Author Archives: Gary Isherwood

A Collaboration We’ve Long Dreamed Of: Stone Ambassador x Jen Bishop

We’re beyond excited to finally unveil a partnership that’s been quietly unfolding behind the scenes — Stone Ambassador is officially collaborating with none other than Jen Bishop from Interiors Addict! This marks a truly special milestone for our team. Jen’s authentic voice, sharp design sensibility, and deep connection to the Australian interiors community have long been a source of inspiration for us, making this collaboration a genuine honour.

As it turns out, the admiration has been mutual. Jen has been following our journey and quietly admiring Stone Ambassador’s products for some time — making this partnership feel all the more natural and meaningful.

The timing couldn’t be better. With the opening our new showroom and distribution facility in New South Wales just around the corner — officially launching on July 25 — this collaboration feels perfectly aligned. To celebrate, our Senior Marketing Coordinator, Annalyse Vamvalis, caught up with Jen for a candid chat about interiors, creativity, and what exciting things lie ahead for Stone Ambassador.

Established in 2012, Stone Ambassador’s owners were developers and builders who identified a gap in the market for a high quality and affordable surface brand that combined simplicity with professionalism. Starting from a small distribution centre in the Melbourne suburbs, they were driven by a passion to create something truly unique.

Over the next seven years, the company steadily built a reputation for excellence, becoming known throughout Victoria for delivering quality products and outstanding service. Then, in 2019, Gary Isherwood was appointed as general manager, tasked with a focus on national expansion. Just six years on, that vision has been realised, with showrooms in QLD, WA and SA, and the last piece of the puzzle, NSW, about to open its doors.

“Today, we are proud to be Australia’s leading supplier of decorative surfaces, supported by state-of-the-art distribution facilities and showrooms in every state,” says Annalyse.

All this has happened in the context of the huge changes brought about by the Australian Government’s ban on engineered stone just under 12 months ago. But rather than a roadblock, Stone Ambassador, who had already started innovating behind the scenes, saw this as an opportunity to invest and commit to a new product, and they’ve reaped the rewards.

“From the outset, responsibility has been a cornerstone of our business ethos. As the national conversation around engineered stone intensified and the possibility of a product ban became increasingly real, our team responded swiftly and decisively,” Annalyse said. “Long before regulatory changes were enacted, we had already begun reformulating our materials to reduce crystalline silica content—an initiative driven by both foresight and a commitment to health and safety.”

In fact, 18 months prior to the official ban, they had successfully developed and implemented a lower-silica formula. “This was not a reactive measure, but a proactive stride, powered by innovation, integrity, and an unwavering focus on responsible manufacturing.” Their research & development team continued to push boundaries, refining the product and setting new benchmarks for what could be achieved in the category.

“We are proud to have been the first Australian company to not only reformulate our materials but also validate our efforts through rigorous testing by certified Australian laboratories,” Annalyse said. “This transparency provided our clients with clear, evidence-based assurance that we had achieved a breakthrough: a zero-silica product formula.”

In November 2023, months ahead of the national ban which came the following July, Zenith Surfaces was born. It marked not just the launch of a new product line, but the beginning of a new era in safe, sustainable decorative surfaces.

Stone Ambassador proudly offers two flagship ranges: Zenith Surfaces, their vitrified compact surface containing zero percent crystalline silica, and Vasari Surfaces, their premium large-format porcelain collection. Both have been carefully curated to meet the evolving needs of Australian designers, renovators and builders.

With a strong emphasis on trend-driven aesthetics, their colour palettes are continually updated to align with both international kitchen design trends and Australian style preferences. The dedicated R&D team plays a crucial role in tracking these movements, ensuring the collections remain both stylish and relevant.

And while their brands sit proudly in the premium category, Stone Ambassador remain deeply committed to affordability. “One of our core challenges—and accomplishments—is maintaining this balance between high-end quality and accessible pricing,” Annalyse explains. “Through strong, strategic relationships with our global supplier partners, we’ve been able to deliver premium products at competitive prices, making exceptional design attainable for a broader audience.”

So why expand into New South Wales, an already highly competitive market, well served by surface suppliers? While covid and the stone ban may have caused unavoidable delays to finally getting to Sydney, the brand feels the timing is right and they’re confident they have something new to add.

“We believe our distinct product ranges and commitment to affordability will strongly resonate with clients across the state. Our upcoming distribution centre and showroom in Prestons, opening in July 2025, is a cornerstone of our NSW strategy.”

The new facility will proudly introduce NSW’s first and only full slab viewing gallery; an industry-first experience. This unique space will allow both specifiers and consumers to explore the full Zenith and Vasari collections in their entirety. “By providing the opportunity to view complete slabs, we empower our clients to make confident, well-informed choices when selecting the perfect surface solution,” Annalyse adds.

It’s not just the product that Stone Ambassador have confidence in, but their people too. Customer service and professionalism have always been key. “The heart of our business is undeniably our people and our clients. Without our clients, we don’t have a business: it’s as simple as that. In a market full of choices for specifiers and consumers, what sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service at every touchpoint.”

Equally important is the culture they’ve cultivated within their team, says Annalyse; not just a point of pride, but a key differentiator. “Our national teams operate like a close-knit family, and that sense of unity is reflected in everything we do. This dedication and camaraderie resonate with our clients, who see and feel the difference in every interaction.”

In terms of what’s currently trending in surfaces, there’s been a clear shift towards warmer tones and away from the cooler minimalism of the last few years. “Neutrals are still going strong, but they’re evolving,” says Annalyse. “Instead of stark whites and cold greys, customers are leaning into buttery beiges, soft taupes and warm sands — colours that feel lived-in, natural and timeless.”

