International Masonry Institute

09/14/2026

What's the difference between mortar and grout? It depends on the trade — here's a look at the correct usage in masonry vs. tile.

Within the masonry and tile trades, there can be confusion surrounding the terms “mortar” and “grout.” This confusion is not surprising, because these terms take on entirely different meanings depending on whether they are used in the context of masonry or tile. This article will shed light ...

08/27/2026

Join us as we look at strategies for evaluating carbon impacts and lowering emissions through efficient masonry design, material selection, and adaptive reuse.

👉 Register today:
https://hubs.la/Q04vrZQj0

08/25/2026

The Obama Presidential Center welcomed its first visitors earlier this year. Now hear directly from the team that brought it to life.

Join IMI's Chicago Commercial Construction Forum on September 24, 2026, at the Obama Presidential Center to learn how the project team collaborated to bring its intricate facade to life. You'll also get insights from the team behind McDonald's Park, Chicago Fire's new stadium under construction at The 78.

Built for general contractors, construction managers, developers, and multi-disciplinary A/E firms ready to connect with the people shaping what gets built next in Chicago. Register to attend: https://hubs.la/Q04tqmmn0

08/13/2026

Durable, constructible, and cost-effective masonry assemblies begin with thoughtful planning and collaboration. Join us as we explore lessons learned from the field that help identify gaps in construction documents and support high-performance masonry systems.

📌Register today: https://hubs.la/Q04qXz3N0

07/30/2026

High-performance building envelopes start with thoughtful masonry detailing. Join us as we explore passive building case studies that demonstrate practical strategies for achieving energy, durability, and constructability goals.

Register today:
https://hubs.la/Q04qX37W0

07/23/2026

The deadline to enter IMI’s JBC Masonry Innovation Competition is quickly approaching! Submissions close on July 31.
We encourage practicing and aspiring architects and engineers submit their projects, including imagined, proposed, or completed projects of any scale or program, that show examples of innovative uses of masonry.
Don't miss out on $30,000 in prizes. Start your entry today: https://hubs.la/Q04cYCqG0

07/21/2026

“It’s fun when you can make something look old world with new techniques."

The PAE Living Building in Portland, Oregon, is the first developer-driven commercial Living Building, highlighting the possibilities of sustainable building design. Yet it also sits in the middle of Portland’s Old Town Historic District, home to some of the oldest buildings in Oregon.

Read more about this innovative building that blends the old with the new:

The PAE Living Building in Portland, Oregon is the world’s 35th fully certified Living Building, highlighting the possibilities of modern building design.Yet it also sits in the middle of Portland’s Old Town Historic District, home to some of the oldest buildings in Oregon.

07/14/2026

Adhered masonry veneers can perform successfully when moisture is properly managed. Join us as we explore proven design strategies that improve resilience, including dedicated drainage systems and other moisture-management components.

Register today:
https://hubs.la/Q04lH0gk0

07/07/2026

Join IMI on July 15-16 at the Flooring Sustainability Summit in Washington, DC, where industry leaders will convene to discuss environmental progress and challenges facing the industry.

Scott Conwell, IMI Director of Industry Development and Technical Services, is moderating a panel discussion, Inside the Architect’s Studio: Sustainable Flooring Decisions, Decoded.

Register for free with the code AD2026: https://hubs.la/Q04nLJ1r0

07/02/2026

To coat or not to coat? Join us as we explore how coatings interact with masonry materials and wall systems, and why proper assessment, timing, and application are critical to long-term performance.

We’ll review best practices for selecting compatible coatings, evaluating existing conditions, and identifying strategies that help protect masonry facades and their occupants.

📌 Register today:
https://hubs.la/Q04lJ3Hv0