OUR STORY
Many companies are forged in boardrooms, over business plans, sticky notes, and piles of legal documents. Others, like Sticks and Stones Furniture, are born a little less traditionally; in a back alley.
Founder and artisan; Yves St Hilaire, spent many years designing and building concrete fireplace surrounds, as well as kitchen and bathroom countertops. He soon realized the endless possibilities, inherent beauty, and function of his three favourite materials; concrete, wood, and metal. “A perfect fusion.”
It was while contemplating ways that he could bring the unique beauty of concrete to every room in the house that St Hilaire stopped to chat with furniture-maker Roland Benesocky in the back alley behind their two respective studios.
Yves always enjoyed working collaboratively with other designers and solicited advice from Roland about merging their talents and creating a wood-and-concrete table as a gift for his wife. That initial collaboration, born of a passion to simply create something special with the two materials, spawned a small artisan company with big design ideals. It’s a place where design matters, and that same, loving craftsmanship is put into every piece. It’s where a commitment to the environment is as important as the choice of materials… and where a couple of guys who were just chatting in the alley came to earn accolades and awards for innovation and design insight.
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OUR STAFF
YVES ST HILAIRE | OWNER (aka the KINGPIN)
As a serial entrepreneur and burgeoning yogi Yves has made it a priority to follow his bliss. When he isn’t sketching or helping out with a ‘pour’ at the shop he can be found practicing yoga, playing with his kids, or sitting on a pillow. He loves the great outdoors, the colour orange, his new blue shoes and the Counting Crows. I know what you are thinking; who actually loves the Counting Crows right? Yves is a true original, just like the gorgeous pieces he designs.
LINDA FAYAD | OFFICE MANAGER
That beautiful voice on the other end of the phone when you call Sticks and Stones Furniture belongs to the lovely Linda Fayad. She keeps us organized, and smiling with her effervescent personality. When she isn’t taking care of the crew at the shop she is sharing a laugh with the love of her life and her two kids. Since moving to Canada from Mexico City, she has discovered a love for all things Canadiana, including Michael Buble!
IAN FITZSIMMONS | PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN (aka MacGyver)
Ian Fitzsimmons, production Technician
In a former life Ian worked at BC Rail as a mechanic, he had a drum kit and played in a band. Today he is a man of few words, and focuses his efforts on creating gorgeous pieces in the Sticks and Stones Furniture shop. As a self-proclaimed ‘tinkerer’ he is the perfect addition to the team and assures all details are just right. Watch for him on his motorcycle cruising Hwy 99 between Vancouver and Whistler, he will be the one blaring Led Zeppelin.
KIEFER BROOK GAMBLE | PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN
A true Squamite, Kiefer was born and raised in Squamish, BC. After working a few years in construction, he decided it was time to use his skills for something a bit more creative. He loves his work at Sticks and Stones but really does love Friday nights at about 5pm. People are often surprised to find out he is only 24 years old, although we think the moustache is a dead giveaway! Sorry ladies he is officially ‘not single’.
