School of Block in Session
Education is one of the core pillars of the Concrete Masonry Checkoff, and it starts with the acknowledgment that learning is a two-way street. AECs and emerging professionals are resoundingly open to new information if it’s delivered in a factual manner that’s compelling and convenient. The programs we’re investing in at the national and regional levels underscore a shift toward a more complete and connected educational experience.
In recent years, many block producers have been put in the unenviable position of having to prioritize operations at the expense of maintaining a dedicated staff to go out and meet regularly with architects and engineers. This collective pullback means AECs are hearing less and less from masonry reps, if at all.
The Checkoff is intent on restoring this balance by creating a centralized education hub that engages all AECs, including those who may have fallen through the cracks. Our producers can take comfort knowing the tall task of industry education is no longer solely on their shoulders. Having a network of connected resources and events sponsored by the Checkoff and its affiliates builds brand equity while saving users valuable time, money and mental fatigue.
TMS Scores Project Funding
The Checkoff is eager to partner with The Masonry Society (TMS) to establish a centralized learning hub that gives students, educators, and AEC professionals access to CMU trainings and technical support like never before. Each of these subsets hasdifferent needs and dispositions, and their respective “sub hubs” will ensure we’re meeting their needs accordingly. Good news: Many of these assets already exist and it’s a matter of organizing them and connecting the dots. TMS and other industry associations have an abundance of turnkey resources that will have an immediate benefit to builders and designers looking to enhance the versatility of their projects.
The TMS hub will integrate with other respected concrete masonry organizations across the country. Courses from TMS and other authorized contributors such as the Regional Advisory Committees and national and regional masonry associations will be curated and calendarized for easy access and dissemination.
Checkoff-sponsored and beyond, there are countless examples of CMU education in action, and there are dozens more on the horizon. We’re proud to recognize some of these exciting efforts:
Masonry Design Summit
The Texas Masonry Council (TMC) recently hosted its Masonry Design Summit March 20-21 on the Texas A&M University campus. Architects from across the country took part in a variety of panel discussions and breakout sessions that tackled topics from low-embodied carbon CMUs to model-driven masonry design and more. Attendees were also able to see a series of mini embodied carbon LCAs featuring CMU, ICF, tilt-up, wood frame and steel frame, examining each material’s carbon load from “cradle to gate.” Fifty practicing architects from Region 4 earned eight hours of AIA credits, with an additional 200 junior- and senior-level students getting a glimpse into the world of concrete masonry. Special thanks to our presenters and sponsors for making this event a huge success.
