MIC hosts Annual Federal Officials Seminar

Words: Alan JohnsonOver sixty architects, engineers and contractors from all over the federal government attended the November 16 Federal Officials Seminar conducted in Washington, DC.

The purpose of the Federal Officials Seminar is to keep federal designers and project managers informed on the latest state-of-the-art developments in masonry design and construction. The day long seminar included topics on construction issues, construction details, historic masonry building preservation, and an update on masonry technology. Attendees also learned about the new MCAA contractor certification program. Many of these officials were excited about MCAA’s certification and wanted to learn more.

Other topics included new grout provisions including self-consolidating grout, high wind resistance and masonry storm shelters, mortar specifications and testing, and changes to the masonry design standard. Presentations were provided by member organizations of the MIC including the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA), the Brick Industry Association (BIA), the International Masonry Institute (IMI), the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA), the Portland Cement Association (PCA) and The Masonry Society (TMS).
GEN NXT: Luis Sontay
September 2026

For this month, the MCAA got to sit down with aspiring mason Luis Sontay. From taking an interest in masonry as a kid to placing 1st in a postsecondary competition, Luis’ dedication and passion for the trade is clear. Luis describes his early passion fo

Mentmore Towers, Fort Point, and More
September 2026

The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, UK, stands as a sweeping estate that represents the absolute peak of English masonry. Conceived with breathtaking scale and precision, the monumental complex is defined by

The Alhambra
September 2026

High above Granada, Spain, the Alhambra offers masonry professionals something more than an architectural landmark. It is a working lesson in how relatively simple building materials, placed by skilled craftsmen and maintained over generations, can create

The Wall
September 2026

There is a story around Huntley Brothers that some of our guys simply call “The Wall.” I’ve told it enough times over the years that when I start telling it to one of our younger guys, I can see a few of the older ones rolling their eyes. They’ve heard i