Expert Technical Support in Masonry Industries

Complimentary + Specialized Masonry Assistance

About Us

Ask An Expert

If you need help finding the right information to start, complete, or evaluate a project, our staff of experienced engineers, educators, and construction professionals is here to support you. Use technical support and masonry advice, and We will even visit a job site to address your concerns. These services are available to recipients in the Illinois and Northwest Indiana area only. Call us at 847-297-6704 or fill out the form below to contact our team.

Meet Our Support Team

Walter A. Laska

President of Masonry
Technologies Inc.

Walter has over 30 years of specialized masonry experience. His services have included inspections of distressed masonry work, masonry specification development of new and renovated structures, masonry job site inspection, technical writing, and litigation expertise. Masonry Technologies, Inc. was subcontracted by the Public Building Commission of Chicago to perform over 9000 masonry work-in-progress inspections of municipal buildings over a 6-year span.

Cathleen Jacinto

PE, SE, Structural Engineering
Consultant at Forse Consulting

Cathleen provides structural engineering design, modeling, and detailing services in collaboration with other structural engineering firms. Her knowledge of various building materials, including steel, masonry, concrete, and wood contributes to FORSE’s designs, seminars, and publications. One topic Cathleen highlights is structural masonry analysis and design. Cathleen is the instructor for many of our Lunch & Learn topics.

Gary Porter

Engineering & Technical Services,
Masonry Advisory Council

Gary grew up in St. Charles, Illinois eating, drinking, and sleeping masonry. His father was a successful mason contractor in the Chicago area for over 40 years. Gary graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology with a degree in civil engineering. He worked for the city of Glenview for two years, then returned to work in his father’s business as a laborer, bricklayer, estimator, and owner of this successful masonry business.

Dave Adams

Technical Advisor,
Masonry Advisory Council

David Adams is an Apprentice Coordinator with IMTEF, the International Masonry Training and Education Foundation, a division of the IUBAC, the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. David’s love for all things masonry has been at the cornerstone of his career. He has served in a variety of roles from: Laborer, Bricklayer, Director of Operations, Foreman, Superintendent, Instructor, OSHA Outreach Trainer, and currently Apprentice Coordinator. During his decades in the field, David was well regarded as an innovator and “that guy” you go to when there’s a problem to be solved.

Steve Blye

Design and Technical Architect,
Masonry Advisory Council

Steve is an award-winning AIA LEED Certified – licensed architect. He is an experienced architect with many years of planning and design team leadership. His advocacy for masonry is reflected through his extensive design experience in schools, municipal buildings, healthcare facilities and more. In his new role he will promote and expand the use of brick, stone, concrete block, cast stone, and other mason-installed products, both architectural and structural.

Steve is available for design assistance in the pre-construction phase as well as ongoing technical support throughout the construction process. hhh

Our Value

Masonry Design Assistance

Masonry Advisory Council can provide a review of your architectural drawings by leading industry experts. Put another set of eyes on your design to determine if you have used the most cost-effective masonry design. It’s a FREE service to you!

Contact Us

Fill out the form below to get in touch with our support team.

Have Questions? Give us a call: (847) 297-6704

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Masonry Technical Library

Access our extensive library of technical resources on masonry construction including building codes, specifications, details, manuals, and guides for free download.

Pre Order a 2025 Cost Guide

Use our masonry cost guide to estimate materials, labor, and equipment costs for masonry construction using up-to-date RSMeans data for accurate budgeting.