“What a win/win for our firm.” Masonry design options just got richer and easier, thanks to new structural masonry design software from IMI. To educate and inspire designers, IMI is holding special seminars around the country, beginning next month. { more }

"I am honored to receive this prestigious award among many qualified instructors."

Thomas Feeney, an instructor at the New Jersey Administrative District Council’s Local 5 NJ / IMI Training Center, has earned BAC’s highest teaching honor, the John B. Scola Outstanding Instructor Award. { more }

New this year was a special studio session for BAC members that helped them understand the architects’ job. Featured speakers were Carlos Jimenez from Houston and Mark Robbins, Dean of Syracuse University’s School of Architecture.

Things get interesting when teams of architects and masons hit the design studio to get ideas for their design/build challenge. At first, “it was like we were speaking different languages,” says Warren Bath from Steed Hammond Paul. But eventually, they start thinking like a team. “It gave me an opportunity to understand how much work is involved in designing and transferring those ideas to drawings that the trades can work with,” says Juan Salazar from Local 1 NY.

In fact, the architects say the experience of working alongside masons had a profound effect, and many believe it should be required in their profession. “It will change how I design buildings and what materials I use,” says Jamie Bucci from SWBR Architects.

Ultimately, both professions got a lasting lesson on the value of collaboration. “It has shown me how important working together is for the future of our industry,” says David Lesko of Local 7 NY/NJ. For Jennifer Lee from Robert A.M. Stern Architects, collaboration means more potential for innovation, “which you can achieve with the architects’ ideas and the craftsmen’s skills.”

The seminars, which offer professional education credits,combine lectures and demonstrations to make designers comfortable using the software, and to show them how load bearing masonry and hybrid solutions offer attractive alternatives to structural steel.

“When we used this software, our preliminary design time went from four weeks to four days, and we got a more detailed analysis of the building,” says David Biggs, PE. “What a win-win for our firm.”

To be certified, participants spend 200 hours taking courses in three main categories: professional teaching; technical skills; and new materials and practices. They must demonstrate course mastery and present a training portfolio.

Going back to school can be daunting at first, yet many report that they benefited the most from the hardest classes, like lesson planning and public speaking.

It benefits the members, too, says Local 3 MA Executive Vice President Richard Forcione. “It helps instructors become better teachers, and that helps apprentices and even journeymen, when we do cross training. It’s an excellent source of learning, and it has been very effective.”

New Jersey Administrative District Council Director Richard Tolson notices that when instructors come back, “they are invigorated to pass things on. It keeps members up to date and keeps them fresh.” He credits the certification process with helping instructor Tom Feeney capture BAC’s Instructor of the Year title (see below.)

ICP even comes in handy as an organizing tool, says Tolson. “It opens members’ eyes to other opportunities. ICP is a motivator.”

Since then, he has distinguished himself with a passionate and innovative approach to teaching. The “Keys to Success” program he developed helps new entrants gain valuable job skills such as work ethic, punctuality, communication skills, and bricklayer etiquette. It is now offered for foremen, as well.

Feeney also helped develop a formalized competency test for both apprentices and journeymen, and the center boasts a 90% retention rate for its pre-job apprentices. He has served as a judge of SkillsUSA VICA contest at the Bordentown center since 2004, and he was a brick judge for the 2007 BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest.

Feeney also helps market union masonry, through public events and hands-on demonstrations, where his enthusiastic interaction with students and designers broadcasts union dedication and craftsmanship.