John Speweik, CSI is a historic masonry specialist for Speweik Preservation Consultants, Inc., an independent consulting and testing agency specializing in matching historic stone, brick and lime mortar based in Elgin, Illinois. He is a fifth generation mason, from a family of masons, ca. 1870 Posen, Prussia. John has developed a vibrant passion for replicating historic masonry materials in both design and application using the building itself as his model. His reputation as an innovator and pioneer in lime mortars has prompted revolutionary changes to the masonry restoration industry in the past 20 years. John believes strongly that buildings have a voice and communicate clearly through visible patterns. He identifies these patterns and then interprets and translates the findings into workable treatment options for his clients.