About Johnson|Playfair

our masonry story

About Us

Serving Toronto As Expert Brick and Stone Masons since 2012, we’re proud to Provide fine Masonry DESIGN AND INSTALLATION for residential, historical, and commercial property owners.

Founded by lifelong friends-turned-business-partners Matt Johnson and Brendan Playfair in 2012, our company has always prioritized high-quality custom masonry and building relationships with our clients and other industry professionals.

Our founders started working in the trades together as teenagers, including as labourers for a restoration mason. After respectively studying History and Philosophy in university, Brendan and Matt were both drawn to return to masonry and continued working under the mentorship of the restoration mason, eventually also exploring new construction in masonry school. After several years of working for others in both Ontario and B.C., they decided to join forces and start their own masonry company that could offer the dual specialties of both custom new construction and restoration. As the team has grown and our project portfolio expanded, we continue to strive for and prioritize a high level of professionalism in addition to excellence in our brick and stonework.

Contemporary modern residential architecture construction project in Toronto featuring unique perforated masonry by Johnson Playfair Masonry and Masonry Materials

Meet the Team


  • Co-Founder

    Matt is a Red-Seal journeyman mason with extensive experience in Heritage restoration, and residential masonry construction.


  • Co-Founder

    Brendan is a Red-Seal journeyman mason with extensive experience in Heritage restoration, residential masonry construction and scaffolding access.

OUR CREW:

♦ Michael ♦ Quinn ♦ Jordan ♦ Ken ♦ Eric ♦ Brent ♦ Davis ♦ Julian ♦ Sasha ♦ Celeste ♦ Kevin ♦ Jeremy ♦ Phil ♦ Austin ♦ Alex ♦ Nathan ♦ Tracey ♦ Diana ♦

Join us

We welcome applications from experienced masons, foremen, and scaffold installers. Email us your resume and we’ll get in touch.

Current Openings:

  • Johnson Playfair is seeking masonry foremen to join our team. We have an exciting lineup of projects -- ongoing through the winter -- and are eager to grow. 

    Location: Onsite, Varies (based in Toronto, multiple job site locations)

    Schedule: Full-time

    Responsibilities:

    Managing 6-8 employees at 1-3 sites at a time while installing high end brick and stone masonry on residential, commercial, and institutional projects. The foreman is responsible for ensuring that work is completed on time, on budget, and to a high standard.

    Qualifications: 

    • Minimum 10 years masonry experience, including with heritage restoration and custom homes/new construction

    • Proven leadership skills to lead teams and execute multiple projects (project/business management is an asset)

    • Excellent oral and written communication skills (bilingualism is an asset)

    • Located in the Greater Toronto area & legally able to work in Canada

    • Willing to travel daily to job sites throughout the Toronto area (company vehicle provided)

    • Driver's license 

    Benefits:

    • Competitive hourly compensation

    • Eligible for Extended Health Benefits after probation period

    Think you might be a good fit? Take a browse through our Instagram and website to learn more about our work, then send your CV over to info@johnsonplayfair.com. We look forward to working with you!

  • Location: Onsite, Varies (based in Toronto, multiple job site locations)

    Schedule: Full-time

    About the role:

    Installing high end brick and stone on residential, commercial, and institutional projects, both in custom new construction projects and restoration work. You will work with premium materials—including natural stone and traditional & contemporary brick — to bring architectural visions to life.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Precision Masonry: Lay brick, block, and natural stone with consistent joints and flawless finishes for high-end facades and structural elements.

    • Hardscape Installation: Construct luxury outdoor living spaces, including flagstone patios, retaining walls, outdoor fireplaces, and other landscape features.

    • Material Management: Expertly mix mortars and grouts to specific color and consistency standards; manage material staging for maximum efficiency.

    • Equipment Operation: Safely operate masonry saws, grinders, and light machinery for stone and brick shaping and site prep.

    • Leadership & Safety: Provide guidance to labourers and apprentices, and maintain a clean and organized job site.

    • Erection and dismantling of system scaffolding in accordance with company safety policy and OHSA guidelines. 

    Qualifications

    • Minimum 3 years of professional masonry experience, including residential hardscaping and custom stone work. Heritage masonry experience is an asset.

    • Detail-Oriented work style, including ability to maintain consistent tolerances and clean job sites.

    • Ability to read and interpret blueprints and site plans with guidance from project managers/foremen to ensure structural integrity and aesthetic alignment.

    • Ability to lift 50+ lbs consistently and work in various weather conditions.

    • Experience with forklift and telehandler machinery is an asset.

    • Excellent oral and written communication skills (bilingualism is an asset)

    • Punctuality and dependable transportation to job sites throughout the Toronto area

    • Red Seal Certification is an asset.

    • Already located in the Greater Toronto area & legally able to work in Canada

    Benefits:

    • Competitive hourly compensation; We value hard work and offer reliable hours with growth potential.

    • Eligible for Extended Health Benefits after probation period.

  • Location: Onsite, Varies (based in Toronto, multiple job site locations)

    Schedule: Full-time

    About the Role:

    We are looking for a hardworking, reliable Labourer to support our masonry team on high-end residential projects. You will be responsible for the heavy lifting and site prep that allows our masons to work efficiently. 

    Key Responsibilities

    • Mixing & Staging: Mix mortar to the specific consistencies required by the lead masons. Ensure a steady supply of bricks, stone, and mortar is staged and ready for use.

    • Site Preparation: Assist with excavation, grading, and the installation of base materials for patios, walkways, and retaining walls.

    • Tool & Material Management: Clean and maintain hand tools, mixers, and saws. 

    • Site Maintenance: Maintain job sites by consistently clearing debris, protecting finished surfaces, and ensuring the property is tidy at the end of each day.

    • Masonry Assistance: Help with basic tasks such as joint striking, stone cleaning, and operating power tools under supervision.

    • Erection and dismantling of system scaffolding in accordance with company safety policy and OHSA guidelines. 

    Required Qualifications

    • Physical Stamina: Ability to lift 80+ lbs, stand for long periods, and perform strenuous manual labor in all weather conditions.

    • Reliability: Punctuality is essential. You must have dependable transportation to various job sites throughout the Toronto area.

    • Work Ethic: A self-motivated attitude and the ability to take direction well in a fast-paced environment.

    • Safety Conscious: Awareness of surroundings and a commitment to using proper PPE and following safety protocols.

    • Experience with forklift and telehandler machinery is an asset.

    • Already located in the Greater Toronto area & legally able to work in Canada

    Benefits:

    • Competitive hourly compensation; We value hard work and offer reliable hours with growth potential.

    • Eligible for Extended Health Benefits after probation period.