Here’s To A Fresh Start

Words: Bronzella Cleveland

Bronzella Cleveland, Editor 

Happy Spring! Well, I hope it still feels like spring by the time you’re reading this. As you probably read in Dan’s note, I’m the new Editor of MASONRY DESIGN, Bronzella Cleveland. This is the first of many times you'll hear from me, and I can’t describe how excited I am for this publication.

What better way to kick things off than with a cover story written by the distinguished Malcolm Holzman? Be sure to check out the material selection process he chronicles; it’s definitely a must read.

Along with our cover article, this issue is filled with more stories that might pique your interest. From the healing powers of masonry in healthcare facilities to the restoration of the historic Burnside Bridge, we’re hoping to show the design world all facets of what masonry can do.

David Biggs provides insightful answers to industry-related questions in his new series. Make sure to check out his introductory Technical Talk With David Biggs. If you have any questions you’d like answered, feel free to pass them along to us and we’ll get them to David.

Resiliency is a crucial aspect in construction, especially considering the unfortunate weather and school safety issues we've encountered in this past year. That's why we spoke with Bill Coulbourne on material choices when it comes to storm shelter design. He covers his process and how masonry can be incorporated into the structures.

Sean Papich examines the growing popularity of outdoor living spaces. He covers all the trends that are seen in the industry from kitchens to fire pits, paving and more. Be sure to stop and read his first article in the Through the Eyes Of A Landscape Architectseries.

Software and innovation are constantly changing the process and pace of the construction industry. Make sure to look at two articles: one on BIM-M and one on Virtual Reality to help you stay abreast of all the latest developments.

We’ve been so excited to work on this publication since the MCAA acquired MASONRY DESIGN. There’s a ton happening behind the scenes, and a lot to look forward to in this and future issues.

We appreciate your readership and hope you enjoy our first issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together. Please feel free to pass along any comments, contributions, ideas you’d like to see in upcoming issues. You can email me at bcleveland@masonrymagazine.comor Dan at dkamys@masonrymagazine.com.

Enjoy Reading!

Smarter Time Tracking on the Jobsite: Introducing Geofence Notifications and Logging in CrewTracks
April 2026

For masonry contractors, time tracking is more than just a payroll task; it’s a key part of managing crews, understanding job costs, and keeping projects running smoothly. Yet many companies still struggle with one common challenge: making sure employees

Fechino Files: Diesels Below 32 Degrees
April 2026

I am guessing that if you are reading this, then you experienced the cold, late-January spell that took over most of the country. The cold weather has many effects on the operations of a masonry contractor, from job shutdowns to equipment starting issues,

Outreach Outlook: Building Momentum Across the Southern Region
April 2026

As April arrives, the pace of our outreach and workforce efforts across the Southern Region reaches a new level of intensity. This is the time of year when our programs, partners, and state collaborators all accelerate at once. SkillsUSA competitions are

Marvelous Masonry: Elbphilharmonie
April 2026

Most people know the Elbphilharmonie for its glass façade and dramatic roofline. From a distance, that’s what defines the skyline in Hamburg’s HafenCity district. But for masonry contractors and suppliers, the real story starts at the base.