July/August 2008: Table of Contents

JulyAugust 2008:

Table of Contents

features

Design Trends
Chateaux on Central
A splendid, brick-clad residential building rises in Phoenix.
By Cory Sekine-Pettite

Materials
As Cast Stone Prices Fall, Will Quality Suffer?
Specify concrete with a conscience
By Fred McGee

Spotlight
An Academic Approach
Atkinson-Noland & Associates, Inc. has spent more than 20 years cultivating a practice focused on structural evaluation and repair, as well as fostering a firm culture centered on education.
By Cory Sekine-Pettite

Materials
Understanding Air and Vapor Barriers
A rewarding experience for the designer and owner
By Jennie Farnsworth

Technology
Lighthouse Restoration
Historic technologies provide enduring performance
By Michael P. Edison

columns & departments

Letter from the Publisher
Letter from the Editor
Minimizing Masonry Litigation
Industry News
New Products
Masonry International

Contractor Tip of the Month: Get Used to the Pain

April 2026

Pain isn’t just negative; it’s a natural part of growing and improving. Instead of seeing pain as a reason to quit, recognize it as a sign you’re making progress. What sets successful people apart is their ability to stay calm and keep going when things g

Damian Lang

Contractor Tip of the Month

Fechino Files: Diesels Below 32 Degrees

April 2026

I am guessing that if you are reading this, then you experienced the cold, late-January spell that took over most of the country. The cold weather has many effects on the operations of a masonry contractor, from job shutdowns to equipment starting issues,

Steven Fechino

Fechino Files

Outreach Outlook: Building Momentum Across the Southern Region

April 2026

As April arrives, the pace of our outreach and workforce efforts across the Southern Region reaches a new level of intensity. This is the time of year when our programs, partners, and state collaborators all accelerate at once. SkillsUSA competitions are

Conner Birdsong

Outreach Outlook

Marvelous Masonry: Elbphilharmonie

April 2026

Most people know the Elbphilharmonie for its glass façade and dramatic roofline. From a distance, that’s what defines the skyline in Hamburg’s HafenCity district. But for masonry contractors and suppliers, the real story starts at the base.

Cass Stern

Marvelous Masonry

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