International Masonry Institute

What International Masonry Institute does

The International Masonry Institute (IMI) is a labor-management partnership between the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) and North America's union masonry contractors, operating as the technical, educational, and research arm of the union masonry industry across the U.S. and Canada. Core service lines span New Construction Assemblies and Restoration Assemblies across brick, concrete, CMU, stone, terrazzo, tile, plaster/stucco/EIFS, terra cotta, and rainscreen, delivered through three persona segments: AEC design professionals, union masonry contractors, and BAC craftworkers. The technical foundation is the BIM for Masonry (BIM-M) initiative, comprising the Wall Systems Library (built in SketchUp/LayOut, organizing hundreds of wall configurations by eight sub-assemblies) and a free Revit plugin with drag-and-drop masonry content, plus active AR-aided construction research with SOM and Princeton's Form Finding Lab using mixed-reality headsets and QR-coded digital models for complex curved geometry.

Revenue mechanics operate primarily through employer and union contributions rather than market-priced fees: Masonry Camp is fully scholarship-funded (covering travel, lodging, food, and resources), specific service pricing is not publicly disclosed, and the bulk of value capture flows through BAC/IMI partnership funding, certification program delivery (eight installer credentials including ACT, HMPC, Rainscreen, Supervisor, Terra Cotta, Concrete Repair, Adhered Masonry Veneer, Flashing Upgrade), the annual JBC Masonry Innovation Competition (prizes up to $10,000), the BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest, and distributed technical-services engagement via national field staff and the Bowie MD International Training Center. Distribution is omnichannel for the industry context: direct technical-staff engagement for enterprise design firms and contractors, in-person training at IMTEF regional centers and the Bowie flagship facility, self-serve online webinars for AEC and contractor audiences, and content marketing through the info.imiweb.org blog plus social channels (Facebook, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube). IMI's market position rests on a credentialing flywheel (thousands trained since 2007), specification influence via inclusion in TCNA Handbook and AIA-aligned MasterSpec, and a deep R&D bench spanning historic preservation (Ford/Michigan Central Station), academic research (Princeton/SOM), and emerging low-carbon materials (Prometheus Bio-Blocks).

Name

International Masonry Institute

Legal name

International Masonry Institute

Website

https://imiweb.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

International Masonry Institute (IMI) is a BAC labor-management partnership providing technical services, certification programs, BIM-M design tools, and craftworker training to architects, engineers, union masonry contractors, and BAC members across the U.S. and Canada.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Construction Industry Training and Technical Services

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Architectural Services (54131), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Masonry (Brick, Block & Stone) (EDAOAAAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Masonry Prefabricated Elements (Panels, Lintels, Sills) (IMADABAM), Masonry Accessories & Reinforcement (Lintels, Ties, Mesh, Rebar) (IMADABAK)

Keywords

• Masonry training services
• Construction industry education
• Installer certification programs
• BIM for masonry
• Masonry technical services

Headquarters

HQ city

Bowie

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Training and Education Services: Provides education for AEC professionals through webinars, contractor education, and craftworker training through IMTEF. Services include installer certification programs, apprenticeship programs, and instructor certification.
2. Technical and Specification Services: Offers architect, engineer, and designer services including specification services, detailing series, software and design aids for masonry construction projects.
3. Competition and Event Programs: Operates JBC Masonry Innovation Competition, Masonry Camp, and BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest which engage the masonry industry ecosystem.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The International Masonry Institute (IMI) is a labor-management partnership that delivers technical services, education, training, and certification for the masonry construction industry. It provides specification writing, architect/engineer and contractor technical support, a suite of installer certification programs, design-build experiences, and innovation programs for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals, masonry contractors, and BAC craftworkers. Its offerings span new construction and restoration assemblies across brick, concrete, stone, tile, terrazzo, plaster, stucco, terra cotta, and rainscreen systems, supported by proprietary BIM for Masonry (BIM-M) tools.

Product overview

The International Masonry Institute (IMI) operates as a labor-management partnership providing a comprehensive portfolio of masonry products, services, and training programs. The organization offers two core service lines: New Construction Assemblies and Restoration Assemblies, each encompassing multiple material categories (brick, concrete, stone, tile, terrazzo, plaster/stucco/EIFS, terra cotta, and rainscreen). IMI supports the masonry industry through technology platforms including BIM for Masonry (BIM-M) with its Wall Systems Library and Revit/SketchUp integrations; technical services including specification services, architect/engineer services, and contractor services; and professional education programs. The organization also runs certification programs for installers, the annual JBC Masonry Innovation Competition, Masonry Camp (design-build experience for architects and craftworkers), and operates the BAC/IMI International Training Center in Bowie, MD.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• New Construction Assemblies Comprehensive masonry solutions for new construction projects spanning Brick, Concrete, Concrete Masonry Units, Plaster/Stucco/EIFS, Rainscreen, Stone, Terrazzo, and Tile assemblies, providing architects, engineers, and contractors with technical resources and standards-based assembly guidance.
• Restoration Assemblies
• BIM for Masonry (BIM-M)
• Wall Systems Library Comprehensive library of masonry wall systems developed using SketchUp and LayOut, organizing hundreds of wall configurations categorized by structural components, finishes, insulation, drainage, attachment, and cladding materials for use by design teams.
• Specification Services
• Architect, Engineer & Designer Services
• Contractor Services
• A/E Webinars & Education
• Contractor Webinars & Education
• Masonry Camp
• JBC Masonry Innovation Competition Annual competition challenging architects and engineers to advance masonry design and construction, featuring student, young architect/engineer, and A/E firm/multi-disciplinary categories with monetary prizes up to $10,000.
• Installer Certification Programs
• International Training Center State-of-the-art multi-building training facility in Bowie, MD operated by IMTEF/IMI for educating craftworkers and design professionals through hands-on apprenticeship, instructor certification, and continuing education programs.
• Detailing Series
• Software & Design Aids
• BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest

