The Brick Industry Association: Championing the Timeless Appeal of Clay Brick
The Brick Industry Association (BIA) stands as the national authority on clay brick construction, uniting distributors, manufacturers, and suppliers within the clay brick and related products sectors. Founded in 1934, the BIA has tirelessly advocated for and promoted the clay brick industry, emphasizing the material’s unmatched durability, aesthetic versatility, and sustainable attributes.
At the heart of the BIA’s mission is the commitment to “promote and safeguard the clay brick industry.” This encompasses a wide range of strategic goals, including providing member companies with essential tools to boost sales, distinguishing brick from other wall cladding materials, and fostering a legislative and regulatory environment conducive to the industry’s growth and prosperity.
Structured to cater to diverse regional needs, the BIA encompasses geographic regions and local councils, each with their unique set of programs, governance, and membership dues structures. This organizational framework ensures that all stakeholders, regardless of their location, have a voice and the resources needed to thrive in the competitive building materials market.
The association is perhaps best known for its Brick in Architecture Awards, an annual competition that highlights the best in brick construction across the nation. In partnership with Architect magazine, this event brings together a panel of esteemed architects to judge submissions, celebrating the innovative use of brick in architectural design. Winners are showcased in the Brick in Architecture magazine and the BIA’s online Brick Gallery, serving as inspiration for industry professionals and homeowners alike.
Beyond awards, the BIA is a vital resource for technical support and research. With a team of engineers offering over 5,000 instances of assistance annually, the association aids members and brick users through a vast array of services. This includes the highly regarded Technical Notes on Brick Construction, comprehensive guides that address design, detailing, and construction advancements in brick masonry. These resources, which draw over 80,000 monthly visitors to the BIA website, are instrumental in promoting best practices and ensuring the continued relevance of brick construction.
Advocacy is another cornerstone of the BIA’s activities. The association represents the brick industry’s interests across legislative and regulatory arenas, ensuring that members’ voices are heard in key decision-making processes. This includes engagement with model building code forums and national standards committees, where the BIA plays a critical role in integrating technological advancements in masonry into broader building codes and standards.
Education remains a priority for the BIA, which offers an array of free resources, online courses, and unique content not available elsewhere. These educational tools are designed to elevate industry standards and foster a deeper understanding of brick masonry’s benefits among professionals and the public.
Membership in the BIA provides access to an extensive range of programs and services designed to promote and protect the clay brick industry. From marketing support and market research to advocacy and educational resources, the BIA offers tailored benefits to meet the needs of its diverse member base.
As the guardian of clay brick construction, the BIA continues to uphold the timeless value of brick, advocating for its use in sustainable, durable, and beautiful buildings. By joining forces under the BIA’s umbrella, industry professionals can contribute to and benefit from the collective strength of an association committed to the future of brick construction.
