used to create a driveway or walkway that presents a memorable welcome for guest. Any type of extremely hard stone will serve as an ideal path, but pieces must be cut thicker to account for the weight of the foot and auto traffic upon them.