--- title: "Building the Future: Young Designers Get Hands-On Masonry Experience" description: The University of Notre Dame Masonry Day Design-Build Competition hosted by IMI is an annual event challenging students to design masonry structures. image: https://info.imiweb.org/hubfs/masonry_day_3-358621-edited.jpg --- [![IMI_logo_primary_forweb_ret_400](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMI_logo_primary_forweb_ret_400.png?width=174&height=34&name=IMI_logo_primary_forweb_ret_400.png)](https://www.imiweb.org/) - BUILDING SOLUTIONS - SOLUTIONS - [New Construction](https://www.imiweb.org/new-construction/) - [Restoration](https://www.imiweb.org/restoration/) - NEW CONSTRUCTION ASSEMBLIES - [Brick](https://www.imiweb.org/new-brick-construction/) - [Concrete](https://www.imiweb.org/new-concrete-construction/) - [Concrete Masonry Units](https://www.imiweb.org/new-concrete-masonry-construction/) - [Plaster, Stucco, & EIFS](https://www.imiweb.org/new-plaster-stucco-eifs-construction/) - [Rainscreen](https://www.imiweb.org/new-rainscreen-construction/) - 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[BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest](https://imtef.org/iac/) - [JBC Masonry Innovation Competition](https://www.imiweb.org/jbcaward/) - [Masonry Camp](https://www.imiweb.org/imi-masonry-camp/) - [CONTACT](https://www.imiweb.org/imicontact/) - ![](https://imiweb.org/wp-content/uploads/icn-search-nav.png) ![HEADER_Contact1.jpg](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/mosaicprint_img/HEADER_Contact1.jpg?width=2000&name=HEADER_Contact1.jpg "HEADER_Contact1.jpg") # International Masonry Institute News ![HEADER_Contact1.jpg](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/mosaicprint_img/HEADER_Contact1.jpg?width=2000&name=HEADER_Contact1.jpg "HEADER_Contact1.jpg") # International Masonry Institute News [November 09, 2015](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/building-the-future-young-designers-get-hands-on-masonry) [Leave a comment](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/building-the-future-young-designers-get-hands-on-masonry#comments-listing) [Training](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/training) [Best of the Best: 2015 BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest Preview](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/best-of-the-best-2015-bac-imi-international-apprentice-contest-preview) [Teach the Teacher: Instructor Certification Program prepares union instructors](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/teach-the-teacher-instructor-certification-program-prepares-union-instructors) # Building the Future: Young Designers Get Hands-On Masonry Experience   ![masonry_day_3-358621-edited.jpg](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/masonry_day_3-358621-edited.jpg?width=640&name=masonry_day_3-358621-edited.jpg "masonry_day_3-358621-edited.jpg") Since 1989, IMI has hosted the University of Notre Dame Masonry Day Design-Build Competition. Over the years, this annual event has evolved and today is a dynamic competition that allows students to design and build their own masonry structures. **Hands-on opportunity** This competition goes beyond what architecture students learn in materials class and is their opportunity actually to handle and build with the materials. This program has touched the lives of many young designers by giving them an opportunity to take the concepts they’ve learned in class and get their hands dirty building their own designs. Each year 50-100 students participate in this program as part of their curriculum. The students are prepared for the competition with a classroom lecture. In a role reversal, apprentices from the [Local 4 IN/KY Apprenticeship and Training program](http://www.baclocal4.org/?zone=/unionactive/local_main.cfm&localID=1225) work with the students as advisors. The final designs are judged by local architects and professionals. Students are awarded gift cards to the school bookstore as incentives for the best designs. ![masonry_day-1-395447-edited.jpg](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/masonry_day-1-395447-edited.jpg?width=640&name=masonry_day-1-395447-edited.jpg "masonry_day-1-395447-edited.jpg") **A sense of accomplishment** When we see the end result, it’s amazing to think that some of these students have never picked up a trowel in their lives. Students go from saying, “I don’t want to get my hands dirty…” to being able to say, “I made that.” There is a visible shift in the students’ perspective over the course of the day. When the projects are complete, you can see the pride the students feel in the work. This opportunity teaches them that it’s more than just “1 over 2.” There are so many things that masonry can do, and we give them an opportunity to see this firsthand. This program instills in the students a drive to try new things and really push the limits of masonry. **Expanding the creative horizon** Every year there’s a new focus to the competition. No matter what they build in their allotted 4’ x 4’ space, the important part is that they see their design come to life. The students are given a standard set of materials to start with, but we also include a few items that are a little more out of the ordinary. We include these items to help the students expand their thinking and try new things. Once you teach a designer that this material is feasible and has capabilities beyond a straight line it can go as far as their imagination. **Lasting Impact** Over the many years since the program began, we have seen many students complete the program, graduate, and ultimately take this knowledge into their practice as they progress in their careers. At the start of the journey, this program shows them that IMI is a source of knowledge as they train for their careers. This sets the stage for IMI to continue as a valued advisor throughout their careers. This advisor role can take many forms, but ultimately it means more projects using better masonry techniques are being designed and constructed. **Building Connections![masonry_day-462243-edited.jpg](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/masonry_day-462243-edited.jpg?width=640&name=masonry_day-462243-edited.jpg "masonry_day-462243-edited.jpg")** Students get to see firsthand how construction industry players come together to build a project. The program is an introduction to how different organizations can each provide value and ultimately work together to bring designs to life. IMI and the professors at [Notre Dame](https://www.nd.edu/) work