Marvelous Masonry: Neuschwanstein Castle
April 2025

Neuschwanstein Castle, with its fairy-tale silhouette and dramatic perch atop the Bavarian Alps, stands as one of the most iconic structures in the world. Built in the late 19th century under the vision of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, this architectural mas

Texas Masonry Council Hall Of Fame Award Ceremony
April 2025

On March 20th, the Texas Masonry Council celebrated its Hall of Fame Installation at the historic Alamo in San Antonio. This prestigious event brought together industry leaders and supporters to honor the achievements of individuals who have made signific

Get Ready for the 75th Midyear!
March 2025

I’m Sheryl Dentinger, wife of the current MCAA Chairman, Dick Dentinger. I started being a part of the MCAA conventions over 40 years ago, since Dick and I started dating. Bill Dentinger, my father-in-law, a legendary man, was chairman at the time we wer

MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 16 Recap: Larry Vacala, President at Tyler Lane Construction Inc.
March 2025

Larry Vacala joins the MASONRY STRONG Podcast to talk about his incredible journey in the masonry industry, what it's been like to see the industry change over the years, and where he sees the industry heading in the future. Larry's Beginnings in the Mas

Marvelous Masonry: The Tarragona Cathedral
March 2025

The Tarragona Cathedral, located in the historic city of Tarragona, Spain, is a significant example of medieval architecture and masonry. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, the cathedral reflects a period of transition in architectural styles, sho

The Technical Manufacturing of Architectural Cast Stone
February 2025

Architectural cast stone has long served as a cornerstone of American commercial, residential, and hardscape construction, blending timeless aesthetics with modern engineering. Defined by its capacity to replicate natural stone with unmatched precision, c

Approaching Restoration as a Mason Contractor
February 2025

As buildings age and their surrounding areas develop, masonry contractors may be approached to restore, repair, and reconfigure existing masonry on projects outside the typical scope of a new construction commercial project. Restoration of older masonry b

American Treasure: West Point Cadet Chapel
February 2025

The West Point Cadet Chapel stands as an enduring symbol of architectural brilliance, blending Gothic Revival grandeur with the precision and artistry of masonry. Perched on a hill overlooking the United States Military Academy, this iconic structure is a

Marvelous Masonry: Temple of Hephaestus
February 2025

Nestled on the hill of the ancient Agora in Athens, the Temple of Hephaestus stands as one of the best-preserved temples of antiquity. Built between 449 and 415 BCE, this Doric temple dedicated to Hephaestus, the god of fire and craftsmanship, embodies th

Cultural Heritage Meets Modern Architectural Design: The Alain Ducasse Restaurant, AlUla
January 2025

For Craft Group’s Alain Ducasse restaurant project in AlUla, we fostered a collaborative effort between the design team and local craftsmen and ensured that the masonry work reflected the area's cultural heritage while meeting modern construction standard

Marvelous Masonry: The London Bridge
January 2025

The London Bridge has been a symbol of innovation, resilience, and the evolution of masonry craftsmanship for centuries. Its transformations over time, from timber to stone and eventually to modern concrete, mirror the growth and ambition of London itself

Masonry in the Media: Temple of Karnak, Angkor Thom, and More
January 2025

The settings of films can take viewers to different parts of the world and express the story through visually stunning locations. From ancient ruins to medieval architectural marvels, these four iconic movie locations enhanced the storytelling of the movi

The Benefits of Staining Brick: The Product of an Ever-Changing Industry
December 2024

Brick has been used for thousands of years as a building material, renowned for its strength and durability. Whether constructing a home, office building, or even a simple fence, brick remains a reliable choice. However, in today's brick industry, a signi

Marvelous Masonry: Buda Castle
December 2024

Buda Castle, perched majestically atop Castle Hill in Budapest, Hungary, is one of Europe’s most iconic fortresses. This historical gem tells the story of Hungarian royalty and national heritage and showcases centuries of evolving masonry craftsmanship. F

Vibing Masonry #3: Masonry and its Influence on Town & City Master Planning
November 2024

Masonry has greatly influenced urban planning and development for centuries, shaping the architecture and resilience of cities worldwide. Comprising brick, stone, and concrete (out of scope material) masonry units (CMUs), masonry materials have not only p

La Maison Franchère: How Masonry Turns Functional Buildings Into Timeless Beauty
November 2024

La Maison Franchère, or the Franchers’ House, stands as a notable relic of stone architecture in Saint-Mathies, a small Quebec town on the edge of the Richelieu River. Unlike the neighboring homes, this towering, two-and-a-half-story mansion immediately c