Bramwell-McKay Masonry Restoration & Consultants

Pleasure to have had our CEO Jason McCoy alongside Chief Operating Officer Kate Vienna featured on this fabulously educational podcast-hosted by Eric Holm. Keep an eye out for further episodes and features from this group! We look forward to seeing even more value that is to come to the industry through other professional's views shared here.

The Mass Exodus from College: A Call to the Trades For years, the message was clear—go to college, get a degree, and success will follow. But now, many young people are realizing that a four-year degree doesn’t always guarantee stability, financial freedom, or career satisfaction. Student debt is at an all-time high, and traditional white-collar jobs aren’t delivering the security they once promised. Meanwhile, the trades are starving for skilled workers. Masonry, construction, and other hands-on industries are facing a serious labor shortage as experienced professionals retire and fewer young people enter the field. This isn’t just a problem for contractors—it’s a crisis for the future of our built environment. The Opportunity in the Trades ??? High Demand, High Reward – Skilled tradespeople are essential, meaning strong job security and competitive wages. ?? Faster Entry, Less Debt – Many trade programs (if necessary at all) take months, not years, and cost a fraction of a college degree. ??? Hands-On, Fulfilling Work – The ability to see the tangible results of your labor, restoring historic structures or building something that will last for generations, is deeply rewarding. ?? Opportunity & Growth Through Business – Unlike other industries, the trades are an endless well of opportunity for entrepreneurs. There is a never-ending abundance and potential of the growth of ones own business, or for making a life-long career in not only ordinary trades work, but in the development of various other skills and business relationship/positions. How the Industry Needs to Step Up If we want to attract the next generation, the masonry and construction industry must evolve: ? Vision – The trades are a never ending well of opportunity for those with an entrepreneurial mind. The ability to grow and make connections in the business world makes the trades worth while to step into, whether you are interested in hands-on labor or not. ? Apprenticeships & Training Programs – We need more accessible, structured pathways for young people to enter the trades without barriers. ? Better Outreach & Awareness – Schools and communities need to see the trades as a prestigious, viable career choice, not just a fallback. ? Mentorship & Career Growth – The next generation isn’t just looking for a job—they want career progression, skills development, and leadership opportunities. At Bramwell-McKay Masonry Restoration & Consultants, we know firsthand that skilled trades aren’t just necessary—they are the backbone of civilization. The opportunity for meaningful, well-paying careers in masonry, restoration, and construction has never been greater. It’s time we guide young people toward these paths and ensure they have the resources and respect they deserve. #FutureOfTrades #MasonryCareers #SkilledTrades #ConstructionIndustry #WorkforceDevelopment #BuildYourFuture #youngentrepreneurs #businessdevelopement #leadership #youngmillionaire #youngbusinessowner

Preserving the Past, Building the Future At Bramwell-McKay Masonry Restoration & Consultants, we believe that every brick tells a story, every stone carries a legacy, and every project is an opportunity to shape the future while honoring the past. From restoring historic landmarks to ensuring the longevity of modern structures, our team is committed to craftsmanship, innovation, and education. We specialize in historic restoration and preservation, remediation of new buildings, and consulting services that empower stakeholders with knowledge and confidence. Every project we undertake is more than just a task—it’s a partnership. Whether we’re preserving the beauty of a 19th-century fa?ade or addressing complex masonry challenges in contemporary construction, our approach combines traditional expertise with cutting-edge techniques to deliver exceptional results. ?? Why We Do It Restoring masonry isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about preserving the integrity, history, and functionality of structures that matter to our communities. ?? How We Help Our team provides comprehensive restoration and consulting services, offering solutions that are sustainable, durable, and tailored to the unique needs of each project. ?? What Sets Us Apart We’re passionate about sharing our knowledge. Through education and consulting, we help our clients and partners better understand the complexities of masonry restoration, ensuring informed decisions at every stage. We’re proud to play a role in safeguarding the architectural treasures that define our landscapes. If you share our passion for preservation or have a project in mind, let’s connect and create something timeless together. ?? We’d love to hear about your favorite restoration projects or challenges you’ve encountered in your work—let’s start a conversation below! #buildingconsultants #limestone #construction #masonry #masonrycontractors #historicmasonry #historicbuilding #historicbuildings #historicpreservation #historicpreservationists #historicrestoration #masonryrestoration #engineering #commercialbuilder #architect #architects #masonryconsultants #structuralengineering #masonryrestoration #restoration #building #buildingenvelope #newbuildingrepair #masonryrepair #waterremediation #facade #buildingfacade #facaderepair #failingmasonry #leakingmasonry?

