Our History

Modern Hieroglyphics Inc.—operating as MH Stoneworks—traces its beginnings to 1997 in Ottawa, Canada where our founder, David Watson, saw the need for highly skilled architectural stone masonry. MH Stoneworks was incorporated the following year in 1998. Steeped in a strong foundation of Heritage Stone Restoration and a background in architectural stone sculpture, we began to take on specialized projects by reaching out to other masonry contractors and working as a subcontractor.

It quickly became apparent that our skillset was rare and in high demand as the whole restoration movement in Canada was still in its infancy. We had the knowledge base and expertise to take on projects ourselves. We began one project at a time and over the following 22 years worked on many projects for Parliament Hill, PWGSC, provincially and municipally owned buildings as well as many private churches and various private clients. During that time, we developed a considerable body of work and a strong reputation for honest, responsible and quality workmanship.

David Watson

David's roots are in Nova Scotia where he received his BFA in Fine Arts, majoring in Stone Sculpture, at NSCAD and a Journeyman ship in Stone Masonry Restoration. With 12 years' experience in Halifax, David moved to Ottawa in 1996 with his young family to being work on the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill.

In 1999, while in Ottawa, David established the Heritage Masonry Training Program at Algonquin College in Perth, Ontario. Many of the skilled masons MH Stoneworks employs today came from this training program.

Outside of his work life, David is a member of the Art of Living Foundation Canada and currently serves on its Board of Directors. This foundation provides wellness and relaxation programs for people of all ages, self-esteem building for youth and teenagers, as well as recovery programs for our military veterans and first line responders.