IN DESIGN, THERE IS AN IDEAL RATIO OF COLOR, TEXTURE AND SHINE, A HOLY trinity of sorts that creates cohesion and contrast. It’s the very thing that makes you stop and stare, the magical mixture that makes you want to stay in a space and run your fingertips over everything you see. It’s in that tactility that natural and engineered stone countertops quietly assert their luxury, grounding design in both beauty and permanence.
Having spent nearly three decades fabricating and installing stone countertops, Joe Sykes understands the ways that marble, granite and quartz can alter a space, lend weight to a room, add visual and textural contrast and imbue elegance. That understanding—built over seven years of working for a Charleston-based stone fabricator—gave Sykes a foundation of experience and expertise strong enough to start a company of his own. Nineteen years later, the company has grown and expanded, shifting with market and design trends but solid as the stone he has spent decades working with.
“Our core business is the fabrication and installation of countertops, ranging from kitchens, vanities and outdoor spaces—which has become wildly popular,” Sykes says. “The stone industry, like many others, has benefitted from technological advances to increase production and greater accuracy. Architects and interior designers continue to push the envelope with slab walls in showers, elaborate fireplace surrounds, mitered edges and integrated stone sinks. In fact, I’ve noticed an uptick in the request for mitered edge work in projects ranging from the kitchen to the shower. Done correctly, this creates a dramatic visual impact to the space. Secondly, we are getting more requests to integrate stone sinks in kitchens and powder rooms. It may not be the most cost-effective option, but it creates stunning visual impact.”
Nearly three decades in, Sykes doesn’t just use the word “stunning” as a throwaway word to sell his product. He still sees the inherent beauty of each slab, the uniqueness of the colors, veining and movement that make every last one special. He also understands the complexities and characteristics of the various types of stone—whether natural or manufactured. It informs how he guides clients in their selections and influences every aspect of his work. In short, it’s one of the very things that sets Atlantic Stone apart.
“I tell clients to consider cabinet design, paint color and natural light to help find the right stone that complements the overall design. Some natural stones are very consistent—even monochromatic—in appearance, while others have a lot of movement and color variation. Of course, not all stones are created equally. Some are more porous than others and therefore have varying degrees of performance. Providing great customer service requires understanding the product, as well as your client, to provide a finished product that meets both form and function.
“We fabricate quartzite and marble mostly, with quartz—which is, of course, man-made—just behind the natural stones. Based on the client’s lifestyle, I make recommendations while still being sensitive to their overall design. If, for instance, they plan on renting the home periodically, I would strongly suggest a quartz product for its durability. Unlike natural stones, quartz is low-maintenance, available in a variety of colors and mimics natural stones, like marble and granite. In addition, it does not require yearly sealing to protect against a spaghetti sauce spill or red wine. The risk of etching occurs when an acidic or other solvent corrodes the surface of natural stone, typically leaving a dull spot or water ring mark. The good news is that any natural stone can be refinished to create a uniform finish.”
Sykes is quick to point out that it’s not just the material itself but the level of craftsmanship, customization and client collaboration behind it that ultimately defines the finished space. “A true craftsman takes pride in his work every day and has a genuine appreciation and love for what they created,” he says. “When a homeowner sees their new countertops installed and is blown away, it warms my heart.”
That dedication naturally extends into the level of customization Sykes brings to each project. “Custom work requires a lot of attention to detail to avoid a costly mistake,” he says. “The reward is great, but the liability is high. Fortunately, I’m grateful for my fabricator and partner who has a true understanding of fabrication. Meticulousness on both sides of the project is essential.”
Attention to detail drives him in execution, and that fastidious nature extends beyond the material itself and into the way Sykes collaborates with everyone involved in bringing a project to life—from homeowners to contractors and designers. It begins with the time he takes with the client, asking in-depth questions to learn more about how the space will be lived in and determine expectations.
Once cabinet drawings and stone selections have been finalized, Sykes and his team provide the proposal. During fabrication, they typically meet on-site with the contractor to walk the house and template all required tops, looking for clarification on design details, trouble-shooting issues and assessing the level of accessibility for larger pieces—which sometimes requires a crane.
Naturally, technology continues to advance, improving accuracy, shortening production times and increasing efficiency. Trends shift over time. But as solid as the stone that has become the bedrock foundation for his work, Sykes maintains his dedication to quality craftmanship, attention to detail and exceptional client relations.
“Our future is bright,” he contends, taking the long view. “We will continue to evolve with the industry and focus on the attributes that have made us prosper and grow over these last
19 years.” *
Liesel Schmidt lives in Navarre, Florida, and works as a freelance writer for local and regional magazines. She is also a web content writer and book editor. Follow her on X at @laswrites or download her novels, Coming Home to You, The Secret of Us and Life Without You, at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.
