August 2016: From the Editor

Words: Dan Kamys

Excellence in Masonry

Karen HickeyKaren D. Hickey, Editor - karen@lionhrtpub.com

There’s always something big happening in the masonry industry. In June, the 52nd annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Ky., featured a masonry competition. Gold, silver and bronze awards were bestowed at both secondary and post-secondary levels. Regional qualifiers for the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500™ have started taking place and will continue through October, in preparation for the World Championship at World of Concrete/World of Masonry in Las Vegas on Jan. 18, 2017. Training programs for both students and journeymen masons are offered year-round. Check with your state’s masonry contractors association or the MCAA for the next webinar or seminar near you. Though not without its challenges, the masonry industry is indeed “alive and well” (see the Special Report), and it’s progressing. Masonry-related organizations in Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin have already presented their awards of excellence for outstanding projects for 2016, while the AIA Montana, AIA Nebraska (sponsored by the Nebraska Masonry Alliance), and the Arizona Masonry Guild are currently judging entries. The 2016 Brick in Architecture Awards Competition has also released the names of its winning projects. To my knowledge, two 2016 Excellence in Masonry Awards programs are still open for entries:
  • Masonry Institute of Washington, deadline: Aug. 5.
  • Ohio Masonry Association, deadline: Nov. 30.
Even the Masonry Contractors Australia Ltd. is accepting entries until Aug. 1 for its “Excellence in Brick and Blocklaying Awards” — proof that programs like this aren’t limited to North America and that excellence in masonry is being recognized around the world. If you would like Masonry magazine to help promote your organization’s events, seminars or awards programs, email me at karen@lionhrtpub.com. Let’s spread the word!
Westminster Abbey Roof Repairs Race To Protect The Masonry Below
April 2026

Westminster Abbey is undergoing long-awaited repairs to its roof, and experts involved in the work say they have discovered hidden secrets along the way. For the masonry industry, the story is less about what's up top and more about what sits beneath it.

The Daily Digest
Read More
Building Stonework That Lasts Beyond the Surface
April 2026

How Today’s Systems Strengthen Traditional Masonry In masonry, longevity has always been the true measure of craftsmanship. Any wall can look impressive the day it’s finished, but the real test comes years later, after the first freeze-thaw cycle, after t

Rob McKay
Technical Talks
Read More
Mastering The Art Of Masonry Repair: The Dos and Don’ts
April 2026

Whether we specialize in repairs and restoration work or new construction, repairs are something that we all must do, at least from time to time. With ever-increasing competition from faster and cheaper building systems, the onus is on us as masonry profe

John Bard
Technical Talks
Read More
Brick And Glass Meet In Paris Park Community Center Design
April 2026

A Designboom feature spotlights a community center set in a Paris park, described as a monolithic brick building that is cut through by a glazed facade.

The Daily Digest
Read More