The unfortunate reality of new construction in the United States: A common picture: Bramwell-McKay Masonry Restoration & Consultants gets called to inspect a project- a newly built 3-5 year old apartment complex, mall, retail or office facility. Despite these buildings being practically brand new, we observe copious amounts of damage, deterioration, water intrusion and so on. Structures that, based on their age, should be entirely sound and free from any deterioration whatsoever, seem to be crumbling at a rate you could see day-to-day, before your eyes. Why is this? The answer is simple: Builders are building for the short term, not the long term. Our building philosophy here in the United States does not truly consider the long term. Most commercial builders and designers, for example, consider the life span of a building to be about 7 years (coincidentally, the same amount of time it takes to sell off such facilities). Thus, passing the deterioration issue off to the next owner. The solutions to the issues with these buildings seem to entirely elude most builders. With dozens of companies trying their hand at a quick fix in a desperate attempt to "Just keep the water out!" What they don't understand is that these are band-aids and nothing more. The water will continue to infiltrate, the deterioration will proceed, and the problem will inevitably go beyond the point of no return. The unfortunate reality is that the means and methods in which these issues are resolved seem to be entirely lost in the modern world of masonry and construction. After the industrial revolution, we lost nearly all our master-masons to the steel industry, leading to a hundred years of improperly built structures, and very few individuals who possess the knowledge of how to deal with it. The European philosophy regarding the construction and maintenance their structures is entirely the opposite of what we see here in the US, and it's the philosophy we hold here at Bramwell-McKay. That is, "Build it for your grandchildren." In Europe, it is not uncommon to see buildings such as castles, cathedrals and even homes in the four-figure years of their life that are in near-perfect condition. This level of craftsmanship, evidenced by the longevity of these structures alone is the standard we exercise at Bramwell-McKay. It has been our 40-year mission to bring the same level of knowledge and expertise back to the masonry and construction industry in the US. Providing consulting, education and execution. #construction #masonry #masonrycontractors #historicmasonry #historicbuilding #historicbuildings #historicpreservation #historicpreservationists #historicrestoration #masonryrestoration #engineering #commercialbuilder #architect #architects #masonryconsultants #structuralengineering #masonryrestoration #restoration #building #buildingenvelope #newbuildingrepair #masonryrepair #waterremediation #facade #buildingfacade #facaderepair #failingmasonry #leakingmasonry

If Art Deco style is your vibe, you'll love the backstory behind The Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles! Located at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue, the?Wiltern movie theater has endured the economy’s ups and downs ove the decades. G. Albert Lansburgh designed the theater as part of a complex that also includes the 12-story Pellissier Building office tower by architecture firm Morgan, Walls & Clements. Both buildings’ blue-green terra cotta exteriors recall the aqua hues of Los Angeles swimming pools. Lansburgh equipped the venue’s interior with fanciful murals, gold-leaf decorations, and a large sunburst pattern on the ceiling, with rays that symbolize skyscrapers radiating out over the audience. The theater opened in 1931 but then closed two years later, a victim of the Great Depression. Fortunately, it returned the next year and had a long run until it shuttered again around 1980. Its then-owner, an insurance company, started preparing for demolition. Concerted efforts from the?Los Angeles Conservancy?helped save the building from the wrecking ball. Finally, local developer Wayne Ratkovich stepped in to buy the complex in 1981. Renovations restored the opulent auditorium’s interior, which now serves as a performance venue operated by Live Nation. Photo courtesy RMA Photography

