Explore STONARI’s learning, in-person and speaking opportunities.
ONLINE LEARNING
Natural Stone CEU & Continuing Education | STONARI Learning Events
Every stone decision shapes more than aesthetics.
Material decisions influence design intent, performance, maintenance, sustainability and long-term project value.
Whether you are selecting materials for a residential, hospitality or commercial project, understanding natural stone early in the design process helps reduce risk, preserve project value and support better project outcomes.
Our complimentary Natural Stone CEU and continuing education programmes, together with STONARI Dialogues, both in English, provide practical learning opportunities for architects, designers and construction professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and for eligible sessions, earn continuing education credits.
This page brings together two complementary ways to deepen that understanding.
Two Ways to Learn About Natural Stone:
Natural Stone CEU & Continuing Education
(NSI Educational Series) – in English
Accredited educational presentations delivered through the Natural Stone Institute Continuing Education Network.
Designed for architects, designers, developers, hospitality professionals and project stakeholders seeking practical guidance on natural stone selection, specification, performance, care and sustainability.
Architects, designers and construction professionals from seven countries have participated.
🇧🇸 🇯🇲 🇲🇺 🇳🇬 🇶🇦 🇹🇹 🇺🇸
6 Live sessions completed.
STONARI Dialogues
(STONARI Dialogues Series) – in English
Interactive conversations exploring natural stone, project challenges, specification questions and material decision-making in practice.
Created for professionals who want to discuss real project situations, ask questions and exchange practical insights beyond the classroom.
Whether you’ve attended a Continuing Education session or are working on a project, STONARI Dialogues help turn knowledge into practical project discussions.
Architects, designers and construction professionals from seven countries have participated.
🇪🇬 🇫🇷 🇯🇵
2 Live sessions completed.
Interested in both?
You are welcome to register for the NSI Educational Series, STONARI Dialogues or both.
Meet Your Presenter
Interactive conversations exploring natural stone, project challenges, specification questions and material decision-making in practice.
Created for professionals who want to discuss real project situations, ask questions and exchange practical insights beyond the classroom.
Maryse UCHINO
Founder & Principal Consultant, STONARI
Certified NSI CEU Speaker | Speaker at the AIA Sub-Saharan Africa Symposium | 15 Years in the International Natural Stone Industry
Drawing on more than 18 years of international procurement experience and 15 years in the natural stone industry, Maryse helps architects, designers, developers and project teams make more informed material decisions that align design intent, performance and long-term project value.
Explore the complete Continuing Education Series through five essential areas of natural stone knowledge.
Upcoming Continuing Education Programs
(NSI Educational Series) – in English
A live online complimentary education series exploring how material decisions influence design intent, performance, sustainability and long-term project outcomes.
Developed for architects, designers, developers, hospitality professionals and project stakeholders, these accredited educational sessions provide practical insights into the selection, specification, care and application of natural stone within the built environment.
Whether you are comparing materials, evaluating performance requirements or seeking to better understand natural stone’s role in contemporary projects, this series is designed to help you make more informed material decisions.
What you’ll gain?
• Greater confidence comparing natural stone with alternative materials
• A better understanding of how stone characteristics influence performance and longevity
• Practical guidance for specification, detailing and project execution
• Strategies to support sustainability goals while preserving design intent
• Continuing education credits where applicable
All sessions are delivered live online. Replay access is not available. Include continuing education credits where applicable.
Who Should Attend?
• Architects
• Interior Designers
• Landscape Architects
• Developers
• Hospitality Project Teams
• Project Managers
• Specification Writers
• Construction Professionals
• Owners’ Representatives and Real Estate Professionals involved in project planning
Anyone involved in the planning, design, delivery or long-term management of projects incorporating natural stone.
Details for all CEU sessions:
4:00 PM RET (Réunion) GMT +4
8:00 AM Eastern US | 9:00 AM São Paulo | 1:00 PM London | 2:00 PM Paris | 4:00 PM Dubai | 8:00 PM Beijing | 9:00 PM Tokyo
60 minutes | Delivered live online only. Attendance is encouraged as session recordings are not made available.
AIA | IDCEC | LA CES | NKBA credits available. Note that only registered attendees present during the live will qualify for the CEU credits.
Attendance & CEU reporting included.
Only the speaker is on camera. Attendees participate via chat, polls and reactions.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIAL
Questions addressed: What trade-offs matter? | Why natural stone? | When are alternatives more appropriate?
Session 1 : Natural Stone vs Manmade Materials – Interior Applications
Wednesday, July 1st 2026 – ✅ COMPLETED
Based on evaluations from architects, design & construction professionals representing four countries.
When should natural stone be selected over alternative surface materials? This session explores the strengths, limitations and trade-offs of natural stone and commonly specified manmade materials in interior applications.
CEU Credits Available :
AIA members 1 LU|HSW
IDCEC Members 0.1 HSW CEU
LA CES Members 1 LU|HSW PDH
NKBA Members : 0.1 CEU
Session 2 : Natural Stone vs Manmade Materials – Exterior Applications
Wednesday, July 22nd 2026 – ✅ COMPLETED
Exterior materials face unique performance demands. This session examines how natural stone compares to alternative materials in terms of durability, maintenance, aesthetics and long-term value.
