The 12th edition of “Designing with Natural Stone” will run from September 27 - October 2, 2010 in Verona, Italy, in conjunction with Marmomacc, the world’s leading trade show for stone and design. More than 175 architects from all over the U.S. have participated in previous editions of the course. Scholarship applications for this year’s course will be accepted until July 15.

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 local quarries as well as natural stone processing facilities. This comprehensive approach enables architects to better understand stone’s full life-cycle - including how marble is quarried, cut, processed, finished, selected for specific jobs and installed - all using the latest technologies and products.

The 2010 edition will include visits to a Botticino marble quarry and a nearby stone processing plant, a case study on the stone use at the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium, and an architectural tour of Verona. Sustainable Design (SD) became a principal focus of the course in 2008. A minimum of four AIA SD credits will again be offered, including a session on technology and sustainability, and case studies of sustainable projects in stone. 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” educational program. Comments from last year’s students support this judgment:

“The week-long experience was great. What I particularly enjoyed was learning about new products and technologies now being used for stone. I will certainly utilize what I learned in my future work.” Saverio Manago - Michael Graves & Associates (Princeton, NJ)

“I’ve been attending and preparing seminars for my AIA chapter for more than 10 years, and the concept of having a specialized seminar throughout an entire week is the best continuing education I’ve ever received. I now possess a broader knowledge of natural stone and feel more confident in choosing the right type of stone for my projects.” Alberto Lastra - Rivera & Lastra (San Juan, PR)

Participants earn approximately 20 AIA/CES learning-unit hours. Many classes also count as HSW credits and four as SD credits. The class is limited to 30 architects, with 16 from the U.S. and the others from Canada, the U.K., South Africa, India, Vietnam, Singapore 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 their curriculum vitae and a cover letter specifying why they wish to take part in the course. The deadline for submitting applications is July 15.

The course is co-sponsored by Stone World magazine and supported by the Marble Institute of America, which donates a copy of its MIA Dimension Stone Design Manual to all participants.

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