The Spokane chapter of the American Institute of Architects is calling for entries for its biennial Excellence in Masonry Design Awards.

Eligible projects must be declared and registered by July 1, says Kevin Krebs, of the Masonry Industry Promotion Group, of Spokane, which, along with the Eastern Washington Masonry Producers Association, is sponsoring the awards. Projects must be located in Eastern or Central Washington or North Idaho, and must have been completed within the last five years, Krebs says.

Final portfolios are due Sept. 13, and the winners will be announced at the Nov. 18 Spokane AIA meeting at the Davenport Hotel here.

The awards for design, construction, and creative use of masonry will recognize the architects, structural engineers, masonry contractors, and owners involved in the winning designs, he says.

Masonry construction must be included as a dominant feature in any entry, Krebs says. A special award will recognize design excellence in the use of concrete masonry materials, he says.

A jury of peer architects will select the winning entries, Krebs says.

Projects recognized in the 2008 Masonry Design Awards included Ridgeview Elementary School, in Spokane, and Central Washington University's Wenatchee Higher Education Center, in Wenatchee