Flash Photo Sample Photo
Sample PhotoSample PhotoSample Photo

2008 Excellence in Masonry Design Awards

The Masonry Institute of Washington’s (MIW) goal is to promote the beauty, function and versatility of masonry. To that end we are proud to sponsor the Excellence in Masonry Design Awards which give recognition to architects, mason contractors and general contractors that showcase those attributes of masonry in their design and construction. Entries are reviewed for overall design excellence and creative use of masonry. Judges focus on aesthetic and technical design achievement, as well as masonry craftsmanship.

Categories for this year’s competition include:

  1. COMMERCIAL
    1. Masonry projects under $250,000 (brick, block, stone portion only)
    2. Masonry projects from $250,000 to $1 million (brick, block, stone portion only)
    3. Masonry projects over $1 million (brick, block, stone portion only)
  2. Government/Institutional (schools, colleges, government buildings etc...)
  3. REHAB-RESTORATION
  4. RESIDENTIAL
  5. Other - We recognize that some projects may not fit into any of the above-designated categories; please feel free to submit those unique, diverse, or distinctive projects anyway. If we receive projects of this nature, a category can be created to accommodate them, and prizes will be awarded accordingly.

Mixed-use entries (part commercial/part residential, for example) must be classified according to their larger function.

ELIGIBILITY:

  1. Registered architects, mason contractors (which support the MIW), or general contractors may enter projects.
  2. The major element of the project MUST be a masonry product (brick, concrete block, stone, marble, glass block, tile, or other masonry units) which is exposed to view.
  3. Projects must be completed and landscaped during the period from September 1, 2004, to September 1, 2008. NO PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION OR UNLANDSCAPED WILL BE ACCEPTED.
  4. Projects may only be entered twice over a three-year period.
  5. Projects must be located in the state of Washington to qualify.

REGISTRATION:

  1. Download the Project Registration Form (PDF) and submit it to MIW with the $100 entry fee to the following address no later than September 12, 2008:

    Masonry Institute of Washington (MIW)
    10607 Ne 38th Place
    Building 18, Suite A
    Kirkland, WA 98033
    Attn: Excellence in Masonry Design Awards

  2. Upon receipt of your entry fee the MIW will send you a Project Binder. (The entry fee qualifies winning entries in each category to be submitted to the spring 2009 International Excellence in Masonry Design Awards sponsored by MCAA.)
  3. No entry fee will be returned, regardless of whether or not a completed submission binder is turned in.
  4. The completed Project Binder must be submitted no later than October 2, 2008.
  5. If multiple mason contractors were involved with the project, all must be listed on the registration form.

PROJECT SUBMISSION:

A detailed entry format will be included in the Project binder that we send to you.  The submission requirements include:

  • A CD or DVD for each entry that includes: 
    1. A minimum of 4 digital images and a maximum of 12, clearly describing the project. All digital images submitted should be submitted twice according to the following specifications:

      High resolution digital photos w/ a min. of 300 dpi (2700x3600 pixels) and low resolution digital photos 72 dpi (648x864 pixels).

    2. Digital images should be in jpg or tif formats.  Each view is to be identified A, B, C (etc.) per the following schedule.
      1. Overall view of structure.
      2. Elevations of exterior
      3. Views of interior (if masonry is used)
      4. Special masonry details (close-ups)       
  • If “Rehab/Restoration” classification, please include at least four (4) different photos or electronic reproductions of the building PRIOR to restoration.
  • Hard copies of the photos (8x10 suggested).

    To enhance the project’s presentation at judging, photographs should be clear and professional in quality. Please arrange for professional photos to be taken while weather permits. IMPORTANT: A signed release must be obtained and included from your photographer for permission to duplicate all copyright photos for publicity use. A copy of this release must be attached to all entries.

  • One (1) site plan (may be reduced to 81/2x 11).
  • One (1) floor plan (may be reduced to 81/2x11).
  • A written description of the project (500 words maximum) including, but not limited to:  Design Goals; the Advantage of Using Masonry; Primary Details; Features; Unique Use or Special Circumstances faced in designing or building the project. This description should be in MS Word format and included on the CD/DVD with digital photos.
  • A summary of the key highlights of the project. This summary will be used word for word. The description may be taken directly from the written description of the project 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/DVD with digital photos. Please include the project name, architect firm name, and the mason contractor firm name at the top of the summary.

DO NOT submit any materials which are not required.  Data sheets must be filled out completely.  We reserve the right to disqualify any entry with incomplete information or visual materials.

All disks, photos, and data sheets become the sole property of the Masonry Institute of Washington (MIW) and may not be returned.  All materials submitted may be used to publicize the entries, the event, and/or the competition.

JUDGING:

A jury of architectural peers and industry professionals will meet to select the building projects which meet the Awards’ criteria and which merit the Excellence in Masonry Design awards. The winners will be announced on November 5th, 2008 at an awards banquet to be held at the Arctic Club, in Seattle.

MIW forwards successful Pacific Northwest projects in each category to the Design Excellence competition sponsored by the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) for inclusion in their annual International competition.  Winners from that competition will be announced at their Masonry Showcase Expo in spring 2009.

Presentation of Awards:

The awards will be presented at the Excellence in Masonry Design Awards’ Banquet on November 5, 2008 at the Arctic Club in Seattle.  In that there will be no public announcement of the winners prior to the awards banquet; all entrants are highly encouraged to attend.

SCHEDULE:

Call for Entries: May 2008
Submission of Materials: October 2, 2008 (no later than noon on this date)
Presentation of Awards: November 5, 2008