How one masonry educator is turning lessons learned from wildfires into a blueprint for safer communities

In Colorado, where wildfires are an ever-present threat, Donald Harvey is forging a path toward safer communities through fire-resistant construction. As Vice President and Principal at Atkinson-Noland & Associates (ANA), regional representative for the Concrete Masonry Checkoff, and adjunct instructor at the University of Colorado, Donald blends experience as both investigator and wildfire survivor to champion resilient building practices. 

From Investigation to Instruction 

Donald’s journey into masonry was intentional. After graduating college, he spent five years in Dallas, Texas, conducting non-destructive building investigations. When he moved to Colorado, he joined ANA and developed a passion for masonry investigation and design. With over 19 years of experience, Donald helps set national masonry standards and shares his expertise through teaching. 

Teaching Resilience at the University of Colorado 

Each spring, Donald teaches structural engineering students at University of Colorado Boulder about the art and science of masonry design. He notes, “Very few curricula cover masonry design in depth. Most students know reinforced concrete and steel, but not masonry.” Determined to fill this gap, Donald’s course covers load-bearing walls, wind and seismic loads, and the fire-resistant properties that can save lives. 

The response from students is overwhelmingly positive. Many say the course provides practical skills they use in their careers, and some become their firms’ masonry experts. “Their enthusiasm is contagious,” Donald shares. “It’s energizing to see them learning and applying new knowledge.” 

Lessons From the Marshall Fire 

Donald’s advocacy is rooted in personal experience. During the Marshall Fire, which devastated his Superior, Colorado, neighborhood in Boulder County, Donald’s wood-framed home survived, albeit filled with ash and soot. However, many neighbors lost everything. The only remnants of some homes were the masonry accent bands and chimneys. The fire underscored the importance of resilient construction and highlighted the urgent need for fire-resistant solutions. 

Concrete Masonry: A Blueprint for Resilient Communities 

Donald sees concrete masonry as a solution to wildfire devastation. Masonry doesn’t just meet fire ratings; it withstands real fires. “There’s a difference between being fire-rated and fireproof,” he emphasizes. “Masonry stands up to extreme conditions and can protect lives and property.” He urges students to consider these benefits and design safer buildings. As Colorado’s climate becomes drier and less predictable, Donald’s message is more urgent: strong buildings save lives. 

Building Walls. And Legacies.  

Beyond the classroom, Donald is an industry leader. He collaborates with the Concrete Masonry Checkoff and the Beauty of Block initiative to advance research and advocacy, uniting a once-fragmented industry around a vision for safer, more resilient communities. “It’s exciting to be part of something bigger,” Donald says. “We’re not just building walls; we’re building legacies.” 

Lasting Impact 

For Donald, teaching is about more than engineering. It’s about empowering future generations to safeguard communities and shape a better future. “Students bring fresh perspectives and optimism,” he says. “They challenge me to think bigger and, together, we’re laying the foundation for a safer Colorado.” Through energy, expertise and commitment to resilience, Donald demonstrates that building stronger communities starts with education and a whole lot of concrete blocks. To learn more about how concrete masonry supports resilient building, visit https://beautyofblock.com/why-block/resilience/.