Stonemasons still exist

After years as a graphic journalist and web developer I went to trade school to become a stonemason. Not to polish granite counter tops, but to build cathedrals.

I worked in restoration. We don’t build majestic temples anymore. The columns and arches once built for civic buildings are now tourist destinations. What happened? Our motivations changed. Modernism built cities for cars and business. The Archtectural Uprising movement is helping us remember how to build for people.

Old traditions and some new technology

I measure and design projects using both traditional techniques and modern 3D scanning. I participate in the Canadian Stone Carving Festival, using manual tools, but also like making CAD drawings for CNC machines.

I am Justin Stahlman, a draftsman & stonemason in Montreal. Here I am at the Forges de Montréal during a collaboration between stonemasons and blacksmiths.