History of Uniquities Stone

Julia Shantz, owner of Uniquities Architectural Antiques, grew up in Wales surrounded by history.

This love of history traveled with her when she immigrated to Canada in 1983. In 1992 she purchased a 1915 heritage home and went about the painstaking and often frustrating task, of renovating. It soon became clear during the renovation process that obtaining original hardware and architectural details to complement the house were impossible to find. This difficulty in obtaining original period accents for her home inspired Julia to research and develop the concept for Uniquities Architectural Antiques.

Translating style, history and art into a personal decor statement is the aim of Uniquities Architectural Antiques. Timeless architectural pieces can be incorporated into a unique expression of your personal style transforming them into statements for today's contemporary and traditional home. Pieces selected from Uniquities extensive and ever changing collection can be incorporated into every facet of your design.

Uniquities has formed a collaborative partnership with select craftsmen in order to facilitate the individual creative desires of our clients. If you are not in the Calgary area, however, and cannot make use of our craftsmen, we would be more than happy to help with ideas for your design needs. With a versatile concept of these pieces, the translation into contemporary style can successfully be achieved. By combining period iron gates and railings with a client’s desire for a unique personal expression, a stunning King-sized bed was created. A stone D trough, once used on the farm, was transformed into a wonderful and unique sink. Regency balustrades once used in chapels throughout the UK have been transformed into many new projects, including Juliet balconies.

We invite you to take a look at "Clients' Pictures" with just some of the wonderful projects that we have had the pleasure of supplying the stone and other materials.

While Uniquities carries all manner of architectural antiques and garden statuary, specialization lies in their impressive inventory of ancient stone and iron.

Julia travels to the UK four times a year. A growing part of her business is the "locator's service" offered to clients looking for specific items. Through relationship building and mutual trust, Julia will source and supply anything from a single item to a complete interior.