From Soup To Nuts, Or From Design Through Build

Words: Dan Kamys

Dan Kamys, Editorial Director - dkamys@masonrymagazine.com

This special edition issue of MASONRY is called MASONRY x DESIGN. You could probably tell by the unique masthead, but I thought I’d remind you this is really a showcase issue. In this publication, you will see content that spans the entire design through the construction process. This content will not only circulate to the mason contracting community who usually receives MASONRY. But it will also be distributed to the architectural and design subscribers of our sister publication, MASONRY DESIGN.    When we acquired MASONRY DESIGN magazine at the start of last year, it was always our intention to do something special that unites both of our magazines’ respective content focuses. Consider this issue the first step at doing that. By highlighting the entire design and construction process, we hope to start to create a bridge between those creating the concept for structures and the ones responsible for the successful and safe execution.    In this issue, you will find a variety of interesting articles that will span all sides of a project. David Biggs is back with his Technical Talk. If you’re a MASONRY reader, you may know him from his Marvelous Masonry series. If you’re a MASONRY DESIGN reader, you’d probably recognize him from his technical talks. Here he is with the latest Technical Talk.      Additionally, we have a landscape architecture article. Outdoor living is such a hot area of construction right now, and this piece will provide five tips that every mason should know. To complement this, Dean Marsico of the famous Dean and Derek who write for MASONRY magazine takes us through landscape architecture through a contractor’s eyes.      BIM-M is also getting an update in this issue, with a piece from Jamie Davis about why mason contractors should care about the design software. Additionally, the NCMA provides us with an article on the latest version of their Direct Design software.    Whatever your profession related to the construction industry, the entire team and I hope that you find the information contained in this special edition useful and beneficial. Please let us know if you have any suggestions or feedback on our content!    dsig
Lasers in Layout
September 2026

Lasers have become an essential tool in modern construction. There was a time when rotary lasers were so expensive that only one person on the crew was trusted to set them up and operate them. As technology improved and prices became more affordable, rota

Elsa Bueno Jeff Becker
Technical Talks
Levels Tool Accessories
Read More
Hines Market Square
September 2026

Hines Market Square, now known as Aris Market Square, is a mixed-use, multifamily development located in downtown Houston. The architect on this project, Ziegler Cooper, is known for reshaping the urban landscape. In keeping with their vision, the buildin

Dawn Kornegay
Case Study
Brick Clay Brick Residential
Read More
Understanding Met-Guard Protection in Work Boots
September 2026

Masonry work demands precision and strength, but it also comes with unavoidable risks. From handling heavy materials like brick and block to operating cutting equipment and working in tight, active environments, tradesmen and tradeswomen regularly expose

Andrew Moffatt
MAP Partner
Safety - Footwear Sponsored
Read More
Why Joint Profiles Matter In Masonry Restoration
September 2026

For generations, masonry structures have been defined not only by the brick, block, or stone used in construction, but also by the mortar joints that tie everything together. Whether restoring a historic brick facade, repairing natural stone veneer, or re

Paul Bender
Technical Talks
Joint Reinforcement Jointers Restoration
Read More