The Best of MASONRY

Words: Greg Brown


Cost Savings & Availability Make Concrete Masonry Ideal for Demanding Building Applications
Echelon Masonry provides us with a research-based article on the cost analysis and benefits of masonry for building applications. Discover more on the topic.



Granite Plays Key Role in Challenging Gardens Upgrade
Large pieces and specific color requirements helped to create beautiful new spaces at Michigan’s Frederik Meijer Gardens. Discover the efforts of JK Masonry and Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects of New York for this natural stone project.  




Overcoming Seasonal Affective Disorder: Beating The Winter Blues

Earlier nights, colder temperatures, and the absence of the sun can be some of the things that cause the winter blues. Get some of the best ways to overcome seasonal affective disorder with this informative article. 



Making Art With Masonry

 Brick and natural stone are not only resilient but beautiful. In this article, MASONRY Magazine speaks with Steve Borman, President of Keystone Masonry, Inc. in Yelm, Washington about the creative process surrounding the construction of a stunning stone sphere and all it entails.


Embarking on the Masonry Career Path

The world of masonry is a significant component that makes up the construction process. Much like other specialty trades, the work of a mason is very much an art form that has been passed down from one generation to the next. Read more on getting started in the masonry industry. 


University of Kansas Medical Center Health Education Building

Schooling doesn’t always take place in traditional classrooms, especially considering the future of healthcare. So, when planning the Health Education Building at the University of Kansas Medical Center, designers looked at the whole student and planned accordingly. Checkhttps://www.masonrymagazine.com/blog/2022/01/19/university-of-kansas-medical-center-health-education-building/ out this interesting case study! 



Return on Investment: Improving Efficiency on the Jobsite

How do you work smarter but not harder? In this article MASONRY Magazine speaks with masonry companies SPEC MIX and Quick Headers about the best ways to identify and improve inefficiencies on the job site to speed up work processes. 



Causes of Efflorescence and Efflorescence Test Method Summary

Efflorescence is a topic we have often explored in MASONRY Magazine over the years, allowing many of us to become quite knowledgeable on the subject. Are you aware, however, that there are tests that can help pinpoint the source of efflorescence in masonry? Learn more about the tests that can be done and more. 


Canopy Austin Downtown Hotel Celebrates Masonry and Concrete Décor
Like the majority of prominent cities across the United States, the city of Austin, TX harnesses its own exceptional demeanor with ties rich in culture and art. Giving way to this same theme, the architecture found throughout the city exemplifies this very school of thought. Discover more about this creative case study. 


Wall of Fame: Phil Cote
MASONRY Magazine sat down with Phil Cote for this year's first Wall of Fame interview. Phil is a sixth-generation mason continuing the legacy created by his family members who worked in the industry before him. He runs his company 6th Generation Masonry and looks forward to teaching masonry to his children in the future. Learn more about Phil in this year's first Wall of Fame article. 
From Raw Material To Art: Bringing Toothless To Life
December 2025

“The next project is already waiting in the wings, but that’s another story.” That was how I ended my article on the T-60 helmet from the world of Fallout in the July 2024 issue of Masonry Magazine. And that is exactly where this new chapter begins.

Outreach Outlook: A Year of Momentum and Building Our Future Together
December 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, it’s a natural time for reflection. This month marks a personal milestone for me, my one-year anniversary as the National Director of Youth Outreach & Education. What an incredible year it has been for the newly established Outre

GEN NXT: Logan Sullivan
December 2025

This month, the MCAA got to talk to Pennsylvania native Logan Sullivan. A young mason starting out in the industry whose enthusiasm for the craft of bricklaying is evident. His passion and genuine love for the craft could be felt throughout the interview,

The 2026 Masonry Innovations
December 2025

Be the first to know what's to come in the new year! The masonry industry is always advancing, from new material color-ways to brand new technology, see what our MAP Members are bringing to the table in 2026!