AG proudly supports excellence in masonry through Senior Associate Hailey Schwobe’s participation as a 2026 Masonry Advisory Council awards judge. Our firm values architectural design excellence, including exceptional material applications.
“The Excellence in Masonry Architectural Awards program recognizes architectural design excellence and rewards the talent of turning concepts into reality. Architectural firms, mason contractors, and product suppliers are recognized for their contribution to architectural design, construction expertise, and the use of brick, block, and stone materials to complete commercial and residential projects.”—Masonry Advisory Council
Judging the Best Illinois Masonry Applications
Schwobe joined a panel of educators and architects to review Illinois area submissions across sector categories including:
- Housing (Single Family/Urban)
- Housing (Multi-Family)
- Governmental
- Industrial/Commercial
- Religious
- Contemporary Rehab
- Educational
- Healthcare/ Scientific Research
- Miscellaneous
- Mixed Use
The jury evaluated each project, with particular attention to:
- Detailing
- Innovation
- Use of material (including the variety of applications and appropriate use)
- Specialty considerations (such as recycled materials and the project’s environmental impact)
A Valuable Experience
Reviewing a range of projects, including housing, art installations, countertop installs, and even a fire training tower, inspired Schwobe. “There was everything from everyday masonry applications to art installations. Every project submitted had a unique take on the use of masonry in all forms.”
Schwobe enjoyed the experience. The judging provided a platform to discuss great design and unique masonry applications. She noted a number of projects used masonry in unexpected ways, pushing back against traditional ideas of masonry, such as brick being used as screening devices to allow filtered light into spaces.
“The wide variety of materials and innovative installations provided a valuable reminder to think outside the box with masonry applications,” describes Schwobe.
2026 Excellence in Masonry Award Winners
Interested in the 2026 Excellence in Masonry Award-Winning Projects? Learn more.