AIA Holds Annual Convention in Atlanta

Words: Dan Kamys

2015 AIA Convention

[caption id="attachment_9779" align="alignnone" width="620"]This year’s AIA Convention featured about 800 vendors, with some 40 masonry-related companies. This year’s AIA Convention featured about 800 vendors, with some 40 masonry-related companies.[/caption] The American Institute of Architects held its Annual Convention in Atlanta in May. The event brought about 800 exhibitors, with some 40 masonry-related companies – a good sign for the masonry industry. This year, the show seemed heavy on building materials exhibitions. Masonry found this show to be educational and informative, regarding building materials and systems that will be coming our industry’s way in the future. President Bill Clinton spoke to a standing-room-only audience about pressing global issues and “low-hanging fruit.” Keynote panels took place throughout the event on topics like building smart, residential design-build, and must-have online tools. AIA elections took place, and awards were bestowed to celebrated projects. Next year’s AIA Convention will take place in Philadelphia, May 19–21. Visit http://convention.aia.org for more information. [caption id="attachment_9778" align="alignleft" width="270"]The ACME Brick booth was bustling with activity during the AIA Convention. The ACME Brick booth was bustling with activity during the AIA Convention.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9780" align="alignright" width="270"]The Veneerstone booth had elaborate, informative displays. The Veneerstone booth had elaborate, informative displays.[/caption]       [caption id="attachment_9785" align="alignleft" width="270"]The Oldcastle Architectural booth was packed with convention attendees. The Oldcastle Architectural booth was packed with convention attendees.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9784" align="alignright" width="270"]The Arriscraft/General Shale booth showcased nice displays of signature products. The Arriscraft/General Shale booth showcased nice displays of signature products.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9783" align="alignleft" width="270"]Architectural Polymers showcased Formliner Systems and Thin Brick Components. Architectural Polymers showcased Formliner Systems and Thin Brick Components.[/caption]      
Designed for the Way Contractors Work Today
September 2026

Every piece of equipment tells a story about the challenges contractors face. For more than 30 years, the EZG Manufacturing team has listened to those stories—through customer relationships, job site visits, dealer feedback, a

Abigail Spung
Manufacturing Efficiency
Read More
Chemicals In Masonry
September 2026

Mason contractors must deal with chemicals on the job site. One of the main ones comes in the form of dust. Another is acid. From high-rise commercial structures to residential facades, masonry work involves handling raw materials that require careful man

Zach Everett
Safety Library
Safety
Read More
Brick Staining Dos and Don'ts: Managing Modern and Historic Masonry Construction
September 2026

Every mason contractor has encountered it, or will. A replacement brick arrives from a different production run. A cast stone repair patch or perhaps a darker panel stands out against the surrounding installation. Mortar color varies unexpectedly. A clea

Jennifer Gill
Technical Talks
Brick Staining Masonry Staining Staining
Read More
Gables Republic Square & Hotel ZaZa
September 2026

Gables Republic Square / Hotel ZaZa is a 24-story mixed-use boutique hotel and urban residential tower with street-level retail located on a 0.75-acre site in downtown Austin. Camarata Masonry Systems, Ltd. (CMS) was responsible for the supply and instal

Dawn Kornegay
Case Study
Brick Clay Brick Residential
Read More