In 1964, two recent graduates of architecture at Harvard University set about providing fellow architects, commercial artists and designers with a convenience they had never had: a single source for all design supplies and equipment. They called their business “Charrette” – the intensive activity that ensues leading up to a design deadline – befitting for their business of efficiently supplying essential tools to individuals in the heat of meeting deadlines.
Before long, the young entrepreneur’s business was burgeoning and recognizing their customers’ need for reprographic services in addition to supplies, in 1966 they acquired Stone Reprographics, an established blueprint and photo reproduction house.