After more than four decades as an architect, Steve Blye has designed everything from healthcare facilities and schools to municipal buildings and large-scale institutional projects. Today, as the Design and Technical Architect for the Masonry Advisory Council, he's helping architects, engineers, and owners better understand one of the most versatile building materials available: masonry.

In this episode of In The Mix, Steve joins Adam to share how his perspective on masonry evolved throughout his career, what architects often overlook when specifying masonry systems, and why some of the industry's oldest building methods still offer some of the best solutions today.

From lessons learned in architecture school to insights gained through decades of real-world projects, Steve explains how masonry continues to deliver durability, resilience, energy efficiency, fire resistance, and long-term value. He also discusses common misconceptions, evolving wall system designs, and why education remains one of the biggest opportunities for the next generation of architects and engineers.

In This Episode:

• Steve's journey from architect to masonry industry advocate
• Why masonry remains one of the most durable building materials available
• Common design misconceptions architects and engineers encounter
• How cavity wall systems have evolved over time
• The role of masonry in sustainability and carbon sequestration
• Lessons from historic masonry structures around the world
• Why education and industry collaboration matter for the future of design
• The hidden value masonry provides over a building's lifespan