COMPANIES THAT USE STONEX AS A STONE CONSULTANT
About Stonex
Independent Stone Consultants
Stonex Consulting is the Independent Stone Consultants chosen by luxury developers, contractors and designers, to manage the stone selection process from the design phase until the installation, passing through technical analysis and quality control, ensuring certainty of the outcome.
As independent stone consultants, we are not affiliated with producers or suppliers: our mission is to navigate the project teams through the districted field of natural stone, making it simple to manage.
StoneX, a leading independent stone specialist, has a proven track record of collaborating with renowned clients such as Emaar, Majid Al-Futaim, and Omniyat on prestigious luxury and large-scale developments. Our experience as independent stone consultants for internationally renowned projects, such as the ADNOC Headquarter (USD 300mln+), the Abu Dhabi Midfield Airport and several other projects, speaks volumes about our expertise.
"Rock Star 2023" by the Coverings Exhibition, 2023 Shortlisted in the Top 5 "Sub-consultant of the year" by Construction Week Middle East
WE ARE INDEPENDENT THIRD-PARTY STONE SPECIALISTS
StoneX, a leading independent stone specialist, has a proven track record of collaborating with renowned clients such as Emaar, Majid Al-Futaim, and Omniyat on prestigious luxury and large-scale developments. Our experience as independent stone consultants for internationally renowned projects, such as the Royal Atlantis resort (AED 5.5 billion) and the Abu Dhabi Airport terminal (AED 10 billion), speaks volumes about our expertise.
Vincenzo Spina
Founder & CEO
Stonex Consulting was established in 2016 by Eng. Vincenzo Spina, a civil engineer from Carrara, Italy.
Vincenzo Spina has a robust business background gained from entrepreneurial ventures across various industries. “My mission is to help architects, developers, and contractors build with natural stone sustainably and without half the headache they usually face”.
Vincenzo Spina is also an international speaker. He was invited to share his expertise on building with natural stone materials at the Middle East Stone Fair 2017 and 2018 in Dubai, the Xiamen Stone Fair 2018, 2019, 2023 and 2024 and Coverings in Las Vegas in 2022 and 2023.
Why Are Natural Stones So Difficult To Manage?
Did You Know
Roughly 30% of construction work worldwide involves either rework or significant changes.
The potential for selecting the wrong stone for the intended application, missing crucial steps in validating the materials, and using the wrong installation methodologies contribute to the difficulty of managing natural stones.
Selecting the "wrong"
stone
Incorrect validation of materials and installation methodologies
Implementing inappropriate quality control procedures
StoneX’s “5-Step Process”
The stone selection process takes into account not only aesthetics but also availability, budget, and suitability. This removes misunderstandings regarding the stone package and ensures the project runs smoothly.
Step 01
SELECTION DONE "RIGHT"
We analyze the stone choices made by the design and architecture teams, considering technical characteristics and fit for purpose, availability of the stone in the quarry, project budget and aesthetic, proposing alternatives when the initial selection doesn't satisfy the 4 aspects.
Step 02
CONTRACTORS AND SUPPLIERS EVALUATION
Stonex Consulting conducts thorough due diligence to assess the reliability of your potential supplier and stone contractor. The report includes critical insights from our evaluation process, ensuring transparency and trust in your supplier and contractor relationships.
Step 03
STONE VALIDATION
StoneX Consulting’s senior stone consultant will personally visit the quarry to review the material and assess the quality range thoroughly.
StoneX thoroughly validates the materials and installation methods during this stage, reviewing material submittals and drawings related to stone elements. We guide the testing program to ensure compatibility between installation materials and the selected stone, preventing unwanted stains or problems post-installation. Stonex Engineers also conduct a comprehensive review of stone datasheets, grouting, sealers, movement joints, adhesives, and fabrication and installation methods. This comprehensive evaluation ensures that you receive the most accurate and reliable information regarding the stone materials for your project.
Step 04
QUALITY CONTROL
Thanks to a team of Architectural Stone Inspectors located in Italy, China, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Brazil and UAE, Stonex Consulting provide a unique project support, ensuring the conformity of the stone to the project requirements, before it gets shipped to the country of the project.
To ensure high standards throughout the construction process, StoneX Consulting follows three essential steps: quality control at the quarry site, quality control of dry layout, and installation review. For each inspection conducted, submittals will be signed and comprehensive reports will be issued, maintaining transparency and accountability at every stage of the construction process.
Step 05
CONFORMITY APPROVAL
To ensure that the stonework aligns with the project's specifications and client’s expectations, StoneX Consulting will complete the final inspection WIR (Work Inspection Report) provided by the contractor. This certification process verifies that the stonework has been executed according to the project's requirements, maintaining quality and compliance with the established standards.
The StoneX "5 Steps Process"
The stone selection done by STONEX will ensure that not just the aesthetic is considered, but also availability, budget and fit for purpose, removing uncertainty related to the stone package and delivering the project in a smooth way.
// 1
SELECTION DONE "RIGHT"
we review the design and architects team’s stone selection, considering not just aesthetic but also fit for purpose aspect, availability of the stone in the quarry and project budget.
// 2
EVALUATE:
During the tender stage we evaluate and run due diligence of the potential suppliers and contractors joining the project.
// 3
VALIDATE:
The stone selected, needs to be validated visiting the quarry and making and expert assessment. Validating the technicalities, methodologies of installation, products used and testing activity is as important as the stone validations.
// 4
INSPECT:
We inspect stone at source to review the stone before the delivery, we inspect the dry layout, directing the blending to ensure that the stone falls within the color, texture and arrangement required and we oversight the installation process.
