Brick Works
Series

Brick Works are a series of relaxed, highly informative evenings, which offer practitioners and brick enthusiasts the opportunity to explore examples of contemporary brick architecture, to network with peers, and add clay brick to your calendar of continuing professional development (CPD).

Upcoming Events
Brick Works Belfast Thursday 7th August 2025
Tickets now on sale
Brick Works Bristol Wednesday 10th September 2025
Tickets now on sale
Brick Works Glasgow Thursday 16th October 2025
Tickets on sale soon

Brick Works Belfast

We're thrilled to invite you to Brickworks Belfast, an exclusive evening hosted by the Brick Development Association in partnership with Brick and Stone, and IG Masonry Support.

Join us at the iconic Titanic Distillers in Belfast on 7th August 2025, at 5:00 PM for an evening filled with networking, insights, and celebration of clay brick architecture. This is a unique opportunity to connect with industry peers and explore the latest in brick innovation within a truly historic setting. We look forward to seeing you there!

What's Included?

Informative presentations from Industry leaders and top Belfast Architects
Complimentary 'Titanic Whiskey' cocktail and refreshments throughout the evening
Networking opportunities
Exclusive event gift bag from our event partners

Book your Tickets Here

Meet The Speakers

Technical Sales Manager, IG Masonry Support (Keystone Group) Stephen Regazzoli

Stephen Regazzoli has been with the Keystone Group since February 2019, bringing a strong background in civil engineering and valuable hands-on experience. For six years, he focused on sales for Keystone Lintels before expanding his role in 2024 to also include sales for Keyfix and IG Masonry Support. Stephen plays a key role in promoting innovative masonry solutions and supporting clients in delivering projects with efficiency and precision. His practical expertise and commitment make him a trusted partner in the construction industry.

Architect, TODD Architects Maurice Rafferty

Maurice has worked with TODD Architects for four years, contributing to projects across several sectors, including residential, student accommodation, and industrial. He is currently the Project Architect for multiple university buildings in Belfast, including the iReach project for QUB, which is under construction. Maurice has experience across all project stages, with strength in detailed design and delivery. His expertise includes extensive façade design and detailing, notably on the VITA PBSA scheme, which was shortlisted for a Brick Award.

Director, Brick & Stone Nick Blair

Nick Blair is a well-established and highly respected figure within the brick industry, and known across the UK and Europe for his expertise, innovative approach and attention to detail. As the visionary behind the brand Brick and Stone, he has earned the admiration of colleagues, partners, and peers alike for his dedication to quality, design, and tailored façade solutions.

Renowned for developing project-specific brick blends that often become market leaders, Nick has built a reputation for delivering truly unique and considered façades. His understanding of architectural intent, combined with technical knowledge, has made him a trusted partner on projects throughout the UK and Europe.

As the driving force behind the development Brick and Stone’s external façade portfolio, Nick takes a hands-on approach, working closely with architects, developers, and manufacturing partners to ensure every solution aligns with the vision and demands of each individual project.

Site Manager, Heron Bros Diarmuid Mullan

Diarmuid is a seasoned professional with a trades background who has seamlessly transitioned into site management. With extensive expertise in heritage projects across the UK, Diarmuid has been a crucial Site Manager for Templemore and various other BLTP projects.

Known for his meticulous attention to detail and creative problem-solving skills, Diarmuid stands out as a dedicated team player who never gives up on achieving excellence. His commitment to each project reflects his unwavering dedication and passion for overcoming challenges.

Diarmuid Mullan is a highly respected Site Manager at Heron Bros Ltd (HBL) and was the winner of Business in the Community’s Responsible Business Ambassador Award in 2024.

Sustainability Panel

Associate, Arup Alexis Harrison

Alexis (Lex) is a global expert on designing with brick and architectural ceramics, including terracotta, faience and tiles. He is a proponent of low environmental impact materials, helping Arup and their clients better harmonise our built environment and our natural world through the technical understanding of materials including earth and biocomposites.

