From Client Projects to Professional Workspaces

In 2025, Chicago-area designer Mark Schubert rebranded his interior design business and opened a brand-new design studio—M2 Design Lab—with Cambria natural quartz surfaces featured in three spaces. When it came to the materials he wanted to showcase in his new studio and contemplating stone options, he says, “We use quartz a lot in our designs. Clients like quartz. And we specify Cambria constantly for its durability and cleanability. It solves all of our problems.”

So, when Schubert’s local Cambria representative showed him a few options, he knew his clients would very much like to see Cambria installed in his studio. “It’s peace of mind for me as well,” says Schubert. “We’re hard on things here. We’re going to throw things down on the tabletops. We want the surfaces to be lasting.”

Schubert used Cambria in his office and design lab area—a functioning studio space behind his shoppable showroom. “We have Inverness Stonestreet on the back counter of our design lab where our material library is located,” says Schubert. “The design was new at the time, and I loved that it mimicked natural stone with [debossed] veining and tactility. When I first saw it, I thought, ‘I know half a dozen clients who would love this in their kitchen, bathroom, or on a fireplace.’ I knew I wanted to showcase this new stone. It was going to be great for everybody.”

He adds, “I like that it’s so durable. [The finish] doesn’t show fingerprints at all, which is what I love about it.”

A large conference table is topped with Bentley. “I think it’s almost 10 feet long,” says Schubert. “I wanted something that would be the hub of our design lab. That’s where I’m laying out materials, images, renderings, and plans to review with clients. It’s large enough that clients can see actual fabrics, metals, stones, etc., right in front of them, which is nice. There is also a big TV screen for displaying additional inspiration.”

The perimeter countertops are fabricated with a simple eased edge. But on the conference table, Schubert opted for a three-inch-thick mitered edge. “We wanted the island-like conference table to stand out from the rest of the space,” Schubert says. He notes this is also a common design tactic when using the same material throughout a space. Many clients don’t consider this unprompted. They tend to just go with whatever they believe is standard. Schubert says doing a thicker countertop, or a completely different edge profile on an island is an added detail that can refine a space.

And then there is a kitchenette with a Cambria Rose Bay countertop and backsplash. “That design is one of my favorites,” says Schubert. “I like the movement. We did very simple flush, flat panel cabinetry and I wanted the stone to really be that ‘wow factor’ in the space. Everyone who comes into our studio and sees that kitchen is like, ‘Can I get this in my kitchen?’ and I’m like, ‘yeah.’”

Quartz Applications and Design Considerations

And Cambria is not just for kitchens. Schubert has used Rose Bay for a fireplace project in a Lincoln Park townhouse. He says it was such a fun project because there were two fireplaces, one in a main floor living area and another on a mezzanine that overlooks the kitchen and living room. “The Rose Bay fireplaces are near five feet from the floor and Schubert carried the stone all the way up on each. “The whole thing was a very good blend of modern and traditional styles,” says Schubert. “And later, when that client came to our new studio, she said, ‘Mark, you copied my stone!’ I know! I love it!”

Visitors may note the black and white theme throughout Schubert’s design lab. That way, when working with clients, whatever colors and patterns in materials he’s showing in client meetings will stand out against the mostly black and white canvas of a space he’s created.

When asked if there are any practical or creative advantages to choosing Cambria quartz surfaces, Schubert notes his affinity for Cambria’s finish options. “Your finishes are amazing,” he says. “I love that new Cambria Satin™ finish. It looks so much like natural stone.”

Service That Defines the Experience

But also, in terms of fabrication, Schubert says, “Cambria’s team is great about connecting us with the right people for what we want to accomplish with our designs. Whether it’s a simple countertop or backsplash installation, or a fireplace or specific edge profiles or moldings, Cambria’s team works tirelessly to make sure that whatever our vision is, it’s executed. Whereas, in a typical stone slab warehouse, you can only buy the stone and then figure out who you want to work with for fabrication. There’s no back-end help like there is with Cambria. I really do enjoy that Cambria’s local reps know who to go to, who to contact. They put us all together and that really makes the process seamless for us.