Timeless Waterscapes & Architectural Art
Bringing visionary landscapes and architecture to life through sculpted granite fountains, water features, and custom installations.
Monti Ackerman Sculpture partners with landscape architects and design firms to create distinctive granite features. Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, we deliver custom waterscapes and sculptures that blend seamlessly into architectural and natural settings.
The Merrymount Park Fountain in Quincy, Massachusetts was originally designed and envisioned in the late 1800s as part of Frederick Law Olmsted's master plan for the city's parks. Renowned as the designer of New York City's Central Park, Olmsted's vision for Merrymount Park was brought to life over a century later by Edward Monti creating a timeless centerpiece that honors his legacy and enriches the community.
SERVICES
Fountains & Waterscapes
Design and construction of one-of-a-kind granite fountains, reflecting pools, and other water features that enhance outdoor environments and align with architectural aesthetics.
Granite Architectural Sculpture
Bespoke sculptures and granite installations that integrate seamlessly with both traditional and contemporary architectural elements.
Site-Specific Design Consultation
Tailored guidance to harmonize each feature with the unique aspects of the surrounding environment, from materials selection to final integration.
Heritage & Expertise
With 100 years of experience and four generations of expertise, our commitment to quality and precision has made us a leader in the stone and monument industry. Known for our craftsmanship and lasting artistry, each piece we create merges vision with functionality, designed to enhance spaces and endure for generations.
Greg Limerick, Boston University Grounds Manager
“Monti Ackerman has been a long term supplier for Boston University. Creating and maintaining beautiful granite statuary and fountains. Ryan Akerman is a pleasure to work with. He is extremely knowledgeable about the industry and he’s artistically gifted.”
What to Expect When Working with Us
At Monti Ackerman Sculpture, we pride ourselves on a consultative and collaborative approach to waterscape & sculpture projects.
Our Values
Heritage and Craftsmanship
We honor over a century of artistry and expertise, blending traditional techniques with modern innovation to create enduring works of art that stand the test of time.
Community Collaboration
We believe in the power of partnership, working closely with communities, committees, and clients to ensure every project reflects shared values and vision.
Durability and Sustainability
Our commitment to quality materials and proven methods ensures our creations are built to last, reducing maintenance and preserving beauty for generations to come.
Inclusivity and Respect
We celebrate diversity, acknowledge the history of the lands we work on, and strive to create art that fosters connection and inclusivity for all.
Step 1
Partnering with architectural teams to understand project goals, site requirements, and aesthetic preferences. Each design balances visual impact with function, durability, and ease of maintenance.
Vision & Planning
Step 2
Design & Material Selection
Next, we select high-quality, locally sourced granite and create designs that harmonize with the surrounding environment. Our enduring craftsmanship ensures that each piece is built to withstand time, weather, and use with minimal maintenance.
Step 3
Precision Crafting
We fuse ancient methods with state-of-the-art equipment to redefine granite sculpting. This synergy achieves a new standard of precision, enabling intricate details that honor traditional craftsmanship.
Our innovative proprietary liquid oxygen-powered quarry torch uses a 6,000-degree flame to melt stone. We incorporate modern technologies, like stainless hardware and smart integrations, to ensure each work remains both functional and captivating.
Our expertise spans a range of finishes—point, sandblast, thermal, honed, and polished—each enhancing the stone’s unique character and depth.
Step 4
On-site installation of each piece to ensure structural stability and longevity, enhancing the final impact within the designed space.
Installation & Integration
Testimonials
-
Monti Ackerman has been a long term supplier for Boston University. Creating and maintaining beautiful granite statuary and fountains. Ryan Akerman is a pleasure to work with. He is extremely knowledgeable about the industry and he’s artistically gifted.
- Greg Limerick, Boston University Grounds Manager
-
Ryan was a pleasure to work with! Our clients and I came to him with a block of stone and a concept, and Ryan was able to bring it to life. We enjoyed collaborating with Ryan, visiting his studio and learning about his incredible carving techniques. He was extremely responsive and genuinely excited throughout the process. I can't wait to work with Ryan again.
- Jacob Mather, Mather & Page (Architecture Firm)
-
From the start of initial design, through the fabrication process, and final delivery stages; Ryan's work was top-notch and communication very thorough. We couldn't be happier with the finished product.
- Colin Casper, D. Schumacher Landscape Artisans
-
Ryan's work achieves a perfect blend of artisan skill and aesthetics-craftsmanship meets Art meets innovation. He is somehow able to translate original, uniquely creative concepts into final results with a universal appeal. This is not an easy accomplishment in any of the Arts disciplines and Ryan pulls it off with the skill of a master.
- Lennie Peterson, Artist/Illustrator/Musician
-
Our collaboration with Ryan was memorable. We were most pleased how he crafted the most colorful sap heavy granite from the early 1900’s into a nautical relief. Ryans hands-on artistry highlighted his creative vision for our project. He carefully coordinated with our contractors to ensure that the placement of the fountain subtly blended into the color and texture of our woodland gardens. A splendid success!!
- John Breckenridge, Fountain Client
Mayor Thomas P. Koch, City of Quincy, Massachusetts
I have known Mr. Ackerman for many years both personally and professionally, and I can attest to the quality of his craftsmanship; his passion for his work; and his ability to lead from start to finish community-driven projects.
Mr. Ackerman and the Monti family are well-known and greatly respected throughout Greater Boston and across the country for their stone-cutting and sculpting talents. Most recently, Mr. Ackerman designed and sculpted our new Educators Monument on the green of Quincy High School. This lasting tribute to our community's teachers was coordinated flawlessly, completed in a timely fashion, and the finished product is something that makes us all tremendously proud.
Let’s work together
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly! We can't wait to hear from you!
FAQs
-
We specialize in granite, bronze, and other durable materials, offering custom designs for sculptures, monuments, fountains, and large-scale public art projects. Our expertise includes shaping monolithic blocks and using cutting-edge tools like our proprietary quarry torch for precision and durability.
-
Absolutely! We excel at working closely with communities and committees to ensure every project reflects shared values and visions. Our team’s experience with diverse groups, including fluency in Spanish, allows us to build strong relationships and deliver meaningful, inclusive results.
-
Our fabrication methods almost always incorporate large monolithic blocks. This eliminates the need for the typical mortar joint, which will fail over time. Combined with our proprietary quarry torch (we carve out the blocks with this), this approach ensures enhanced durability, reduced maintenance, and a timeless quality appearance, saving costs for our partners in the long run.
-
The commissioning process typically starts with an initial consultation to understand your vision, site needs, and budget. From there, we move through design development, material selection, fabrication, and installation, keeping you informed and engaged every step of the way.
-
Everything we create is fully custom, so costs vary depending on the scope of work and the amount of material used. Firepits, for instance, start at a base cost of around $6,000, with most projects coming in closer to $10,000. Check out our Fire Pit Builder module for more info. Fountains range from 3 to 75 feet long, costing anywhere from a thousand dollars to well into six figures. Sculptures, however, are tougher to estimate as they often involve intricate designs, unique concepts, and varying material needs. Contact us for a quick and hassle-free ballpark estimate tailored to your project!