Masonry Studio at UWM debuts

Words: Mark KempOn September 4, 2013 “Masonry Studio” made its debut to over 100 architecture students at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee's School of Architecture and Urban Planning.

Finally the message about Masonry is getting to the future young minds that will determine what buildings are made of. This studio is made possible by the generous financial support of Wisconsin Masonry Industry Partners, the craft workers, mason contractors and manufacturers that make brick, concrete block, stone, tile, and a wide variety of other structural and architectural systems and the NCMA Foundation.

This group is providing funding for special lectures, construction of masonry mock-ups, expert critics and advisors in the studios, support for students to attend a masonry camp, publication of studio results in a national journal, and a range of other events and activities. It is our hope to see this program spread to other universities across the nation.
No Shortcuts: The Journey of Real Stone
February 2026

Have you ever stopped and really thought about how that stone on the wall got there? I don’t mean the install...not the mortar, the scratch coat, or the clean-up. I mean the whole journey. From the first cut in the earth to the

Stop Gambling on the Wall: Why the Modern Jobsite Demands a Sure Thing
February 2026

If you have spent any time walking the carpeted aisles of the World of Concrete, you know the vibe. It is a sensory overload of heavy machinery, slick demos, and the collective optimism of thousands of contractors. We are in Las Vegas, the gambling capita

Helical Beaming: Strengthening Masonry from the Inside Out
February 2026

In the world of masonry restoration and retrofit, the goal is always the same: preserve the character and craftsmanship of historic structures while ensuring their long-term stability. But anyone who has worked on century-old brick or stone buildings know

The 2026 MCAA Annual Online Auction
February 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America is thrilled to announce the 2026 Annual Online Auction, the masonry industry’s premier event for scoring the best equipment at a fraction of costs. Whether you are looking to expand your equipment stockpile or