Call for Entries: 2018 Excellence in Masonry Awards

Words: Bronzella Cleveland

For over 40 years, the Masonry Advisory Council has hosted the Excellence in Masonry Awards, recognizing architectural design excellence and the talent behind making those design concepts a reality. Some of the greatest architects in Chicago, from both large and small firms, have competed for and have been honored with these awards. After a hiatus, the event is being reinstated to recognize and celebrate today’s modern designers.

Become part of the tradition by submitting your projects to Excellence in Masonry 2018. For more information on how your firm can be recognized and to enter projects, visit masonryadvisorycouncil.org/events.

Entries are due February 15, 2018. An awards reception will be held at the Chicago History Museum on April 21, 2018.

Masonry Repair and Retrofit: Materials and Systems for Long-Term Performance
May 2026

Masonry has defined architecture for centuries, prized for its strength, durability, and timeless aesthetic appeal. From historic sites to modern designs, masonry buildings are durable and visually distinctive. However, exposure to moisture, freeze-thaw c

Rethinking Shelf Angle Design for High-Performance Masonry Walls
May 2026

If you've been around masonry construction long enough, you know the shelf angle is one of those details that’s easy to take for granted. It’s been used the same way for decades, set it at the slab edge, support the veneer, move on. But as building requir

When Schedules Tighten, Experience Shows
May 2026

In construction, schedules rarely open up; they tighten. Weather delays, trade coordination, and last-minute scope changes all add pressure, even on jobs that were planned down to the minute. When that happens, experienced masons don’t start cutting corne

Shelf Angles and Their Impact on Wall Performance
May 2026

Shelf angles have long been a standard component in masonry construction. Installed at the slab edge, they provide support for brick veneer and are often treated as a routine detail. However, as building performance requirements evolve, particularly aroun