ACBA Education 

ACBA

I studied at the American College of the Building Arts (ACBA) in Charleston, South Carolina, an institution dedicated to preserving and advancing the traditional building arts through hands-on, craft-based education. Unlike conventional programs, ACBA emphasizes the integration of design, materials, and time-honored techniques, training students to become both skilled artisans and thoughtful builders.

ACBA offers six primary areas of study: blacksmithing, stone carving, timber framing, carpentry, plaster, and classical architecture. Each discipline is rooted in historic craft traditions while also being applied to modern building practices, creating a well-rounded and highly specialized education.

During my time there, I had the opportunity to study under three European master carpenters, two of whom were trained through the Compagnonnage, one of the oldest and most rigorous systems for developing master craftsmen in Europe, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. This tradition emphasizes precision, discipline, and a deep respect for materials and technique, values that were central to my training.

ACBA portfolio 

On the ACBA portfolio page, you can find all of the projects I completed during my time at the college. Each piece reflects a progression in skill, design thinking, and technical ability, showcasing not only the finished work but also the process behind it, from initial concepts and layout to execution and refinement. The portfolio highlights a range of techniques and materials, demonstrating how traditional methods were applied to increasingly complex projects. These experiences continue to influence how I approach my craft, shaping both my attention to detail and my understanding of how thoughtful design and precise execution come together in well-built work.

Externships

Between each school year at the American College of the Building Arts, students complete externships with real-world companies across the country and around the world, honing their skills and learning from experienced craftsmen in the field. These externships are a core part of the ACBA experience because they bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice. Students apply the techniques they’ve learned, whether in woodworking, masonry, plaster, or other trades, under real jobsite conditions where precision, efficiency, and problem-solving matter every day. Working alongside experienced artisans exposes them to industry standards, new tools, and diverse approaches that can’t be fully replicated in a school setting. On the externship pages, you can see photos from the companies I worked for, along with all the amazing work I was able to do and learn from.