NC State wins Unit Design Competition

Words: Randi HertzbergArchitectural students from North Carolina State University, Smith Marks and Paola Gonzalez, took home the top honors in the NCMA Foundation-sponsored Unit Design Competition.

The NC State team presented an innovative block design called "Angle Face Block," which creates a unique wall appearance. NC State was one of three finalists (also including teams from Ball State University and the University of Nebraska) that presented original concrete masonry units during NCMA’s Midyear Meeting in Coeur d’Alene, ID.

Click here to see all the finalists.
Australian Bricks vs American Bricks: What 24 Hours of Travel Teaches You About the Trade
June 2026

Bricklaying might not change simply because you cross a state line. It does change when you travel 24 hours to the other side of the world and lay bricks under lights, cameras, and a stopwatch. The fundamentals of the trade are universal. Brick, mortar,

2026 Masonry Foundation Grants Now Open
June 2026

The Masonry Foundation is dedicated to advancing the masonry industry and is accepting grant applications for 2026. Proposals should have national reach and aim to generate substantial progress within the masonry industry. To explore examples of past gra

The “Small Job” Safety Trap: Why Safety Sometimes Fades When the Spotlight Disappears
June 2026

Before I was fortunate enough to lead Malta Dynamics, I spent a couple of years as a traveling salesman for the company. My territory covered the entire country (and some beyond), and in a typical year, I visited more than 100 jobsites across nearly every

Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace
June 2026

As a business owner and leader, taking the mental health of your employees seriously and understanding how it can impact their work is essential. In fact, one in five adults experiences a mental health condition annually. Addressing mental health is more