// 5
APPROVE:
We assess the final work, in order to ensure conformity to the project requirements and client’s expectations.
The StoneX "5 Steps Process"
The stone selection done by STONEX will ensure that not just the aesthetic is considered, but also availability, budget and fit for purpose, removing uncertainty related to the stone package and delivering the project in a smooth way.
// 1
SELECTION DONE "RIGHT"
we review the design and architects team’s stone selection, considering not just aesthetic but also fit for purpose aspect, availability of the stone in the quarry and project budget.
// 2
EVALUATE:
During the tender stage we evaluate and run due diligence of the potential suppliers and contractors joining the project.
// 3
VALIDATE:
The stone selected, needs to be validated visiting the quarry and making and expert assessment. Validating the technicalities, methodologies of installation, products used and testing activity is as important as the stone validations.
// 4
INSPECT:
We inspect stone at source to review the stone before the delivery, we inspect the dry layout, directing the blending to ensure that the stone falls within the color, texture and arrangement required and we oversight the installation process.
// 5
APPROVE:
We assess the final work, in order to ensure conformity to the project requirements and client’s expectations.
How you can work with stonex
We believe in the idiom “Well begun, in half done”, you can contact us clicking here to share your project requirements, but if you want to start the Stone selection of your project in the right way, the starting point is using the “STONE SPECS Handbook”: a service we provide to architectural firms, construction developers and contractors, to validate the stone choice made by designer using Stonex’s methodology “AVRO”.
AVRO Methodology
The “STONE SPECS Handbook” is the result of our work during the assessment of the stone choice done during the design phase: we scan each stone type selected by the designers through 4 “filters”:
1. AESTHETIC
2. AVAILABILITY AT SOURCE
3. TECHNICAL SUITABILITY
4. ALIGNED WITH PROJECT BUDGET
The final report, is a clear handbook to be used to finalize the stone selection and write the project specifications in the correct way.
AVRO Methodology
1. ANALYZE
Analyse the list of stone types specified by the designers. Understanding for each stone type:
Quantity required
Area of application
Project Budget
2. VALIDATE
During the first screening we assign for each stone type a grade:
RED : who the stone is not for Per purpose or at least 2/3 points are not met
YELLOW: marked as yellow availability or budget are a potential problem
GREEN : If the 3 main aspects of availability to for purpose and budget a met
3. RESEARCH
For each stone types falling in the RED or YELLOW categories we propose a minimum of 2 alternative that fit as a Green category, but to be evaluated by the designers for the final confirmation.
4. ORGANISE:
As final step we organise all the information, the analysis the researches Inside the “STONE SPECS HANDBOOK” with a commentary advice.
OUR MISSION & VISION
We love natural stone as it has embedded a unique element of energy and beauty, for this reason we aim to simplify the selection of natural stone, wishing to make it easier for developers and designers to use in their projects, providing a unique touch that no other man-made material can provide.
FAQ
Find answers to common queries about our consulting services here.
StoneX Consulting complements your stone contractor rather than replaces them. Think of us as your trusted mechanic inspecting a car you wish to buy—we ensure that the quality of the material, fabrication, and installation meets your expectations and agreements. Essentially, we protect your investment, guaranteeing value for money and leveraging our expertise to minimize costs or maximize value for all parties involved.
Stonex Consulting's expertise significantly enhances project decision-making, particularly in material selection strategy, procurement, and contractor selection.
In the preliminary phase, we work alongside architects to assess selected materials, ensuring they align with project requirements and advising on potential procurement challenges. We also provide feedback on technical solutions based on the drawings.
During the procurement phase, we collaborate with the client to determine the best procurement strategy, offering assistance in material inspections, quality selection, and managing delivery schedules and contractual/commercial aspects.
In the fabrication phase, we take a proactive stance as quality controllers and project managers. We monitor the contractors' work to ensure it meets the project's standards, oversee the project program, and manage suppliers to ensure timely project delivery. This proactive approach is designed to give you peace of mind and confidence in the project's progress.
In the installation phase, we act as quality controllers and project managers, ensuring proper site management and preparation for stone tile installation. We monitor the contractors' work to guarantee compliance with the client's quality standards, recognizing the critical role this plays in preventing future issues such as stains, colour changes, or cracks.
In the post-contract phase, we conduct a comprehensive and meticulous review of the work, leaving no stone unturned. We issue a detailed report, which can be used by the client in the event of any work that was not performed to standard.
This thoroughness is our commitment to your satisfaction and the quality of our services.
- Protection of Your Investment: As independent stone consultants, we prioritize your interests. While contractors and suppliers are financially motivated, we are solely focused on delivering a quality project and ensuring that you receive the value you pay for.
- Getting It Right the First Time: Our extensive experience has revealed numerous projects where incorrect decisions have had a detrimental impact on quality, budget, or project timelines. Our proactive approach guides you in making decisions that prevent such occurrences, ensuring a smooth and successful project.
- Cost Savings: Our clients usually save money by engaging our services and receiving a higher-quality product than projects without our involvement.
- Time Efficiency: Planning alone is insufficient if potential issues go unnoticed. Thanks to the quality of decisions made under our guidance, projects we are involved in are typically completed more efficiently and with fewer problems.
Certainly, we will actively engage in the project, reviewing the work done, assuming control, or providing advice based on our assigned roles.
We will address procurement challenges by identifying the actual expectations and possible achievements within the budget and time frame, ensuring that the quality of the material aligns with the approved range.
In cases where quality issues arise, we will thoroughly investigate the root causes and provide effective solutions.
Additionally, project management is one of our core areas of expertise, and we will effectively manage the project on your behalf, always prioritizing your interests.
