Breaking the Mold

Brandon Boetto creates functional and timeless concrete art at SlabHaus

By Kaylor Jones / Photos by Claudia Johnstone

Today, Brandon Boetto is known across the Valley as a leading-edge concrete artisan. But for the first 15 years of his career, he cut his teeth in the somewhat less tactile artform of graphic design.

In those days, while working to create large-format graphics and websites, Boetto often browsed architecture and design blogs for inspiration. And he found it in spades one day when he stumbled upon an image that would quite literally change his life – a concrete sink.

“I had never seen a sink with such a handmade, organic presence. It was clearly a one-of-a-kind piece, and I was fascinated that something as raw and industrial as concrete could take on such a natural, fluid form,” Boetto says. “That moment opened my eyes to the creative potential of the material. I wasn’t planning a career in concrete at the time, it truly unfolded organically from that initial spark of curiosity.”

Boetto enrolled in a class and experimented with creating small pieces in his garage after work. Very quickly, he realized the high level of mastery involved in making those breathtaking, functional works of concrete art. “Those early experiments taught me discipline, patience and respect for the craft. Every stage of the process requires precision and timing, and even small mistakes can compromise the final piece. It takes years of practice to truly manipulate the material at a level fit for the public.”

The Beauty of the Build

Boetto’s artistic journey was somewhat accelerated when he was let go from his graphic design position. But with help from the supportive community at his old job – they even offered him warehouse space as he embarked on his trial run – Boetto took the leap into entrepreneurship and started SlabHaus.

The artisan concrete studio (www.slabhaus.com) specializes in custom, high-end art pieces in the form of tables, countertops and bathtubs. Each project combines Boetto’s expert knowledge of design fundamentals with superior durability, due in part to a specially formulated, extra strength concrete mix using locally sourced materials.

Compared to alternative materials like marble, wood or steel, concrete is endlessly customizable, from shape and color to texture and finish – and it’s in good hands at SlabHaus, where the team boats over 37 years of combined experience.

“One of the biggest misconceptions is that concrete is inexpensive or easy to produce. In reality, a single piece can require hundreds of hours of skilled craftsmanship,” Boetto says. “Every ingredient must be measured with precision, every step carefully timed, and each stage offers countless opportunities for error. Yet it’s this complexity – and the material’s inherent imperfection – that makes working with concrete so rewarding. Every piece we create is a work of art – crafted by human hands, not machines.”

Speaking of art, some of Boetto’s favorite projects to date have involved collaborating with world-renowned artists and architects. One such project was James Turrell’s Roden Crater, located outside Flagstaff, Arizona. “This large-scale, site-specific artwork within a volcanic cinder cone represents decades of Turrell’s exploration into light, perception and human experience.”

After over a decade in concrete, Boetto holds a special place in his heart for any project aiming to break the mold. “We thrive when designers approach us with the question, ‘Can you make something like this?’ Standard countertops have their place, but my passion comes alive when we’re asked to push boundaries and explore what’s possible with concrete.”

Form & Function

Having recently moved into a new 11,000-square-foot facility in Downtown Phoenix, Boetto couldn’t be more excited for the future of SlabHaus. In addition to upcoming projects in the Phoenix area, the company will soon debut a fully customizable line of concrete tables. “Clients will be able to choose their shape, color, and base design, and purchase directly online through our website. Even more exciting, the platform will generate a fully interactive 3D rendering that allows them to see exactly how their table will look before placing an order.”

For Boetto, inspiration comes from many sources, from local car shows to photography to Brutalist architecture.

“I’m inspired by concrete’s ability to be unapologetically itself. I admire the Brutalist movement, where massive concrete structures inspire awe by their sheer presence and precision. Two of my greatest design influences are Tadao Ando and Santiago Calatrava, whose work reflects both mastery of form and deep respect for materials.”

But above all, Boetto draws motivation from the support of the artistic community around him.

“I’m fortunate to be surrounded by an incredible network of friends who are talented, creative, and approach life with positivity. Their energy constantly inspires me. I also draw a lot of inspiration from our clients. We collaborate with some of the most forward-thinking architects and designers across the country, and their vision continually pushes me to elevate my own work.”

And for anyone out there thinking of trying their hand at concrete – or any other nontraditional artistic medium – Boetto says the most important step is getting started. “Just dive in. Don’t aim for perfection at the start – the key is to make, fail and learn as quickly as possible. Every piece, successful or not, teaches you something valuable. And always seek inspiration in unexpected places – it’s often those moments that shape your artistic voice.”