Masonry is both engineering and artistry, where every wall tells the story of the people who built it.
What if one of the construction industry's oldest building materials is also one of its most forward-looking?
In this episode, Dave Stutzman and Steve Gantner sit down with Adam Hutchinson, Executive Director of the Northwest Masonry Institute, for a conversation that goes well beyond brick and block. Together they explore the people, organizations, and technical expertise that quietly support one of the world's most enduring building systems, while asking an even bigger question: how can a fragmented industry unite to better educate, advocate, and innovate?
From resilient schools and energy-efficient envelopes to restoration, workforce development, certification, and building code leadership, the discussion reveals why masonry continues to solve modern challenges despite often being overlooked in contemporary design conversations. Adam also shares his ambitious vision for connecting regional organizations into a coordinated national network that strengthens technical knowledge, supports designers where they need it most, and ensures decades of hard-earned expertise are not lost.
This episode is a reminder that great buildings are more than the materials they are made from. They are the product of generations of craftsmanship, shared knowledge, and an industry willing to invest in its own future.
David Stutzman + Steve Gantner
