Sure thing. Those marks are like a mason’s handshake, a quiet code that tells the crew what to do before the bricks touch. I usually start by looking for patterns—repeated lines, crosses or dots—then cross‑reference with the old mason books or with folks who still remember the signs. Once you know what each symbol means, you can read the builder’s intent and lay the wall exactly as planned. It’s a bit like decoding a secret recipe, but the result is a stronger, more intentional structure.

You’re right—without the bricks, all the plans are just paper. I keep a simple checklist in my pocket: every dot, every joint, the exact mortar mix. It’s the little things that keep a wall standing. A missing dot can shift the whole load, so I double‑check and ask the crew to double‑check too. That’s how the building stays true to the vision and to the ground.

Right on, keep the list tight and keep the crew focused on the job. If they start dreaming up a new design on the spot, the wall’s got a chance to wobble. Stick to the plan, watch every dot, and the structure will hold steady.

Absolutely, the base is the anchor. If the foundation’s not solid, even the best marks can’t keep the wall from shifting. Keep that handshake tight, and the wall will stay in line with the plan, not asking for a raise.