Design Assistance Program

Establishes a centralized resource to provide design assistance and technical support to architects, engineers and contractors across the region. The program will appoint a dedicated coordinator to oversee operations, manage inquiries and ensure consistent, high-quality service to the architect, engineer and contractor (AEC) community. In addition, it will build a comprehensive contact management database, execute targeted outreach campaigns and strengthen the regional design assistance network. 

Develops a comprehensive cost study comparing the total cost of construction and ownership for single-family homes built with concrete masonry versus alternative framing systems. The program will highlight key differences in resiliency, long-term value and performance to educate homeowners, builders and masonry organizations. In addition to producing specific deliverables, this initiative will create a dynamic tool that can be updated as cost inputs evolve, supporting ongoing promotion of concrete masonry in the single-family market. 

Supports the promotional and educational initiatives of the Region 2 technical director within the National Block Design Collective. This program equips the technical director with the tools and resources needed to strengthen relationships across the architect, engineer, and contractor (AEC) community and increase the use of concrete masonry units (CMU). Through trainings, seminars and the development of a contracted design assistance network, the initiative will provide early design-stage guidance to AEC professionals, making CMU the preferred choice for projects throughout Region 2. 

Supports the promotional and educational initiatives of the Region 5 technical director within the National Block Design Collective. This program equips the technical director with the tools and resources needed to strengthen relationships across the AEC community and increase the use of concrete masonry units (CMU). Through trainings, seminars and the development of a contracted design assistance network, the initiative will provide early design-stage guidance to AEC professionals, making CMU the preferred choice for projects throughout Region 5. 

Supports the promotional and educational initiatives of the Region 4 technical director within the National Block Design Collective. This program equips the technical director with the tools and resources needed to strengthen relationships across the AEC community and increase the use of concrete masonry units (CMU). Through trainings, seminars and the development of a contracted design assistance network, the initiative will provide early design-stage guidance to AEC professionals, making CMU the preferred choice for projects throughout Region 4. 

Supports the promotional and educational initiatives of the Region 3 technical director within the National Block Design Collective. This program equips the technical director with the tools and resources needed to strengthen relationships across the architect, engineer and contractor (AEC) community and increase the use of concrete masonry units (CMU). Through trainings, seminars and the development of a contracted design assistance network, the initiative will provide early design-stage guidance to AEC professionals, making CMU the preferred choice for projects throughout Region 3. 

Brings together complementary efforts to advance the development and adoption of concrete masonry residential construction nationwide. The program includes the creation of digital masonry home models and a cost-effective, engineering-stamped CMU system adaptable across the U.S., along with a nationally recognized CMU Single-Wythe Wall Design Guide developed by Atkinson-Noland & Associates. Together, these initiatives provide design resources, best practices and grassroots support to promote masonry framed homes and safe rooms, helping make resilient, durable housing more accessible to builders, designers and homeowners. 

This program ensures that the regional technical director has the tools and resources needed to maximize their impact in the architect, engineering, and contractor (AEC) community. A primary function of this program includes the development of a contracted design assistance network through which, during the early stages of design, AECs will be given project-specific guidance to reduce legwork and realize the benefits of CMU. 

Establishes the first version of concrete masonry stair and elevator core design guide and the publication and distribution of simple design tables that can be used by design engineers to quickly, easily and efficiently design reinforced concrete masonry cores.