Their upcoming July launch will perfectly capture this design direction. They’ll be introducing a curated mix of warm-based hues alongside refined grey tones — ideal for designers who want to balance softness with structure.

The ban on engineered stone has certainly reshaped the market landscape, prompting both specifiers and consumers to explore alternative surface solutions. This shift has increased awareness around porcelain surfaces and Stone Ambassador have seen an uptick in demand for their Vasari range. At the same time, they’ve been fortunate to bridge the gap left by engineered stone through the introduction of Zenith Surfaces. 

Interiors Addict have chosen to feature Stone Ambassador exclusively in the stone alternative space going forward and we look forward to sharing more of their products, people and projects with you in the coming months.

Decorative Surfaces Reimagined

Our new Zenith Surfaces range doesn’t just transform the world of surfaces—it sets a global benchmark for sustainable design. Launching as a replacement for our Stone Ambassador Engineered Stone collection, this innovative product responds directly to the Australian government’s groundbreaking ban on engineered stone products containing more than 1% crystalline silica. Implemented in July, this decisive measure aims to prevent silicosis, a debilitating lung disease linked to silica dust exposure, particularly affecting stonemasons and construction workers.

Pioneering Change

While some manufacturers viewed the ban as a termination point, Stone Ambassador embraced it as a pivotal opportunity for design evolution. This significant shift allows us to lead the industry forward through pioneering material innovation. Our unwavering commitment to worker health and safety establishes a new industry standard.

However, the innovation of Zenith Surfaces goes beyond its silica-free composition. This remarkable product achieves a crucial balance: a safe, compliant material that does not sacrifice the aesthetics or performance demanded by architects and designers. By replacing quartz with recycled glass, we’ve managed to retain the look, feel, durability, and performance that industry professionals have come to rely on.

Sustainability Meets Imagination

Zenith Surfaces features 40 available meticulously curated patterns across five unique ranges. Zenith Surfaces draws inspiration from nature’s raw beauty, offering a palette of luxurious marble-look designs, soft-touch matte surfaces, and organic colours, encapsulating the elegance of intricate patterns and breathtaking visuals.

The non-porous, durable, and resistant nature of these surfaces enhances their appeal, providing a hygienic and easy-to-clean solution that resists bacteria and mold. Coupled with Zenith Surfaces’ sustainable composition, crystalline silica-free formula, and a market-leading 10-year warranty, this collection emerges as the ultimate choice for design professionals aiming to create exquisite kitchens, bathrooms, bars, and more.

Zenith Surfaces represents more than mere compliance. This groundbreaking product epitomises our commitment to innovation, worker safety, design excellence, and environmental stewardship. It’s not just a design tool—it’s a catalyst for transformative change in the Australian design landscape. By choosing Zenith Surfaces, design professionals are making a powerful statement for a safer, more sustainable future for all.

Experience the Future of Surface Design

We invite you to visit one of our five national showrooms or order your free sample sets to witness our commitment to safe, sustainable surface designs.

Discover how Zenith Surfaces can transform your home…….

 Introducing the Renewed Vasari Porcelain Collection

Step into a world of endless possibilities with our newly revamped Vasari Porcelain Collection from Stone Ambassador. Inspired by the elemental beauty of nature, this innovative collection is designed to transform your spaces, offering a bold new vision for surface architecture and design. Get ready to embark on a transformative experience that will ignite your creativity and elevate your home.

Recognised for our Zenith stone countertops, Stone Ambassador continues to set the standard for luxury surfaces with our renewed collection of exquisite porcelain. The Vasari Porcelain Collection comprises 32 stunning new patterns and hues, allowing you the freedom to mix and match materials to create your ultimate dream space—all while ensuring exceptional quality and durability.

Designed for Your Lifestyle

What truly sets the Vasari Porcelain Collection apart is its unique blend of cutting-edge durability and unmatched aesthetics. Our surfaces are engineered with Fortified Frame technology, making them non-porous and resistant to scratches, pressure, and stains—even after years of high-volume use. With the ability to withstand high temperatures and UV rays, these surfaces are perfectly suited for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Imagine cooking in a beautiful kitchen or hosting alfresco dinners without worrying about wear and tear. The Vasari collection is designed for strength and extreme heat resistance, bringing lasting beauty to any setting—from contemporary kitchens to grand outdoor terraces. Thanks to our Forward Design technology, each surface features striking colour schemes, bold veining, and tactile textures, available in three exquisite finishes: Soft, Matte, and Natural.

Endless Possibilities

Each of the 32 new surfaces captures a nuanced palette inspired by natural marble, concrete, and industrial metals. The designs are fresh yet timeless, offering understated elegance that will complement any style. The range includes custom edge profiles, allowing you to personalise your surfaces according to your vision, whether you prefer a sleek modern aesthetic or something more traditional.

In addition to their stunning looks, our Vasari porcelain surfaces prioritise hygiene. Crafted to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mould, and mildew, they ensure your home remains safe and sanitary for years to come. Plus, their low-maintenance nature means you can enjoy beautiful surfaces without the hassle.

With the renewed Vasari Porcelain Collection, you can open your imagination to countless design opportunities. Whether you’re looking to create a serene sanctuary indoors or an inviting outdoor space, our surfaces are ready to be transformed into statement pieces that reflect your unique style.

Embrace the transformative experience of our Vasari Porcelain Collection. Discover the perfect blend of beauty, strength, and versatility, and let your imagination run wild as you craft the spaces you’ve always dreamed of. Visit us today to explore the full range and begin your journey toward creating an extraordinary home with Stone Ambassador.

Experience the Future of Surface Design

We invite you to visit one of our five national showrooms or order your free sample sets to witness our commitment to safe, sustainable surface designs.

Discover how Vasari Surfaces can transform your home…….