Quantifiable outcome

• Thousands of craftworkers and design professionals trained at International Training Center since 2007
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Architecture and engineering firm collaborating with IMI and Princeton University on AR-aided masonry construction research. SOM won JBC Masonry Innovation Competition firm/multi-disciplinary category for research into mixed-reality tools for digital fabrication and sustainable construction. Projects include 'Angelus Novus' vault at Venice Architecture Biennale and brick pavilion with curved geometry.
• Princeton University (Form Finding Lab)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Research collaboration with SOM and IMI led by Sigrid Adriaenssens on AR-aided masonry construction exploring how mixed-reality tools can unlock new possibilities for digital fabrication and sustainable construction.
• Prometheus MaterialsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Collaboration on zero-carbon Bio-Block Spiral exhibition at Chicago Architecture Biennial featuring algae-based bio-cement blocks. BAC masons from ADC 1 IL, J&E Duff, and IMI constructed the installation showcasing environmentally friendly cementitious materials.
• International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCore labor union partner representing bricklayers and allied craftworkers. IMI is a labor-management partnership working with BAC to ensure fair pay, good benefits, and safer jobsites for all. BAC/IMI International Training Center is jointly operated.
• International Masonry Training and Education Foundation (IMTEF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClosely affiliated organization providing training for craftworkers including apprenticeship programs, Instructor Certification Program (ICP), and local training center directory. Operates BAC/IMI National Training Center in Bowie, MD.
• International Council of Employers of Bricklayers and Allied CraftworkerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization of employers of bricklayers and allied craftworkers. IMI Co-Chair Mike Schmerbeck serves as President of ICEBAC. Partnership focuses on innovation and workforce development for the masonry industry.
• North America's Union Masonry ContractorsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRelated organization representing union masonry contractors, part of the IMI ecosystem supporting the masonry industry.
• Tile Contractors' Association of America (TCAA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry association for tile contractors. Awards the Cesery Award to IMI Director Scott Conwell for contributions to the tile industry.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER): NCCER is a non-profit education foundation for construction craft professionals, offering standardized curricula, credentials, and certification programs across multiple trades. It is directly comparable to IMI as both organizations deliver construction trade training, apprenticeship curricula, and craft certifications - NCCER spans more trades (electricians, plumbers, carpenters, etc.) while IMI specializes narrowly in masonry, tile, and related crafts.
• National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA): NCMA represents the concrete masonry industry, providing education, design resources, and technical support for concrete masonry units. It is directly comparable to IMI as both organizations serve as masonry industry associations offering technical education to AEC professionals, though NCMA represents concrete masonry manufacturers and suppliers while IMI represents the union labor/contractor side.
• Brick Industry Association (BIA): BIA is the national trade association representing clay brick manufacturers and suppliers, providing design assistance, education, and technical resources. It is directly comparable to IMI as both organizations serve as masonry industry associations offering education and technical services to AEC professionals, though BIA represents brick manufacturers while IMI focuses on the union labor and contractor side.
• National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA): NTCA is a trade association for ceramic tile and stone installers, providing training, certification, and technical standards. It is directly comparable to IMI as both organizations serve the tile industry with training, certification, and standards work, though NTCA is open to all contractors while IMI focuses on union contractors and offers tile training as one of several masonry-related disciplines.
• International Masonry Training and Education Foundation (IMTEF): IMTEF is IMI's closely affiliated sister organization providing apprenticeship programs, Instructor Certification Program (ICP), and the local training center directory for BAC craftworkers. It is directly comparable as both organizations co-operate the BAC/IMI International Training Center in Bowie, MD and deliver craftworker education - in effect, IMTEF is IMI's training-delivery counterpart for apprenticeship and instructor certification.

Others

• Construction Specifications Institute (CSI): CSI is a national association providing education, certification, and standards for construction specification writing (MasterFormat, MasterSpec). It is comparable to IMI as both organizations serve AEC professionals with technical education and standards work, and IMI's specification services overlap with CSI's specification-writing domain, though CSI focuses on the format and process of specification while IMI focuses on masonry-specific content.
• American Institute of Architects (AIA): AIA is the professional association for architects in the U.S., providing continuing education, advocacy, and resources to architectural professionals. It is comparable to IMI as both organizations serve architects with continuing education and technical resources, though AIA represents the architectural profession broadly while IMI focuses on masonry-specific technical support, BIM tools, and continuing education content.
• Tile Council of North America (TCNA): TCNA is the trade association for the North American tile industry, setting industry standards (TCNA Handbook) and conducting laboratory testing and research. It is comparable to IMI as both organizations develop tile industry standards and certifications, though TCNA focuses on industry standards and product testing while IMI focuses on labor-side education, training, and craftworker certification.

Broad incumbents

• Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC): ABC is a national construction industry trade association representing open-shop (non-union) contractors, providing training, apprenticeship, and certification programs across all construction trades. It is a broad incumbent peer to IMI as both serve as construction industry training and trade associations, but ABC represents non-union contractors across all trades while IMI is union-specific and masonry-focused.

Emerging players

• International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) / Finishing Trades Institute: IUPAT, through its Finishing Trades Institute, is a labor-management training fund for glaziers, painters, and finishers using a similar labor-management partnership model. It is comparable to IMI as both are labor-management training organizations affiliated with building trades unions, though IUPAT/FTI serves paint and glass trades while IMI serves masonry craftworkers - representing a parallel model in adjacent trades.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/imiweb
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCRP7teSaUSNtO5agB06QQzg
• Facebookfacebook.com/InternationalMasonryInstitute
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/international-masonry-institute

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about International Masonry Institute