How Architectural Video Elevates Award-Winning Projects
Architectural video is a growing trend in the industry, sharing deeper insights of a project and how it intersects human life and our natural world. Architectural project videography tells meaningful stories, engages audiences and shapes the perception of our built environment and the people who bring these spaces to life.
A perfect example of this is the annual “Excellence In Masonry Awards” presented by the Wisconsin Masonry Alliance, exhibited at the AIA Wisconsin Conference & Expo on Architecture. This awards program focuses on masonry projects exemplifying great design, inspiring material usage, and quality construction. WMA brings together a panel of experienced judges to review the many submitted projects for each category of masonry excellence. This year’s program featured the following categories:
Excellence in Clay Masonry
Excellence in ConcreteMasonry
Excellence in Natural Stone
Excellence in Residential Masonry
Dennis Wilichowski Craftsmanship Award
Excellence in Masonry Best of Show
Through a mix of interviews, drone overviews, time-lapse footage and close-up motion shots, these videos tell the story behind each project. For firms working in architecture, construction, or engineering, video like this adds significant value to potential clients, partners, and peers who want a deeper understanding of your values, your process, and the quality of your work.
Whether submitting for awards, refreshing your marketing strategy, or simply wanting to show the kind of work your team is capable of, thoughtful architectural videography is a powerful way to get noticed in a crowded space.
ōLiv Madison – Excellence in Clay Masonry
This architectural video documents the design and construction of ōLiv Madison, a ten-story mixed-use development located near the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Designed by Antunovich Associates and built by Treehouse Construction, the project emphasizes the creative potential of clay masonry in urban-scale architecture.
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Architect: Antunovich Associates (Chicago, IL)
Builder: Treehouse Construction
Client: Wisconsin Masonry Alliance
Drone flyovers, time-lapse sequences, and slider footage highlight the complexity of the masonry detailing, including quilted and polka-dot brick patterns, custom screen walls, and dramatic cantilevered brick arches. Interviews with project manager Nish Shah and the award jury provide context on the architectural intent to break down the building’s large scale into distinctive volumes, each with its own material expression.
This project is a standout example of urban architecture in Wisconsin, illustrating how thoughtful brickwork can enhance both form and function in modern mixed-use development across the Midwest.
Modern European Residence – Excellence in Residential Masonry
Location: Elm Grove, Wisconsin
Architect: Deep River Partners
Builder: Venture Construction Group
Client: Wisconsin Masonry Alliance
This residential architectural video showcases a beautifully executed modern European-style home in Elm Grove, Wisconsin. Designed by Deep River Partners and built by Venture Construction Group, the project draws inspiration from old-world European farmhouses while integrating clean, modern masonry detailing.
The film features aerial drone footage, time-lapse sequences, and smooth motion shots that highlight key masonry elements—from the granite driveway to the white brick walls, Indiana limestone accents, and massive cut-stone pieces. Interview footage with architect Nick Mathers offers insights into the design process and the thoughtful use of materials to balance elegance with timeless durability.
This video shows a strong example of residential architecture and masonry in Wisconsin, capturing craftsmanship, design intent, and the lasting impact of quality masonry in Midwestern residential design.
Outreach Community Health Center – Excellence in Concrete Masonry
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Architect: Continuum Architects
Builder: JCP Construction
Client: Wisconsin Masonry Alliance
This video features the Outreach Community Health Center addition in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a project recognized for its innovative use of concrete masonry. Designed by Continuum Architects and built by JCP Construction, the expansion responds to both functional healthcare needs and the architectural opportunity to create a bold, sculptural form.
By utilizing intentional compositions and smooth motion, we explore how linear concrete masonry units—custom-blended in color and staggered for dynamic visual rhythm—anchor the building while harmonizing with the original structure. Project architect Wes Bryce explains the design intention behind using horizontal forms to modernize the facade and emphasize groundedness.
Awarded for its material clarity and design execution, this project exemplifies contemporary healthcare architecture in Wisconsin, celebrating how concrete masonry can elevate public architecture and support the evolving needs of urban health infrastructure in the Midwest.
GI Associates – Excellence in Natural Stone Masonry
This architectural video highlights the GI Associates facility in Stevens Point, Wisconsin—an award-winning healthcare project recognized for its use of natural stone masonry. Designed by Somerville Architects and constructed by Miron Construction, the building balances function and form, housing both a clinic and an ambulatory surgery center.
Location: Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Architect: Somerville Architects
Builder: Miron Construction
Client: Wisconsin Masonry Alliance
Drone cinematography, dynamic detail shots, time-lapse video, and interview segments with project architect Anders Sandli help emphasize key masonry elements such as the contrasting mortar joints, durable stonework designed for Midwest weather conditions, and acoustic challenges solved through textural surface choices inside this healthcare clinical space.
As part of the Wisconsin Masonry Alliance’s Excellence in Masonry Awards, this film documents compelling usage of natural stone with skilled masonry, thoughtful healthcare design, and collaborative construction practices through architectural videography.
Veit Regional Corporate Office – Craftsmanship Award
The Veit Regional Corporate Office in New Berlin, WI is a masonry-rich commercial project recognized with the Craftsmanship Award by the Wisconsin Masonry Alliance. Designed by Zimmerman Architectural Studios and built by VJS Construction, the building serves as a regional extension of Veit’s Minnesota-based headquarters.
Location: New Berlin, Wisconsin
Architect: Zimmerman Architectural Studios
Builder: VJS Construction
Client: Wisconsin Masonry Alliance
The design integrates fluted CMU and rusticated concrete block textures to reflect both corporate branding and the rugged nature of Veit’s excavation and demolition work. Stack-bond masonry, an uncommon but visually striking approach, required high levels of coordination and technical precision across the project team.
This video showcases how commercial architectural videography here in Wisconsin can emphasize construction excellence and material storytelling. This project is a testament to masonry’s versatility and enduring relevance in Midwest corporate design.
Excellence in Masonry “Best of Show” — ōLiv Madison
Located near the University of Wisconsin–Madison, this expansive mixed-use development exemplifies innovation in clay masonry through thoughtful design and advanced execution and truly deserves the “Best of Show” Award.
With historic facades salvaged and reconstructed, and over ten types of brick and stone used throughout, the project demonstrates how contemporary masonry can pay homage to heritage while pushing design boundaries. From modular and utility brick patterns to intricate arches and cast stone detailing, the masonry serves as both structure and statement.
Interviews with the project team and judging panel emphasize the project’s scale, craftsmanship, and attention to architectural variation—treating each section as a distinct volume. The result is a cohesive, urban development celebrated for both aesthetic vision and technical excellence.
Using architectural videography with drone footage, time-lapse, and creative cinematography, this Wisconsin-based project sets a high bar for modern masonry in large-scale, mixed-use architecture across the Midwest.
Architectural Videography in Action
For AEC firms focused on building visibility, trust, and long-term client relationships, architectural video extends the life and reach of your best work. It becomes a tool for awards submissions and end-of-project celebrations, as well as for marketing campaigns, social media content, recruiting, and even RFP responses. Pairing a story-focused video with strong photography helps create a complete and compelling narrative.
In a competitive field, storytelling matters. And video, when done with intention, becomes one of the most effective ways to stand out.
