BIA Has Extended the Deadline for the 2016 Brick in Architecture Awards

Words: Dan KamysArchitects and designers in the U.S. now have until May 9 to enter their best projects in the 2016 Brick in Architecture Awards. The Brick Industry Association’s (BIA) annual design competition honors outstanding, innovative and sustainable architecture in 10 categories that incorporate clay brick products as the predominant exterior building or paving material. Entries are conducted entirely online, and the winners will be announced in June. The entries are judged by a jury of peers. Architectural and design firms may enter their best projects completed since January 1, 2011, in which new clay brick products comprise the predominant exterior building or paving material (over 50 percent). These include face or hollow brick, building brick, thin brick, paving brick, glazed brick, structural glazed facing tile, new clay brick products in special shapes and/or a combination of any of these aforementioned units. "The annual Brick in Architecture Awards showcase the best clay brick projects in the country,” said Ray Leonhard, BIA president & CEO. "Architects demonstrate fired clay brick's aesthetic flexibility, and as a material made from abundant natural resources, it's a perfect strategy in sustainable design.” Entries must be submitted online in one or more of the following categories: Commercial, Education – K-12, Education – Colleges & Universities (Higher Education)*, Health Care Facilities, Municipal / Government, Houses of Worship, Residential – Single Family, Residential – Multi-Family, Paving & Landscape Projects, and Renovation (Additions)** / Restoration (Restoring). *Includes residence halls & academic/administrative buildings **Additions must use at least 50 percent new clay brick products on the building. Restoration must include at least 50 percent clay brick products, which must be new brick placed in the wall. For more information, contact Tricia Mauer: tmauer@bia.org. A brief video is also available.
The Evolution and Innovation of Concrete Unit Pavers
May 2025

When concrete unit pavers were first produced in Europe after the second World War, they were used as a replacement for clay brick pavers due to a lack of raw materials needed to produce that product. The primary emphasis was function with little to no co

The Evolution and Innovation of Concrete Unit Pavers
May 2025

When concrete unit pavers were first produced in Europe after the second World War, they were used as a replacement for clay brick pavers due to a lack of raw materials needed to produce that product. The primary emphasis was function with little to no co

Masonry Mortar: The Right Type for the Job
May 2025

When it comes to masonry construction, mortar is much more than “glue” that holds everything together — it’s a critical component of wall performance, longevity, and aesthetics. It can “make it or break it”. Whether you’re laying a foundation CMU wall or

MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 20 Recap: Mark Kemp, Superior Masonry
May 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Mark Kemp joins the set to talk about his esteemed career in masonry, how his passion stayed strong throughout the years, and how retirement has been treating him.