Who We Are
Our Story
Established outside Birmingham, Alabama in 1979, Masonry Arts continues to evolve in expressing a skill that was handed down thousands of years ago: bringing form to architectural concepts. Ancient art adapted to modern architecture, the art of building, is Masonry Arts. All of our services are anchored in our founding ethos of quality, integrity, and on-time performance.
Multi-Faceted Specialty Contractor
Our Vision
Masonry Arts, Inc. is a multi-faceted specialty contractor installing masonry and stone. Masonry Arts has worked on projects in Europe, the Caribbean, Russia, the Middle East, and throughout the United States. We also provide forensic investigations, budget and systems analysis, and emergency stabilization/dry-in measures for damaged, unstable, or leaking masonry and stone exteriors. We also specialize in historic restoration for both interior stone and exterior stone cladding.
Roy V. Swindal
Roy V. Swindal
Roy V. Swindal, President of Masonry Arts, Inc. received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management in 1974 from the University of Alabama, He first apprenticed as a bricklayer in high school and later worked with his father at John Swindal Masonry as a journeyman bricklayer and superintendant while continuing his college education. At the same time, he developed skills in estimating, project management, and sales, leading to the opening of Masonry Arts in 1979 as a merit shop operation. Mr. Swindal has worked closely with high-profile architects and designers such as Robert A.M. Stern Architects, Pei Cobb Freed Partners, S.O.M. New York, and HOK as well as General Contractors nationwide. In addition to over 50 years in masonry, Mr. Swindal’s expertise in the selection and procurement of all types of stone throughout the world has earned him a reputation as a reliable partner in the field of stone contracting.
Ellen Swindal
Ellen Swindal
Ellen K. Swindal is the Executive VP at Masonry Arts, Inc. Ellen is the 3rd generation of the Swindal family to serve in a leadership role for Masonry Arts. She truly “grew up” in the family business by having a genuine interest at family gatherings as well as providing invaluable on-site project management and administration on several seminal Masonry Arts projects in the past several years including the masonry restoration at the Robert S. Vance Courthouse in downtown Birmingham. Ellen’s ability to manage people and problem-solving are well suited to the masonry industry. Ellen received her Bachelor of Arts in Management with a concentration in Human Resources from the University of Alabama, Birmingham.
Marcia Hastings
Marcia Hastings
Marcia Hastings, Executive Assistant, attended Cal Poly Pomona/Cal State Fullerton in California from 1979 until 1981 and began her administrative career in Human Resources. In 1986, she moved from California to Alabama and began her career with Masonry Arts in consecutive positions including Administrative Assistant, Executive Assistant, and Assistant to the President, Roy V. Swindal. Marcia left Masonry Arts in 2014 to pursue a career opportunity and returned in 2020. Her experience and proficiency lends itself to her involvement in various construction and management operations.
Candice Lee
Candice Lee
Candice Lee, CFO/CPA, graduated with a BS in accounting in 1995 and a master’s Degree in Accounting in 1996 from the University of Alabama. She became a certified public accountant in 1998. She began her career as a senior accountant for a national healthcare company and then began working as a public accountant in 1998. During her years as a public accountant, Mrs. Lee specialized in accounting and taxation for the construction industry. After many years working as Masonry Arts’ external auditor, she has been Controller for the company since 2004.
Isacc Peterson
Isaac Peterson
Isaac T. Peterson is the General Superintendent of Field Operations at Masonry Arts, Inc. Isaac began with Masonry Arts more than twenty years ago as an apprentice brick mason. Since then Isaac worked as a laborer, brick mason, foreman, estimator, project manager, and director of equipment and facilities. Some of the projects on Isaac’s resume include the Phoenix Project at the United States Pentagon, the Renaissance Hotel at Ross Bridge, and Oak Grove High School. Isaac brings a wealth of experience across disciplines to his position as General Superintendent.
Charles Thomas
Charles Thomas
Charles Thomas is the Historic Restoration Specialist at Masonry Arts. Charles is a superb craftsman and supervisor with more than 40 years of experience in commercial masonry, stone construction, and restoration. Superior technical knowledge and industry experience ensure quality construction, restoration, and renovation of masonry and stone on sensitive projects. Some of the projects on Charles’ resume include Pizitz Restoration, Cathedral Church of the Advent, 16th Street Baptist Church, Vulcan Park stone Restoration, Lyric Theater Restoration, Thomaston Methodist Church, Peterson House- University of Montevallo, Lowe House – University of Huntsville, Shirley Place- Northport, Pensacola Lighthouse, Thomas Jefferson Hotel.
Ashley Whisenant
Ashley Whisenant
Ashley Whisenant, Senior Project Manager has been with Masonry Arts since 1997. Before his employment with Masonry Arts, Mr. Whisenant was in the United States Army and trained in Communications and Assault School. After the Army, he worked in construction and landscaping. His first position with Masonry Arts was in stone sales and installation and later he held a position as Project Manager/Estimator. Mr. Whisenant was promoted to Senior Project Manager in 2005, completing numerous large projects in both Alabama and Florida. He has been instrumental in involving Masonry Arts with various charitable projects in the community.
