Conversations with Solène & Matthew Christensen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Solène & Matthew Christensen. 

Hi Solène & Matthew, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in France and first came to Boulder in 2016 with a master’s in jewelry making. At that time, Matthew had been landscaping and working with stone for years. We met through mutual friends. Matthew wished to learn about jewelry making and I taught him my craft. He rapidly shared with me his love for stones and stonework. Everywhere we went, we were always attracted to the stone grain, texture, color…from natural formation to traditional stone wall. 

In 2020, we created ANiveau, LLC, a hardscape company born out of a desire for craftsmanship and artistic expression through stones. Our vision was to build beautiful stone structures and flatwork that create a seamless transition between the inside and outside of one’s home. 

Using traditional techniques, we provide functional and decorative stonework that structure the space. Matthew is truly a talented craftsman with an artistic eye. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a small business is challenging and exciting at the same time. I wouldn’t say it’s been all easy, but we learn from our mistakes and grow every day. We are surrounded by great people that we can count on. It’s important to be able to delegate. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a hardscape company, our material of chose is stone. Stone is a beautiful material and one of the oldest used by craftsmen. If correctly designed, dry-stone structures are very durable. Over the last 10 years, Matthew has learn to work with a variety of stones. When it comes to colors and textures, and the diverse ways to lay them, he is the artist. With a certificate in industrial design and a master’s in jewelry making, I learned to work with volume and developed a sense of harmony and composition. We complement each other, which makes us a great team. This year I’m back in school to learn about landscape design to better assist our customers with their vision, and Matthew just received his level 1 certification in dry stone walling from the DSWA. Every day, we try to challenge ourselves and grow in our art to provide the best quality of work for our customers. 

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Advises: Customers’ needs vary, and over-communicating is not a bad thing. 

Listen attentively and take the time to explain. 

Stay behind you goals and grow step by step. 

Be confident in your skills but know your limits. 

Don’t be afraid to delegate. 

Contact Info:

• Email: matthew@aniveau.com
• Website: aniveau.com
• Instagram: @aniveau.hardscape