INTERVIEW WITH JOHN SPEWEIK OF U. S. HERITAGE. Skills Training and Standards in Masonry Restoration. [4/5/01]

To improve production efficiencies, the construction industry has abandoned numerous skill intensive building technologies and the training and standards that support them over the last hundred years. As a consequence, expertise now resides in most part with the artisans. This leads to a bad thing and a good thing. The bad thing is that reliable skills can be hard to acquire and hard to get recognition for. The good thing is that as the market for historic reuse grows, and demand for skills with it, the artisans have a historic opportunity to influence the development of standards for training. Many already are. An example is U. S. Heritage Group, a company that furnishes matched, custom-blended, historic mortars and, since 1997, furnishes training for their use. In a recent interview at the Restoration Trades Exchange, U. S. Heritage's John Speweik discusses why and how they developed this training program and offers a wealth of practical advice for those who would do the same.

RTE: How long has your company been furnishing these training programs?

John Speweik: We started our training program in 1997.

RTE: What made your company decide that training had to become a part of its mission?

John Speweik: We studied the problems that Switzerland, Austria and England had over 20 years ago when they re-introduced traditional masonry materials. The biggest challenge we found was not with the materials themselves but the craftsmen using the materials. In these countries traditional lime mortars, limewashes and lime plasters were re-introduced and made widely available for purchase. The products popularity spread but unfortunately no one took the time to educate the masons and other craftsmen on the application procedures and give them the information they needed to handle, mix and install the materials with success. We did not want to make the same mistake here in America so we began offering a two day hands on training workshop.

RTE: Does the training support itself or is it mainly in support of your other activities?

John Speweik: The training supports itself and offers unique advantages to companies trying to distance themselves from their competition.

RTE: Did your company develop its training materials in house or did you have assistance?

John Speweik: We work closely with other training programs in Europe and have developed our program based on practical experience and field testing.

RTE: How often do you update course materials?

John Speweik: We currently have a two day traditional masonry workshop that focuses on lime mortars, limewashes and repointing. This program is updated every year.

RTE: Who are attends your workshops?

John Speweik: Contractors, homeowners and architects are the primary students attending our course.

RTE: Who benefits most from your training program?

John Speweik: We consider the buildings being repaired as the winners. If our workshops can convert one contractor, one specifier or one homeowner to sound practices then we have just saved one more building somewhere in America from being victimized by inexperience.

RTE: What are your classes and schedules?

John Speweik: May 10 & 11, 2001 Summer classes are being scheduled now. We also offer an advanced course in England each fall. Visit our website for details.

RTE: Do you agree that the masonry restoration field has been in the forefront of developing training? Why is this do you think?

John Speweik: It is where most of the problems have occurred with respect to restoration on the exterior. The right selection of materials and application is critical.

RTE: What role do modern industry wide standards play in masonry restoration?

John Speweik: The standards are actually not doing us any favors. Many of the standards are published for new construction and do not take into consideration historic materials and methods of application. For example: ASTM C270 Standard Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry is often quoted in specifications but lime mortars are not represented in the charts. I am currently working to establishing a new restoration mortar specification for ASTM and invite all those who are interested to join me in this effort.

RTE: Do you teach these standards in your training programs?

John Speweik: We teach the current standards and educate our students on their historic significance and provide a general understanding of their applicability.

RTE: What advice do you have for other trade areas or individual artisans who would like to develop their own training programs?

John Speweik: The success to any venture is getting the word out. Your success will be directly connected to your ability to promote your training program effectively. You must keep your student instructor ratio around 1 to 7 in a hands on course. You must travel to Europe and see what others in your same field are teaching. Attend other course and take notes on the course itself. Establish and secure the most experience instructors. Give students written tests and otherwise hold them accountable for the information you teach.

RTE: Many historic building trades would benefit from the adoption of training standards, I'm sure. You've given us all something to think about. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.