Nebraska Masonry Alliance

05/13/2026

The Nebraska Masonry Alliance is proud to partner with AIA Nebraskain sponsoring the Don Littler Excellence in Masonry Design Award as part of the 2026 AIA Nebraska Excellence in Design Awards. This award celebrates exceptional architectural design and the innovative use of masonry by Nebraska architects, showcasing projects that elevate both the art and function of the built environment. 🧱✨

This prestigious award recognizes AIA Nebraska–licensed architects for excellence in the technical and creative use of site-installed stone, clay, and/or concrete masonry to meet aesthetic and functional design challenges. Unique details are encouraged. Projects utilizing precast concrete systems are not eligible. *Projects may be built anywhere in the United States/Worldwide.

Registration deadline is Monday, June 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. and submissions must be in by Monday, July 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Architects - submit your projects here: https://aianebraska.regfox.com/2026-aia-nebraska-excellence-in-design

Enjoy the gorgeous photos from past winners!

05/12/2026

Mark Cleveringa with Watkins and Matthew Anderson with CAS proudly presented a sponsorship check to returning state champion Bella Garcia as she prepares to represent Nebraska at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference later this summer!

After earning another state title, Bella will once again compete on the national stage in masonry — and we couldn’t be more proud to support her journey and dedication to the trade.

Congratulations, Bella! Your hard work, talent, and determination continue to inspire the next generation of masons. We’ll be cheering you on all the way to nationals! 💪🏽🔥

05/07/2026

What a great day for the trades in Nebraska!

Governor's Proclamation for
Construction careers provide competitive wages, strong benefits, and clear pathways for advancement through education, training and apprenticeship opportunities. The Nebraska Construction Industry Council and its member organizations partner with school, two- and four-year colleges, career and technical education programs, FFA, SkillsUSA and workforce organizations to promote construction career pathways across the state.

04/22/2026

Hands-on learning. Real-world experience. Designing with masonry. 🧱

The Nebraska Masonry Alliance is proud to partner with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Architecture to give students a true look into masonry—from immersive plant tours to hands-on bricklaying.

Thank you to Stonebrook Exterior and Midwest Masonry for providing the talented masons who led the training and worked side-by-side with students, and to Yankee Hill Brick Manufacturing Company for donating the brick and delivering an outstanding plant tour experience. Also, gratitude to Watkins Concrete Block for providing the CMU.

Together, we’re building the future of masonry design—and a stronger Nebraska.

04/15/2026

04/14/2026

🏆 Back-to-Back Champion! 🧱
Shoutout to Bella Garcia from Fremont High School for earning the title of SkillsUSA Nebraska State Champion in Masonry—again!

The Nebraska Masonry Alliance is proud to support Bella as she continues to build her skills and pursue excellence in the masonry trade. The future of our industry is strong! 💪

04/12/2026

The AIA Nebraska recognized DLR Group with the 2025 Don Littler Excellence in Masonry Design Award at the AIA Awards Gala, held at the Joslyn Art Museum, for their outstanding work on the Boys Town Education Center.

This project showcases the versatility and beauty of masonry—featuring two textures, four colors, and five sizes of Endicott Clay Products Company brick to create a truly unique and dynamic pattern. MCL Construction was the General Contractor for the award-winning project.

As noted by the architects, every detail was thoughtfully considered—from the vertical and horizontal interplay of form to the intentional brick and stone color selections. The exterior facade draws inspiration from the historic Boys Town campus, incorporating playful brick patterns and nods to its original mural.

A great example of how masonry can tell a story while honoring tradition and pushing design forward.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.dlrgroup.com/work/boys-town-education-center/

Pictured: Hannah Christy (DLR Group), Lisa Lackovic (Endicott Clay Products), Vanessa Schutte (DLR Group), and Emily Roesler (DLR Group)

04/12/2026

Great to be part of the 2026 Nebraska SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Championships!

The Nebraska Masonry Alliance is committed to inspiring and developing the next generation of skilled tradesmen and women—because strong communities start with strong craftsmanship.

https://skillsusanebraska.org/events/state-leadership-and-skills-championships/

02/17/2026

We had a great time visiting with second-year students at the UNL - College of Architecture! A few of our members shared how masonry materials contribute to safe, strong, and long-lasting buildings.

One of the highlights was Shawn Kolterman with Kehm Contractors, Inc.’s presentation on the M’s Pub fire case study, reminding students of an important lesson: masonry doesn’t burn. It was exciting to see so much curiosity and engagement from the future architects in the room.

A big thank you to our speakers Mark Cleveringa with Watkins, Jon Nasr with TCC Materials - Packaging, and Linda Potter with Hohmann & Barnard for helping inspire the next generation!

02/17/2026