Preserving the Past, Building the Future: The Challenges of Historic Masonry Restoration It's seen it all too often- the average mason or tradesman trying their hand at historic restoration projects, with little awareness of the real needs of the building and even worse, the irreversible damage they are likely causing. Modern hard mortars, run-of-the-mill tools, and lack of knowledge of the techniques and expertise required to complete this kind of work, all play a part in the decimation of our historic structures in an effort to fix them. Restoring historic buildings is a labor of love, filled with unique challenges and immense satisfaction. And after nearly 40 years with heavy focus placed in this area alone, we can say we've developed as much of a passion for the process as we have to result. At Bramwell-McKay, we take pride in bringing timeless structures back to life while preserving their original beauty and integrity. What goes into taking on these projects? Material Matching: Finding or recreating materials that match the original is often like searching for a needle in a haystack. Each project requires meticulous research and sourcing. Delicate Techniques: Historic buildings require special care. Modern methods can’t always be applied; instead, we rely on traditional techniques, blending craftsmanship with modern expertise. Unpredictable Surprises: Every building has its secrets. Unexpected structural issues or hidden damages can pose significant challenges, requiring adaptive solutions and problem-solving on the spot. Balancing Preservation and Modern Needs: Maintaining the historical essence while integrating modern safety and functionality is a delicate balance. It’s not just about restoration but also about adapting these structures for future generations. Despite these challenges, we’re driven by a passion for history and craftsmanship. Each project is a journey through time, where every brick and stone tells a story. We’re honored to contribute to preserving our shared heritage, one building at a time. #HistoricPreservation #Craftsmanship #RestorationChallenges #construction #masonry #masonrycontractors #historicmasonry #historicbuilding #historicbuildings #historicpreservation #historicpreservationists #historicrestoration #masonryrestoration #engineering #commercialbuilder #architect #architects #masonryconsultants #structuralengineering #masonryrestoration #restoration #building #buildingenvelope #newbuildingrepair #masonryrepair #waterremediation #facade #buildingfacade #facaderepair #failingmasonry #leakingmasonry

The Summit at Fritz Farm? The Summit at Fritz Farm in Lexington, KY is a stunning, open-air shopping mall space. It combines fine dining, high-end retail, and apartments on the upper levels.? ? Multiple tenants, retail as well as residential, struggled with water intrusion despite the structure being relatively new. Our scope on this project included: -Moisture/water intrusion detection? -Brick replacement & tuckpointing? -Through-wall flashing install? -Weep hole remediation? -Drip edge install #construction #masonry #masonrycontractors #historicmasonry #historicbuilding #historicbuildings #historicpreservation #historicpreservationists #historicrestoration #masonryrestoration #engineering #commercialbuilder #architect #architects #masonryconsultants #structuralengineering #masonryrestoration #restoration #building #buildingenvelope #newbuildingrepair #masonryrepair #waterremediation #facade #buildingfacade #facaderepair #failingmasonry #leakingmasonry

If you have worked in the world of historic restoration and preservation or have been involved in any capacity, it likely has been apparent that the skillset and knowledge required to execute such projects is significantly different and much more extensive than that of typical construction. The building of Dollar Generals, repairs to new buildings, and block and brick work that the average mason is trained in, falls under an entirely different umbrella of skillsets. ? Unfortunately, in many cases over the years (more often than not) we have seen the average mason apply their skillset to historic projects and fall infinitely short. Most of the time doing harm, if not irreparable damage. This occurs all too often when those with the limited knowledge of new construction and repairs try their hand at historic restoration and preservation. At Bramwell-McKay, we are led by a passion for the preservation?and revitalization of our historic buildings. And after?spending nearly half a century in specialized?restoration work, we can say we have?mastered the nearly lost craft. #construction #masonry #masonrycontractors #historicmasonry #historicbuilding #historicbuildings #historicpreservation #historicpreservationists #historicrestoration #masonryrestoration #engineering #commercialbuilder #architect #architects #masonryconsultants #structuralengineering #masonryrestoration #restoration #building

Fairfield Inn & Suites, Jasper River Centre A lovely new development in the German-tourist town of Jasper, IN - We were happy to participate in the buildout of the Fairfield Inn & Suites. This lodging location sits at heart of downtown, bringing together the city's finest dining, river/park strolls and access to seasonal festivities.? This buildout proved difficult, as our part in the project began and was completed in the months of January and February. Having been the harshest, rainiest winter months seen in the area in quite some time, it was required that we took extreme measures to ensure a proper work environment. Our scope on this project included: Industrial-grade, winterized encapsulation installation Bond-beam installation? Complete elevator shaft buildout? Structural load-bearing CMU stair tower buildout #construction #masonry #masonrycontractors #engineering #commercialbuilder #architect #architects #masonryconsultants #structuralengineering #masonryrestoration #restoration #building