April 19, 2004 12:07 PM CDT

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

By Deb Lasch

The 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:

1st Place: "Jail" Architect: Architectural Resource Team, Inc., Phoenix Mason: Sun Valley Masonry, Inc., Phoenix

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

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

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.

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About the Author

Deb Lasch is the Assistant Director for the Arizona Masonry Guild. Since 1958, the Arizona Masonry Guild has promoted the quality use of masonry materials, workmanship, designs and codes for the residential and commercial construction markets.