Excellence in Masonry
The Wisconsin Masonry Alliance (WMA) is dedicated to the promotion and advancement of masonry construction through the dissemination of technology, practice, products, and design. A highlight of our promotional efforts is the Excellence in Masonry Awards presented in recognition of masonry projects exemplifying great design, inspiring material usage, and quality construction.
Excellence in Masonry Awards
Click Here for 2025 Award Winners
Submission Portal for the 2026 Awards Program Opening June 1, 2025
Background & Entry Process
Awards
Winning projects will be exhibited and awards will be presented at the Annual Excellence in Masonry Breakfast at the AIA-Wisconsin Convention for the following commercial, residential, public, and industrial categories:
-
Best of Show in Excellence in Masonry Award Program – Project exemplifying masonry at its finest.
-
Excellence in Concrete Masonry – Deemed best project utilizing concrete masonry.
-
Excellence in Clay Masonry - Deemed best project utilizing clay masonry.
-
Excellence in Natural Stone – Deemed best project utilizing natural stone masonry.
Special Award Categories:
-
Dennis Wilichowski Craftsmanship Award - Excellence in overall aesthetic and craftsmanship of masonry.
-
E2 Award – Masonry project purposed for energy & environmental preservation.
-
Restoration - Exemplary masonry utilization in a restoration showing before and after.
-
Residential - Deemed best masonry project for residential projects.
Eligibility:
Any individual involved in the design, supply or construction of a masonry building may participate and enter a project. Entries must adhere to the following:
-
Recommended: A minimum of 50% of the project’s exterior must consist of masonry. The exterior masonry requirement may be reduced to 25%, if interior applications feature 50% exposed masonry.
-
The project must be constructed in Wisconsin utilizing masonry products produced or supplied by a Wisconsin Masonry Alliance member.
-
The project’s occupancy date must be no longer than three (3) years from the date of submission.
-
Any project that has previously won a Wisconsin Masonry Alliance award may not be re[1]entered.
Judging:
All entries will be judged on: 1. Design creativity – uniqueness of project. 2. Visual impact and acceptance – impression, relationship to site, pedestrian connection. 3. Inspiring material usage – details, features, or solutional elements. 4. Masonry utilization – the material’s relationship in establishing the character and fulfilling the function of the structure.
2025 Excellence in Masonry Project Winners
Best of Show & Excellence in Clay Masonry
Location: Madison
Architect: Antunovich Associates
General Contractor: Treehouse Construction
Masonry Contractor: J.H. Findorff & Son, Inc.
Masonry Supplier: County Materials Corp., SPEC MIX, and United Brick & Fireplace
Dennis Wilichowski Craftsmanship Award
Project: Veit Regional Corporate Office
Location: New Berlin
Architect: Zimmerman Architectural Studios
General Contractor: VJS Construction
Masonry Contractor: KMI
Masonry Supplier: County Materials Corp., Northfield Block / Oldcastle, and SPEC MIX
Excellence in Concrete Masonry
Project: Outreach Community Health Center
Location: Milwaukee
Architect: Continuum Architects and Planners S.C.
General Contractor: JCP
Masonry Contractor: Arteaga
Masonry Supplier: Northfield Block / Oldcastle and SPEC MIX
Excellence in Natural Stone Masonry
Location: Stevens Point
Architect: Somerville Architects & Engineers
General Contractor: Miron Construction
Masonry Contractor: Miron Construction
Masonry Supplier: Jireh Brick & Stone and SPEC MIX
Excellence in Residential Masonry
Project: Modern European Residence
Location: Elm Grove
General Contractor: Venture Construction Group
Masonry Contractor: Dale Anderson Masonry
Architect: Deep River Partners
Masonry Supplier: County Materials Corp. and Halquist Stone
A special THANKS to this year's judging panel:
-
Doug Pahl, AIA - Aro Eberle
-
Nick Gardner, State of Wisconsin
-
Steve Blye, AIA - Masonry Advisory Council