Where Symmetry
Meets Substance
Ancient wisdom. Modern precision. Timeless stone.
Two Ancient Disciplines,
One Unified Vision
At Arch & Pave, we define our craftsmanship by the convergence of two age-old structural principles: the vertical gravity-defying curve of the arch and the horizontal ground-binding pattern of the pave.
For millennia, arches have carried the weight of civilizations — spanning triumphal gates, cathedral vaults, and Roman aqueducts. The arch is not merely decorative; it is the most efficient distribution of compressive force that human geometry has ever devised. A well-constructed stone arch requires no mortar to stand — it holds itself in equilibrium through pure physics.
Pavements form the arteries of empires — linking grand squares, sacred paths, and royal courtyards. The Roman Via Appia survives after 2,000 years not through miracle, but through engineering: precisely graded sub-base, interlocked stone geometry, and edge restraints that channel drainage away from the structure. We apply these same principles today.
We combine these two ancient disciplines into unified spatial experiences that stand the test of time — and we do it without compromise. Every project begins with geology. We source marble from Carrara, granite from Aberdeen, basalt from the Deccan Plateau, and travertine from Tivoli. Each stone is hand-selected, precision-cut, and placed with the exactness of a Swiss chronograph.
Structural Precision
Load-bearing calculations verified through finite element analysis before a single stone is cut. We model stress distribution, shear planes, and settlement under design loads.
Century-Grade Durability
Our structures are engineered to survive 200+ years of freeze-thaw cycles, seismic stress, and weathering without structural compromise.
3D-Modeled First
Every arch and paving pattern is parametrically modeled in 3D before fabrication begins — ensuring perfect geometry and zero surprises on site.
Engineering
The Arch
Classical compression forces create expansive vaults, arches, and custom stonemasonry frameworks that stand for generations. The keystone carries zero tension — only pure compressive geometry.
Our Core Values
Honesty in Material
We never clad structural concrete with decorative stone. Every visible surface is structural. What you see is what holds the building up — and what will still be standing in three centuries.
Apprenticeship Tradition
Our craftsmen complete minimum five-year apprenticeships under certified master masons before touching a commission. No shortcuts. No production-line mentality. Only craft passed hand to hand.
Site-Specific Design
We do not offer standard templates. Every arch, every paving pattern is designed for its exact location — responsive to local geology, microclimate, historic context and the client's specific vision.
Ethical Stone Sourcing
All quarries we work with are certified under responsible extraction standards. We conduct annual site audits and maintain full chain-of-custody documentation for every stone we use.
Long-Term Partnership
We issue maintenance schedules and remain available for structural consultation for the life of every project. Our relationship with clients does not end at handover — it begins there.
Minimal Environmental Impact
Natural stone is among the most sustainable building materials on earth — zero manufacturing carbon, fully recyclable, locally sourceable. We design structures that outlive industrial alternatives by centuries.
Rooted in Centuries
of Masonry Tradition
Our founders trained under master masons in the Tuscan hill towns and Scottish cathedral workshops before establishing Arch & Pave in London's Mayfair in 2011. The firm grew from two craftsmen and a single commission to a team of 48 specialists delivering projects across Europe and the Middle East.
We are members of the Stone Federation Great Britain, the Guild of Master Craftsmen, and hold ISO 9001:2015 quality management certification. Our structural engineers are chartered with the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE).
Founded in Mayfair
Arch & Pave established with a first commission — a Gothic triumphal arch for a Hampshire estate.
First Heritage Restoration
Awarded contract to restore Victorian arch bridges across the Cotswolds network.
European Expansion
Opened workshop facility in Tuscany for Italian marble fabrication. First projects in France and Germany completed.
100th Monument
Completed our 100th structural arch — a barrel-vaulted cellar for a Bordeaux wine estate.
Middle East Debut
Commissioned to design a classical stone archway complex for a royal residence in Abu Dhabi.
300+ Projects Delivered
Over 300 monuments, arches, vaults and paving installations completed across 12 countries.
Meet Our Master Team
Every member of our team carries a minimum 10 years of specialist stone construction experience. This is their craft — not their job.
James Ravenswood
Founder & Principal ArchitectTrained in Siena and Edinburgh. 22 years experience in historic masonry. Former lead architect at the Historic England Advisory Panel.
Chiara Moretti
Head of Stone DesignFlorentine master stonemason with expertise in Italian marble and travertine. Led restoration projects at the Uffizi and Vatican Museums.
Alistair Kerr
Lead Structural EngineerChartered engineer (IStructE) specialising in compressive masonry and seismic reinforcement. PhD in historic arch bridge analysis, University of Edinburgh.
Nadia Blanchet
Heritage Restoration LeadFrench-trained heritage specialist with accreditation from the Institut National du Patrimoine. Expert in Gothic and Romanesque arch repair methodologies.