Arizona Masonry Guild Announces Winners at the Third Annual "Masonry: It Makes A Village"

Words: Deb LaschThe third annual design/build competition, "Masonry: It Makes A Village" was held Friday, March 26 and Saturday, March 27 at Tempe Town Lake. This timed event pitted teams of Arizona architects and mason contractors against each other to produce the most creative and original "village" structures with the use of brick, block, natural stone, and architectural precast.

The competition was designed to showcase the beauty and quality of masonry construction by providing an opportunity for Arizona architects and mason contractors to work side by side with each other on both the design and construction phases of the project. A total of nine teams competed in this year's event.

The winning projects were judged by industry experts and were chosen for creativity of design and use of materials, teamwork, workmanship and overall quality. The jury panel consisted of: Dennis Cahill - City of Tempe, Israel Torres - Registrar of Contractors, Maynard Blumer - FAIA Architect, Linda Muller - Masonry Association of Kentucky, Barbara Headrick - Masonry Institute of Washington, Jim Rogers - Post-Tensioning Institute, and Aleta Fairbanks - Utah Masonry Council.


Winners of the "Masonry: It Makes a Village" event:

/Public/News/4192004907-1.gif" width="400" height="300" border="1">
1st Place: "Jail"
Architect: Architectural Resource Team, Inc., Phoenix Mason: Sun Valley Masonry, Inc., Phoenix


/Public/News/4192004907-2.gif" width="300" height="400" border="1">

2nd Place: "Clock Tower"
Architect: NAU Construction School, Flagstaff
Mason: Phoenix Bricklaying JATC, Phoenix


/Public/News/4192004907-3.gif" width="400" height="300" border="1">

3rd Place: "Phases of Life"
Architect: Perlman Architects of Arizona, Inc., Phoenix
Mason: MAG Construction, Phoenix


/Public/News/4192004907-4.gif" width="400" height="300" border="1">

3rd Place: "Barbecue"
Architect: Dick & Fritsche Design Group, Phoenix
Mason: Canyon State Masonry, Phoenix


People's Choice Award: "Phases of Life"
Architect: Perlman Architects of Arizona, Inc., Phoenix
Mason: MAG Construction, Phoenix


The City of Tempe was a huge influence in bringing this event to Tempe Town Lake. Tempe Councilman, Dennis Cahill, has been the industry's biggest supporter, "Masonry really shines best in the light of day and Tempe Town Lake is a good place for just about any event."

The concept for "Masonry: It Makes A Village" was developed five years ago in Washington State by Barbara Headrick, Executive Director of the Masonry Institute of Washington.

The Arizona Masonry Guild sponsored this local event. The Guild has played a significant role in economic development, new product and construction standards, enhanced safety policies and increased energy efficiency of masonry products. It has also been on the forefront of developing and implementing statewide consumer education campaigns and scholarship programs with Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University and the University of Arizona. The Arizona Masonry Guild, Inc. can be reached at 602-265-5999 in Phoenix, toll-free at 888-511-5999 or at the website, www.MasonryforLife.com.

Bonding with Masonry 2026: Q2
June 2026

This issue’s questions come from a Mason Contractor and an Engineer. What questions do you have? Send them to info@masonrymagazine.com, attention Technical Talk.

The Thirty-Year Mason: Ergonomics as a Retention Strategy
June 2026

In most industry circles, the conversation around the labor shortage follows a predictable script: How do we find the next generation of masons? While recruitment is vital, we often overlook the most valuable asset already on the job site: the experienced

Acme Brick Company Releases 2026 Pocket Guide to Brick Construction
June 2026

For more than four decades, all the basics of building with brick have come in a guide small enough to fit into a pocket. Acme Brick has just released a 2026 version of its Pocket Guide to Brick Construction. And yes, it’s still printed on paper just like

Masonry in the Media: Casa Azul, Chapultepec Castle, & More
June 2026

A film’s settings can take viewers to new locations, all from the comfort of their own home. It immerses them in the scenes, whether they take place in an opera house in Brazil or a grand mansion in Mexico City. Explore how these Latin American masonry ma