Owner Chris Blackburn has transformed what could be a mundane building materials shop into an immersive experience that combines education, artistry, and craftsmanship in ways that surprise even seasoned designers.
The showroom defies conventional expectations with its museum-like atmosphere. Beyond the expected marble and granite slabs, visitors find semi-precious stone installations, mineral specimens, and works from over 20 artists including Billy Schenck and Kym Day.
“We know when we started this, we said we are gonna be a different stone company than what everybody knows,” explains Blackburn during a tour with host Sarah Zubiate Bennett. “The stone reps that travel the world that come to us, they said, ‘Chris, top five in the nation… not because you have such a luxurious [showroom] but because your vibe is so cool here.'”
Many pieces have stories as compelling as their appearance. One standout example is their true Calcutta gold marble containing pyrite (fool’s gold) speckled throughout the slab.
“We like to entertain. We have some phenomenal functions here,” Blackburn notes, mentioning events like the Dwell with Dignity Iron Color Party and their annual Rocktoberfest celebration that draws thousands.
The company maintains transparent pricing in an industry where costs can be deliberately obscured. “After all, you can’t Google the price of a slab,” Blackburn points out.
Beyond aesthetics, Texas Counter Fitters fosters connections with institutions like the Perot Museum, whose current “Spectrum in Stone” topaz exhibit they sponsor. This partnership has introduced Blackburn to world-class mineral collectors and expanded his vision for what a stone company can be.