When it comes to working with natural stone and tile, few do so with the depth, emotion, and artistry of Principal Designer Francis Toumbakaris. To him, fireplaces aren’t just functional—they’re sculptural statements that anchor a space.

MATERIAL Bespoke Stone + Tile sat down with the renowned designer to talk about his distinctive approach to fireplaces, his love of marble, and the story behind the luxurious West Village townhouse in Manhattan, NY.

MATERIAL: Can you walk us through your design process? What draws you to working with natural stone, particularly marble?

"Absolutely. It’s natural for me to gravitate toward the earth’s gems. Selecting marble for this residential project meant bringing something truly precious into the home. It can be subtle or dramatic...it's already a gift from nature,” he said. “I am Greek, and we are known for our marbles. So the words marble and stone are inherited in my DNA.”

MATERIAL: What first inspired your vision for these fireplaces? Was there a defining moment that brought it into focus?

"I was in High Point and I went to see my friend Benjamin Johnston’s new collection for Chaddock. That was the very first time he was exhibiting, and I had no idea that aside from his beautiful work, I would be introduced to a stone fabricator, because those fireplaces were dressing up his rooms. It was Donna Mondi who designed these particular natural stone fireplaces. I always loved her work, and the pieces were in perfect harmony with what Benjamin had created.” 

Toumbakaris incorporated four of her pieces across five floors of the townhouse. The second-floor fireplace of the 1930s-style speakeasy quickly caught the eye of the design community. “I had so many designers reach out asking me about this exquisite black marble fireplace surround.”

MATERIAL: What was your experience collaborating with the MATERIAL team, and what made that partnership stand out?

From sourcing to shop drawings, Toumbakaris highlighted the thoughtful collaboration and extensive customization process.

“The designs were already there; all I had to do was select a color and make slight scale or dimensional adjustments,” he noted, highlighting the ease of creative collaboration.

“The team at MATERIAL was able to modify the bespoke designs and shop drawings to fit our needs. These weren’t traditional fire pits—we needed to retrofit them with gas inserts. We had to create some additional pieces. It was quite a process, but it was totally worth it–like they knew exactly what I was after.”

MATERIAL: What hidden details or craftsmanship might be overlooked when viewing this interior project?

"These fireplaces are carved from solid blocks of stone. They were so heavy—the installation required a team to lift just the top piece. What’s surprising is the pricing. Considering the quality and craftsmanship, the fireplaces were properly priced—it really does bring value to the design industry."

MATERIAL: What makes MATERIAL’s fireplace designs feel different from anything else you’ve seen?

"What was unique about these fireplaces is really the collaboration with established designers. Donna Mondi brought a unique point of view. I had not seen fireplaces like this before.

The fireplaces carry the weight and grandeur of the old world, yet they feel new and contemporary. Even though it's a heavy material, the architectural lines they achieved make it a modern architectural element."

MATERIAL: What’s inspiring your work lately when it comes to style or form?

"I think we’re moving away from rigidity and toward what I call movement—designs with curvature, organic shapes, and a flow that doesn’t have a hard stop. At Francis Interiors, you will always see contrast, balance, and movement. I was trained as a ballet dancer, and a dancer understands how bodies move in space. That influences how we design.

And I have to tell you—these fireplaces have a lot of movement in them."

Learn More About Our Bespoke Process

Since 1965, MATERIAL Bespoke Stone + Tile has been delivering the very best in world-class stone, glass, and tile. For more information on our fireplaces, schedule a virtual appointment online or contact us by phone to learn more about our showroom locations.