2026 MII Seminar
Date: Wednesday, April 15
Location: Raccoon River Nature Lodge, 2500 Grand Avenue | West Des Moines, IA 50265
Earn up to 6 hours of professional development for attending!

Click here to download the registration form.
Click here to register online.

Programming
8:15 - 8:45am: Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:45 - 9:45am: A Historic Masonry Restoration: Challenges, Decisions & Solutions
Presenter: Peter Babaian, S.E., P.E., P.Eng.
1 hour of AIA/HSW professional development
How do you go from “I have a water leak” or “does that masonry look like it needs pointing” to a full building restoration? This seminar offers a detailed, start-to-finish look at a historic restoration project, highlighting the challenges, decisions, and solutions involved in preserving a landmark structure. The session explores how original materials and architectural details were evaluated, and where modern materials and methods were introduced to ensure durability without compromising historic character. Attendees will gain insight into project planning, assessment, documentation, and execution, with a focus on balancing preservation goals and long-term performance. Case study highlights and lessons learned will provide valuable guidance for professionals working on similar historic rehabilitation projects.

9:45 - 10:45am: General Design of Concrete Masonry Structures
Presenter: Tino Kalayil, PE
1 hour of AIA/HSW professional development
General Design of Concrete Masonry Structures explores the required concrete masonry design considerations to ensure a fully designed wall system that adheres to structural, fire, acoustic and energy design. The structural consideration will include the basis of design parameters, applications, design considerations, elemental design and limit states. While structural design is important, the course will discuss our ensuring fire, acoustical and energy compliance must also fit into the requirements of the wall system. This presentation explores the fundamental design principles, structural systems, and detailing considerations that govern the safe and effective use of concrete masonry in building construction. It addresses life safety through structural stability, health through structural, fire, sound and energy design, and welfare through durability and resilience in various environmental conditions. Participants will gain an understanding of applicable codes, load paths, reinforcement strategies, and best practices for integrating concrete masonry into sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing architectural designs.

10:45 - 11:00am - Morning Break

11:00am - 12:00noon
BREAKOUT SESSION
* Architectural and engineering breakout session will be offered concurrently, and participants may attend the session of their choice.

Architectural Breakout Session*
Thermal Innovations for Wall Assemblies
Presenter: Linda Potter
1 hour of AIA/HSW professional development

Thermal innovations are necessary as energy codes evolve. In this seminar we discuss innovative design strategies to address thermal bridges in wall assemblies. This program will discuss the thermal impact veneer anchors have on a project as well as compare traditional shelf angles to offset shelf angles. How high-performance air barriers impact the building envelope and how rainscreen attachments can impact thermal efficiency will be examined.

Engineering Breakout Session*
10 (or More) Things You Might Not Know About Masonry
Presenter: John Hochwalt, PE, SE, FTMS
1 hour of AIA/HSW professional development
Please join us for a buffet of topics on the structural design and construction of masonry. Things you might not know, things that may be confusing, and things that structural engineers could do better. Questions that will be explored include: What are some common field issues? How can those be avoided? What is internal bracing? Does it affect the design? What information is often missing from design drawings? What code provisions are often misunderstood? How can thermal breaks be provided in ledger angles?

12:00noon - 12:30pm - Lunch

12:30 - 2:00pm
Inherent Resiliency of Concrete Masonry
Presenter: Tino Kalayil, PE
1.5 hour of AIA/HSW professional development
Concrete masonry construction is resilient on its own, without the need for special provisions or extra fortifying costs, and it doesn’t need to be rebuilt after most natural or human-made disasters. Concrete masonry is inherently resilient beyond code requirements. By considering lifecycle costs rather than just initial construction expenses, concrete masonry offers significant advantages, including buildings that can withstand extreme events, reduce recovery costs, and maintain community continuity—qualities that are becoming increasingly important as disasters occur more frequently across all regions of the country.

2:00 - 2:15pm - Break

2:15 - 3:45pm
Masonry Storm Shelter Design - It’s in the Details
Presenter: Corey Schultz, AIA, LEED
1.5 hour of AIA/HSW professional development
This course explores the complexities of designing storm shelters that comply with ICC 500, FEMA P 361, and the most recent International Building Code (IBC) requirements. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how masonry materials, systems, and construction techniques can be used to create storm shelters capable of withstanding the most severe wind events. The presentation also addresses jurisdictional requirements for storm shelters, including those applicable to K–12 schools and emergency response facilities. Real world case studies will be used throughout the course to illustrate successful masonry storm shelter solutions, highlighting both overall design strategies and critical detailing considerations.

Click here to view speaker bios. COMING SOON!

PRICING: Registration includes continental breakfast, two breaks, lunch and up to 5.5 hours of AIA/HSW learning units.

Early Bird Pricing - on/before April 3

• Member: $50 first registration; $40 additional registrants
• Non-Member: $70 per registration

Pricing On/After April 4

• Member: $65 first registration; $55 additional registrants
• Non-Member: $85 per registration