Bras & Mattos Monument Company

What is the difference between a monument and a memorial marker, tombstone or gravestone?

Bill S. Oakland Ca.

Bill, the truth is that a monument is generally reserved for describing upright memorials.  Memorial being a name we use fairly loosely in the monument industry to describe any creative works that commemorate a life or significant event.  Markers and gravestones are generally reserved for the description of a flat, flush with the ground memorial.  Tombstones can be loosely used to describe all kinds of memorialization but generally refer to a standing stone.  Tablet, upright, monolith, die, and monument can also be used to describe standing upright stones with or without a base.

The truth is, wherever you go, you are bound to hear at least 5 or 6 names for memorialization and names for colors of stone.   Many Monument shops may refer to stone, texture, color and shape a little different than others.

The Bay Area has over a dozen shops, how can I decide which one is the best?

Steven G.

Determining what company is best for you as a consumer is harder today than ever before.   We recommend using the most reputable business you feel comfortable working with.   Is the business a member of trade organizations?  Are they members of the California Monument association, Monument Builders of North America, or the American Institute of Commemorative Art?  How long has the company been doing business in the area?  Have the presented a wide variety of design concepts and shown you at least a few examples of alternative more artistic options?  Can they produce Your memorial in a reasonable amount of time for a reasonable price while communicating with you consistently in a professional manner?  The bottom line is making sure you feel comfortable working with the company you are considering using to create your memorial.

What is the A.I.C.A and why is it so important for your company to promote the fact that you are a member?

James H. San Francisco

The American Institute of Commemorative Art is devoted to the highest standards of commemorative memorial design and business ethics in the monument industry. 
Membership to the Institute is by invitation only, with the membership throughout the United States and Canada limited only to those firms who have shown a sincere commitment to excellence while practicing their trade.  Bras and Mattos Monument Company is the only Bay Area and Northern California Monument Company in the AICA, and 1 of only 3 in the entire state. 
The motto of the Institute, “Helping ourselves by helping others” is practiced through commemorative memorial design, sculpture, craftsmanship, research, and continued education of the members of AICA. We believe the families we work with deserve this kind of effort on our part to push our talent and creativity constantly to create fresh and new concepts in the memorial industry.