The 11th edition of “Designing with Natural Stone” will run from September 28 to October 2, 2009 in Verona, Italy, in conjunction with Marmomacc, the world’s leading trade show for stone and design. Over 160 members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) from all over the U.S. have participated in previous editions of the course. Scholarship applications for this year’s course are now being reviewed.

Veronafiere offers this course to help architects learn advanced techniques in the use of marble, granite and other stone materials. The program is a unique combination of classroom lectures, guided architectural tours and field trips to nearby quarries as well as to natural stone processing facilities. The 2009 edition will include visits to a Rosso Verona quarry and Palladian architectural works in Vicenza, as well as an architectural tour of Verona. This comprehensive approach enables architects to better understand the full cycle, including how marble is quarried, cut, processed, finished and selected for specific jobs and installed, using the latest technologies and products.

In addition, the course provides time to explore Marmomacc, with its more than 1,500 exhibitors of stone and stone-related products from around the world.

“Designing with Natural Stone” has been recognized by the AIA as a “Best Practices and Trends” program. Comments from recent participants support this judgment:



“I was really grateful to be included in the course. Even though I started out with a certain amount of knowledge about stone, I felt like I learned a lot and was exposed to things I would not otherwise have been exposed to.” - Debra Gerod, Gruen Associates, Los Angeles, CA



“I found so much of the course to be useful. I am constantly thinking of new ways to apply what I learned.” - Stephen Alexander, Prince Alexander Partners, Indianapolis, IN



“I feel honored that I was chosen to go and will value the experience the rest of my life. It is one of the highlights of my career.” - Ken Harry, Ken R. Harry Associates, Houston, TX



Participants earn about 20 AIA/CES learning-unit hours. Many classes also count as HSW credits, and five as new Sustainable Design credits. The class is limited to 30 architects, 16 from the U.S., and the others from Canada, the U.K., South Africa, India and Australia.

Scholarships - covering tuition, hotels and meals - are awarded on a competitive basis, based on a candidate’s demonstrated interest in the field, responsibilities within their firm and experience with stone. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to Verona as well as a $450 registration fee. Those interested should fax or E-mail to the address below a curriculum vitae and a cover letter specifying why they wish to participate in the course. The deadline for submitting applications is July 15.



Please send applications to: The Consultants International Group: 1616 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20006; Fax: 202-393-4655; E-mail:info@cig-dc