Live from the California Masonry Council Design & Expo, Adam sits down with Paul Daysh, second-generation leader at California Retaining Walls, to explore how innovation is reshaping the future of retaining wall construction.

Drawing on decades of field experience, Paul shares how his family's company developed the patented GS2 wall system—combining helical pile foundations with reinforced masonry to solve many of the cost, schedule, and performance challenges facing today's construction industry.

The conversation dives into why traditional retaining wall systems are becoming increasingly difficult to build economically under modern building codes, and how alternative foundation solutions can reduce excavation, eliminate concrete cure times, and accelerate project schedules. Paul also discusses the importance of collaboration between engineers, geotechnical professionals, contractors, and manufacturers to ensure masonry continues to be one of the most resilient, sustainable, and cost-effective building materials available.

In This Episode:

• How the patented GS2 retaining wall system combines helical piles with reinforced masonry
• Why eliminating traditional concrete footings can dramatically reduce project timelines
• How helical pile foundations perform in expansive soils, seismic regions, and challenging site conditions
• Why focusing on total project costs—not just material costs—creates better outcomes for owners and contractors
• The importance of collaboration between structural engineers and geotechnical engineers
• How innovation can help masonry remain competitive against alternative building materials
• Why preserving industry knowledge and attracting the next generation of skilled professionals is critical for masonry's future
• The biggest opportunities—and threats—facing the retaining wall and masonry industries today

Connect with Paul:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-daysh/

GS2 Wall Systems

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gs2-wall-systems

Calwalls

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/calwalls

Learn more about the Northwest Masonry Institute:

https://masonryinstitute.com/in-the-mix