CEU Credits Available :
AIA members 1 LU|HSW
IDCEC Members 0.1 HSW CEU
LA CES Members 1 LU|HSW PDH
NKBA Members : 0.1 CEU
UNDERSTANDING NATURAL STONE
Questions addressed: How does stone form? | Why do materials behave differently? | What should designers expect?
Session 3 : Natural Stone Principles
Wednesday, July 29th 2026 – ✅ COMPLETED
Before natural stone can be specified, detailed or maintained, it must first be understood.
This foundational course introduces the geological origins of natural stone and explains how formation, mineral composition and finishing processes influence appearance, performance and application. Attendees will leave with greater confidence in evaluating natural stone and understanding the factors that influence long-term project outcomes.
CEU Credits Available :
AIA members 1 LU|HSW
IDCEC Members 0.1 HSW CEU
LA CES Members 1 LU|HSW PDH
NKBA Members : 0.1 CEU
Session 4 : Natural Stone Countertops: Considerations for Kitchen and Bath Applications
Wednesday, August 12th 2026 – ✅ COMPLETED
Countertop selection involves more than aesthetics. This session explores how material characteristics, fabrication considerations, maintenance requirements and user expectations influence successful countertop applications.
CEU Credits Available :
AIA members 1 LU|HSW
IDCEC Members 0.1 HSW CEU
LA CES Members 1 LU|HSW PDH
NKBA Members : 0.1 CEU
PROTECTING LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE
Questions addressed: Maintenance expectations | Common failures | Long-term durability
Session 5 : Stone Care: What You Should Know
Wednesday, August 26th 2026 – ✅ COMPLETED
Long-term performance depends as much on maintenance as material selection. This session reviews common causes of stone deterioration and best practices for preserving appearance and performance.
CEU Credits Available :
AIA members 1 LU|HSW
MAKING BETTER SPECIFICATION DECISIONS
Questions addressed: Selecting appropriate materials | Managing risk | Supporting project longevity
Session 6 : The Art of Specifying Natural Stone
Wednesday, September 2nd 2026 – ✅ COMPLETED
Better specifications lead to better project outcomes. This session explores key considerations for selecting, specifying and detailing natural stone while balancing performance, aesthetics and project requirements.
CEU Credits Available :
AIA members 1 LU|HSW
IDCEC Members 0.1 HSW CEU
LA CES Members 1 LU|HSW PDH
NKBA Members : 0.1 CEU
SUPPORTING SUSTAINABILITY GOALS
Questions addressed: Embodied carbon | Responsible sourcing | Green building frameworks
Session 7 : Achieving Green Building Goals with Natural Stone
Wednesday, September 30th 2026
Sustainability objectives increasingly influence material selection. This session examines how natural stone can contribute to environmental goals through durability, responsible sourcing and green building frameworks.
CEU Credits Available :
AIA members 1 LU|HSW
IDCEC Members 0.1 HSW CEU
LA CES Members 1 LU|HSW PDH
NKBA Members : 0.1 CEU
FROM EDUCATION TO PROJECT APPLICATION
The principles explored through the CEU educational sessions take on a different dimension when applied to the specific architectural, environmental, procurement and execution realities of an individual project.
Upcoming Stonari Dialogues
(STONARI Dialogues Series) – in English
Come with a question, a perspective or simply curiosity.
A live online conversation series exploring how natural stone decisions influence design intent, performance, project identity and long-term value.
Created for architects, designers, developers, hospitality professionals and project stakeholders, STONARI Dialogues provides a practical forum to discuss the questions that often emerge before, during and after material selection.
Whether you’ve attended one of the STONARI Continuing Education sessions or are currently involved in a project, STONARI Dialogues provide an opportunity to continue the conversation and discuss how the concepts explored in the presentations apply to real-world projects.
Topics may include specification, sourcing, climate suitability, maintenance, fabrication considerations and the role natural stone plays in residential, hospitality and architectural projects.
Designed for professionals seeking informed conversations about natural stone decisions and how they influence project outcomes over time.
Come with a question, a perspective or simply curiosity. Questions can be submitted when registering or shared during the conversation. They may help shape future STONARI Dialogues, while you’re equally welcome to join simply to listen and contribute your perspective.
Details for all STONARI Dialogues sessions:
2:00 PM RET (Réunion) GMT +4
6:00 AM Eastern US | 7:00 AM São Paulo | 11:00 AM London | 12:00 PM Paris | 2:00 PM Dubai | 6:00 PM Beijing | 7:00 PM Tokyo
30 minutes | Live online
Recurring every second Thursday of the month.
Camera & recording: Only the speaker is on camera. Attendees participate via chat, polls and reactions. The session is recorded, with replay access available after the live conversation.
PROJECT SPECIFICATION REVIEW
Let’s discuss your project’s natural stone specification, sourcing approach or technical questions and identify practical next steps based on the CEU sessions.
