International Excellence in Masonry Awards

The International Excellence in Masonry Awards competition is sponsored by the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA). Members of the MCAA realize that quality masonry projects are the result of strong creative vision and skilled execution. The purpose of the Awards is to give recognition to mason contractors, architects and building owners for outstanding accomplishments in masonry design and construction.

1. Any work completed and landscaped between September 1, 2004 and September 1, 2008 is eligible to be entered. The major element of the project must be a masonry product. Brick, block, stone, glass block, tile or any other masonry product must be the dominant material. ABSOLUTELY NO PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION OR UNLANDSCAPED WILL BE ACCEPTED.

2. Any mason contractor or registered architect may enter a project(s).

3. Projects may only be entered twice over a three-year period.

4. Any project that previously received an award from the International Excellence in Masonry competition cannot be resubmitted. However, winners of local, state and regional competitions are encouraged to submit their award winning projects to this international competition.

5. If multiple mason contractors were involved with the project, all must be listed on the entry form.

The International Excellence in Masonry Awards has eight classifications. The entrant must classify their project(s). Mixed use entries (part commercial, part housing) should be classified according to their larger function.

• Residential
• Rehab/Restoration
• Governmental/Institutional
• Industrial/Commercial
• Pavers/Retaining Walls/Landscaping
• Education K-8
• Education 9-12
• Education College/University

Detailed entry format guidelines and a submission binder will be mailed to each entrant upon receipt of the "Call to Entries" form. The submission requirements include:

1. Graphic materials for jury evaluation to include a maximum of 12 digital images clearly describing the project. Minimum requirements for the images are four (4) high resolution digital photos with a minimum of 300dpi (2700 x 3600 pixels) via CD. Digital images must be in JPG or TIF formats. Please do not include text on the images. The images should be selected and identified according to the following:
   • Overall view of the structure
   • Elevations of the exterior
   • Views of the interior if masonry is used
   • Special masonry details (close-ups)
   • If the project is a rehab or restoration, at least 4 additional photos of differing views should be included that depict the building prior to restoration, if available

   Please note: Up to two pictures may be displayed on a winning project's award. Please make sure you select at least 2 pictures that you would like to be displayed. All photographs and digital image files must be in viewing order.

2. Photos must be accompanied by a signed release, which gives permission to duplicate all copyrighted photos for publicity. Two of the pictures must be portrait style/vertical shots.

3. Include site and floor plans (8 1/2 x 11 inch) sufficient to explain the project.

4. A written description of the project should not exceed 500 words and should include the major design goals, the primary details and features, the advantages of using masonry and any unique or special circumstances faced in designing or building the project. This description should be MS Word format and included on the CD with digital photos. Please include architect firm, contractor name and project name at the top of the summary.

5. A summary of the key highlights of the project must be submitted. This summary will be used word for word for the display text of the project and the script text for the video presentation. The description may be taken directly from the longer description from part 3 of the submission qualifications but needs to be limited to 100 words. Please be careful in the editing of this short summary - it will be on public display. This description should be in MS Word format and included on the CD with digital photos. Please include architect firm, contractor name and project name at the top of the summary.

ALL PHOTOS AND DESCRIPTIONS WILL BECOME THE SOLE PROPERTY OF THE MASON CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA AND WILL NOT BE RETURNED. ALL MATERIALS SUBMITTED MAY BE USED TO PUBLICIZE THE AWARDS COMPETITION. THE MCAA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DISQUALIFY ANY ENTRY WITH INCOMPLETE INFORMATION OR VISUAL MATERIALS.

1. Download the "Call for Entries" form and submit it with the appropriate fee.

2. Upon receipt of the entry fee, the MCAA will mail you a submission binder.
3. No entry fee will be returned, regardless of whether or not a completed submission binder follows.

Judging will be conducted by one or more mason contractors and a jury of architects, each of whom have considerable experience in masonry design and construction. Entries will be reviewed for overall design excellence and creative use of brick, block, stone, glass block or tile. Judges will focus on aesthetic and technical design achievement, as well as masonry craftsmanship. The jury may grant awards as deemed necessary for each project category.

The awards will be presented during the International Excellence in Masonry Awards reception during the MCAA Convention. Entrants must be present to win.

For additional information and inquiries, please contact the MCAA at 800-536-2225.

2007 International Excellence in Masonry Awards Winners
2006 International Excellence in Masonry Awards Winners
2005 International Excellence in Masonry Awards Winners
2004 International Excellence in Masonry Awards Winners
2003 International Excellence in Masonry Awards Winners

33 South Roselle Road       •       Schaumburg, IL 60193       •       P: 800-536-2225       •       F: 847-301-1110