SmithGroup Architects Selected as AIA Fellows

Words: Margaret FosterSmithGroup – winners of a 2005 and 2006 Arizona Masonry Guild Excellence in Masonry Architectural Award, and a 2006 Masonry Institute of Michigan Masonry Honor Award, among others – is pleased to announce that architects Harold E. Davis Jr., William L. Diefenbach and Paul G. Johnson have been elevated to the prestigious College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

The announcement was made by AIA on Feb. 23 in Washington, D.C. The honor is awarded to members who have made significant contributions to architecture and society, and who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession.

Davis, Diefenbach and Johnson of SmithGroup will be among 76 members of the American Institute of Architects who will receive their Fellowship medal during the Investiture of Fellows Ceremony at the AIA 2007 National Convention and Design Expo in San Antonio on May 4, 2007.
Is Contact with Wet Mortar or Grout Dangerous?
April 2026

In the world of masonry, few materials are as common as mortar and grout. Whether you are laying brick, concrete masonry units (CMU), or pouring grout into masonry walls, wet cement and mortar are constant companions. However, beneath their utility lies a

The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic