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!

Helical Beaming: Your Top 6 Questions on Installation, Cost, and Limitations
March 2026

Although helical masonry beaming is still an underutilized and relatively unknown method in masonry repair and restoration, the number of questions and requests I get on this topic increases every week, which I view as promising. Helical masonry beaming i

Wired for Safety: Electrical Maintenance for Fire Prevention
March 2026

Could your company survive if an electrical failure sparked a fire at your business? Electrical malfunctions cause thousands of non-residential building fires annually.1 Proactive maintenance and action are essential to help safeguard your operations.

The Behind-the-Wall Secrets Every Mason Already Knows (But Some Ignore)
March 2026

You’ve been around long enough to know this already: stone doesn’t fail on the face; it fails behind the wall. You can lay the prettiest veneer in the county, but if the prep is junk, that wall’s gonna start telling on you after a couple of winters. Manu

From the Mound to the Mortar: Jon Rauch’s Tall Order in the Masonry Industry
March 2026

In the record books of Major League Baseball, Jon Rauch is a literal giant. At 6 feet, 11 inches, he remains the tallest player to ever step onto a Big League mound. But today, the Olympic Gold Medalist and 11-season MLB veteran isn’t looking for a strike