closely to put this program together, but many others get involved as well. For example, suppliers donate materials and local architects stop by to talk with students during the program. **The Foundation is Set** The Notre Dame Masonry Day Design Build Competition continues to reach new students each year as they prepare for a career in architecture. Hosting this program allows IMI to be involved at the beginning of that journey and begin a relationship with these young professionals that will last. [Programs like these](http://www.imiweb.org/education/campus_programs/index.php) are at the foundation of our principals and help to provide support, education and guidance to students in the use of masonry. ***[Author: David Collins, CSI](http://www.imiweb.org/about/mt_team.php)***  [![masonry-education-webinar-series](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/431585/e9354b1b-72cb-4e48-8d5d-9b805611aec9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/431585/e9354b1b-72cb-4e48-8d5d-9b805611aec9) [Training](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/training) [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Fbuilding-the-future-young-designers-get-hands-on-masonry%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Fbuilding-the-future-young-designers-get-hands-on-masonry%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Fbuilding-the-future-young-designers-get-hands-on-masonry%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Fbuilding-the-future-young-designers-get-hands-on-masonry%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Building%20the%20Future%3A%20Young%20Designers%20Get%20Hands-On%20Masonry%20Experience) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Fbuilding-the-future-young-designers-get-hands-on-masonry%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Fbuilding-the-future-young-designers-get-hands-on-masonry%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Related posts [![IMI’s Emerging Contractor Program Builds Estimating and Project Management Skills for Union Masonry Contractors](https://info.imiweb.org/hubfs/Emerging%20Contractor%202026.jpg)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/imis-emerging-contractor-program-builds-estimating-and-project-management-skills-for-union-masonry-contractors) ##### [IMI’s Emerging Contractor Program Builds Estimating and Project Management Skills for Union Masonry Contractors](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/imis-emerging-contractor-program-builds-estimating-and-project-management-skills-for-union-masonry-contractors) Vanessa Ball, a member of BAC’s Mountain West ADC, has been working in pointing-cleaning-caulking since 1993. 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By [Henrieta Muradzikwa](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/new-class-of-certified-instructors-equipped-to-teach-the-trowel-trades-nationwide/author/henrieta-muradzikwa) - October 29, 2021 [Read More](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/new-class-of-certified-instructors-equipped-to-teach-the-trowel-trades-nationwide) [![3 Black Training Leaders Discuss How to Support People of Color in Your Union](https://info.imiweb.org/hubfs/how-to-support-poc-in-your-union-featured-image.jpg)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/3-black-training-leaders-discuss-how-to-support-people-of-color-in-your-union) ##### [3 Black Training Leaders Discuss How to Support People of Color in Your Union](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/3-black-training-leaders-discuss-how-to-support-people-of-color-in-your-union) ***A version of this article originally appeared in BAC Journal, Issue 2 2020, and is reprinted here with permission in honor of...*** By [Elizabeth Kekeris](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/3-black-training-leaders-discuss-how-to-support-people-of-color-in-your-union/author/elizabeth-kekeris) - February 23, 2021 [Read More](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/3-black-training-leaders-discuss-how-to-support-people-of-color-in-your-union) Search ### Categories - [Training (27)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/training) - [Sustainable Design (23)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/sustainable-design) - [Energy Efficiency (21)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/energy-efficiency) - [Conferences and Events (16)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/conferences-and-events) - [Tile (15)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/tile) - [Apprenticeship (10)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/apprenticeship) - [Structural Masonry (10)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/structural-masonry) - [Historic Masonry Restoration (8)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/historic-masonry-restoration) - [Instructor Certification Program (ICP) (8)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/instructor-certification-program-icp) - [Masonry Camp (7)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/masonry-camp) - [masonry (7)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/masonry) - [Member Spotlight (6)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/member-spotlight) - [JBC Masonry Innovation Competition (5)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/jbc-masonry-innovation-competition) - [Stone (5)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/stone) - [Apprentice Contest (4)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/apprentice-contest) - [Building Code (4)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/building-code) - [Project Feature (4)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/project-feature) #### ![logo-ftr-1](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-ftr-1.png?width=200&height=41&name=logo-ftr-1.png) BAC/IMI International Training Center 17101 Science Drive Bowie, MD 20715 [Privacy Policy​](https://imiweb.org/imi-privacy-policy/) | [Contact Us​](https://imiweb.org/contact-imi/) **Related Organizations** [International Masonry Training and Education Foundation](https://imtef.org/) [International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers](https://bacweb.org/) [International Council of Employers of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers](https://www.icebac.org/) [Tile Contractors’ Association of America](https://www.tcaainc.org/) ### Sign up for updates from IMI © International Masonry Institute. 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