Ideal for: reviewing specification questions | discussing sourcing or procurement considerations | identifying technical risks and next steps.
Have a natural stone question of your own?
You don’t need to have a question to participate. Join the conversation to listen, contribute your perspective or submit a question related to a current or upcoming project when registering that may help shape future STONARI Dialogues.Come with a question, a perspective or simply curiosity.
PROJECT MATERIAL REVIEW
✅ COMPLETED
Bring your current or upcoming project to discuss natural stone material selection, suitable applications and early design considerations based on the topics covered in the first four CEU sessions.
Ideal for: comparing natural stone options | discussing interior, exterior or countertop applications | clarifying material-related questions before moving forward.
Questions & topics brought to this session by professionals
Architect · 🇹🇹
1 — Slate: what should be considered when evaluating it for a project?
Architect · 🇧🇸
2 — What should be considered when selecting fastening techniques for natural stone?
Architect · 🇧🇸
3 — How should coral stone be understood and used in interior applications?
Interior Designer · 🇬🇧
4 — What should be considered when selecting natural stone for a shower?
Architect · 🇶🇦
5 — What can cause apparent oxidation or discoloration after installation? | Does where stone is extracted within a quarry tell us whether it is harder, older or “better”?
FROM KNOWLEDGE TO PROJECT
✅ COMPLETED
Based on evaluations from architects, design & construction professionals representing two countries.
Better decisions begin with better questions.
July 9th’s dialogue explored:
1/ When cost becomes the primary discussion, how can strategic material thinking help preserve long-term project value?
2/ What makes limestone such a strategic material choice?
3 /Natural stone and sustainability: perception or reality?
Ideal for: material selection | comparing options | early project questions
FROM CONVERSATION TO PROJECT DECISIONS
The ideas explored through STONARI Dialogues are intended to stimulate discussion, challenge assumptions and encourage a broader perspective on natural stone. Their greatest value emerges when these conversations inform the material decisions made throughout a real project.
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IN-PERSON ENGAGEMENTS
PAST
STONARI in Mauritius | July–August 2026
STONARI was in Mauritius from July 17 to August 5, 2026, connecting with professionals across the architecture, design and construction sectors and discussing the role independent natural stone advisory can play in supporting residential, hospitality and other project environments.
Discussions focused on key areas of STONARI’s advisory services, including:
- Material Strategy & Specification
- Procurement Strategy & Sourcing
- Project Delivery Oversight
- Material Integrity Diagnostics
- Material Lifecycle Advisory
The visit provided an opportunity to exchange with local industry professionals, better understand the Mauritian project environment and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
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SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Invited Technical Speaker at the following international events :
UPCOMING ENGAGEMENTS
STONARI participates in selected conferences, technical webinars and professional conversations focused on natural stone and the decisions that shape project outcomes.
PAST ENGAGEMENTS
Invited Technical Webinar | Filipino Association of Materials Engineers Qatar (FAME-Q) — Online
Stone Material Selection for Public Realm and Outdoor Environments
Saturday, August 15, 2026 | Online via Zoom – 7:00 PM Qatar Time
STONARI Founder & Principal Consultant Maryse Uchino has been invited by the Filipino Association of Materials Engineers Qatar (FAME-Q) to serve as Technical Speaker for an online session dedicated to natural stone selection for public realm and outdoor environments.
The session will explore practical considerations that influence natural stone selection and performance, with particular attention to:
- Durability and weathering resistance in demanding climatic conditions
- Slip resistance, safety and aesthetic requirements
- Maintenance considerations and lifecycle value
- Sourcing, sustainability and responsible procurement
- Integration of natural stone with architectural intent and the surrounding environment
The technical presentation will be followed by an interactive Q&A.
Expected attendance : Engineers, architects, materials engineers, specification writers, QA/QC professionals, contractors, project managers, client representatives and other construction industry professionals.
Registration is managed by FAME-Q. Please use the dedicated STONARI registration link below rather than the QR code displayed on the event materials.
This is an independent technical webinar hosted by FAME-Q and is not an AIA/CEU-accredited session.
Visual & program courtesy of the Filipino Association of Materials Engineers Qatar (FAME-Q)
PROGRAM
AIA Sub-Saharan Africa Symposium — Africa Beyond Boundaries – 20 May 2026 — Online
STONARI presented Natural Stone Beyond Boundaries: Identity, Resilience and Innovation in Contemporary African Architecture as part of the AIA Sub-Saharan Africa Symposium. The presentation explored how natural stone intersects with contemporary conversations around climate resilience, sustainability, cultural identity, collaboration and future-ready architectural practice in African and island markets. The session also introduced a forthcoming educational program on natural stone specification, sustainability standards and architectural applications.
Attendance : over 100 architects members of the American Institute of Architect of the Sub-Saharan Africa countries and beyond.
About the event : AIA Sub-Saharan Africa Symposium – Africa Beyond Boundaries: Breaking Barriers, Building the Future
Visual courtesy of AIA International / AIA Sub-Saharan Africa.
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