Lex has extensive experience of designing challenging façades in brick, terracotta, faience and porcelain, as well as natural stone. He also undertakes failure investigations and advises on remedial works. Lex also designs brick and ceramic cladding systems for innovative one-off projects, as well as advising on and designing products and systems for manufacturers.

He is a seasoned judge for the Brick Awards and chairs the Sustainability Brick Award committee and the Brickmakers Quality Charter Audit and Assessment Panel.

Founder and Director, The Sustainability Business Ltd James Willcox

Through his consultancy business, James has been supporting Brick and Stone in their delivery of sustainability and embodied carbon solutions. For two decades, he has been at the forefront of driving sustainability within construction, having previously worked for a number of major contractors and developers. His passion now lies in developing project sustainable strategies, whole life carbon analysis and lifecycle assessment to deliver tangible results. He was previously a Non-Executive Director for Sustainability West Midlands and contributed an expert chapter to the book "Social Value in Practice". He has completed UKGBC Future Leaders and Cambridge Centre for Sustainability Leadership programmes, and was part of the team that developed the Cambridge Centre for Smart Innovation (CSIC) Carbon Reduction Code.

Director, Brick & Stone Nick Blair

Read Nick's bio above.

Rb Little Victoria Street Belfast Close up 10263

Presentation: Little Victoria Street

Little Victoria Street is a striking new student accommodation development in the heart of Belfast. The building features a five-storey podium with a slender 11-storey tower rising above, creating a prominent addition to the city skyline. Achieving the refined brickwork expression envisioned by TODD Architecture required intricate detailing, made possible through the expertise and collaboration of IG Masonry Support.

In their presentation, Stephen and Maurice will explore TODD Architecture’s initial design intent and how IG Masonry Support played a crucial role in developing a bespoke masonry support and brick soffit system strategy. They will delve into the project’s key challenges, including the use of perforated bricks on soffit systems, the execution of corbelled details using dual-level soffit systems, and the integration of varied reveal depths across all elevations.

Further discussion will cover how the team avoided pre-tensioned pockets, value-engineered solutions to meet strict budget constraints, and precisely aligned masonry support shelf angles with brickwork joints—no small feat given the scale and complexity of the project.

Presentation: Templemore Baths

Templemore Baths stands as a significant piece of Belfast’s architectural and social heritage—an enduring symbol of resilience, community spirit, and historical continuity. Originally constructed in 1891 and extended in 1929 in response to a national cholera pandemic, this Grade B+ listed building remains the only surviving example of a Victorian public baths on the island of Ireland.

This presentation will explore the ambitious restoration and expansion project led by Belfast City Council in partnership with the Templemore Users Trust and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Delivered by Heron Bros and an expert design team—including Aecom, McAdam Design, Consarc, and Tetra Tech—the project reimagined Templemore Baths for modern use while safeguarding its rich legacy.

Key themes will include the meticulous conservation approach required for a structure of this historical significance, the integration of modern facilities within a heritage setting, and the collaborative effort needed to overcome decades of neglect. The team will highlight how original features were carefully preserved, how new interventions were sensitively introduced, and how specialist skills were revived to bring the building back to life.

Panel Discussion

Curious about the environmental advantages of clay bricks in construction?

New for Brick Works Belfast is a compelling panel discussion featuring experts Nick Blair, Alexis Harrison, and James Willcox, who will be exploring the unique characteristics of clay brick as a building material, answering questions directly from the audience.

The conversation will highlight why clay bricks are incredibly durable, long-lasting, and versatile. With a typical lifespan of over 150 years, clay bricks offer incredible longevity in design. Plus, at the end of a building's life, they can be reused or recycled, playing a key role in resource efficiency for construction.

The panellists will delve into the environmental attributes of clay bricks, including the challenges manufacturers face to decarbonise and manage their environmental impact. You'll hear how clay brick, made from natural, often locally sourced materials, doesn't emit VOCs or toxins, helping to maintain good indoor air quality. Their thermal mass can even assist with regulating indoor temperatures, supporting energy efficiency.