ABOUT US
The Atlantic Masonry Institute (AMI) is an industry organization of masonry contractors, manufacturers and suppliers dedicated to the promotion of quality masonry construction through training and support. AMI was founded in 2016 and was a driving force behind the opening of the CMDC Atlantic office in Nova Scotia.
AMI was formed when a representative group from the industry got together to discuss the lack of continuing education for contractors and the design community after they had finished their respective schooling/training. As years pass; the design, detailing and construction using masonry adapts to: new building codes, new design standard, increased awareness of energy loss, and industry innovation.
AMI has entered into a joint venture with the CMDC (Canada Masonry Design Center). The Canada Masonry Design Centre is not-for-profit that encourage the effective use of masonry through research, education and technical support. The Canada Masonry Design Centre is unique in its mandate by providing services to its contractor members in addition to supporting the external design community. CMDC is an association created and funded by its masonry contractor members in an effort to bridge the gap between the design community and the masonry construction industry. CMDC is staffed by 7 masonry engineers with experience in all facets of masonry throughout all of Canada.
The AMI partnership with CMDC led to the opening of the CMDC Atlantic/AMI office in Dartmouth, NS and CMDC hiring an engineer to staff this Dartmouth office, and to provide local support to the Atlantic provinces.
In 2019, AMI expanded its purpose to include workforce development. What began as a pilot project at Hants East High School to introduce high school students to masonry, has now expanded into an inter-provincial masonry education program geared towards introducing masonry to students and educating them about the potential opportunities with a career in masonry. AMI understands that investing in the future is what will keep our trade strong.
Andrew Smith
Masonry Design Engineer, M.A.Sc, P.Eng
Andrew is the newest member of the CMDC team and is bringing CMDC services to Atlantic Canada with the joint CMDC/AMI office in Dartmouth NS. Andrew grew up in Prince Edward Island and completed his B.Eng and a Master of Applied Science degree from Dalhousie University. Andrews duties involve providing technical assistance to contractors, architects and engineers, supporting CMDC and AMI with courses and seminars, participating in the development of the CSA masonry standards, and supporting in the development of the MASS™ design software.
Andrew is one of the lead authors for the “Atlantic Canada Cost Comparison Study”, helped create the $0.05 local block levy and has worked with industry partners to create workforce development programs across Atlantic Canada.
