Architectural Woodworking Program Overview
Our career training program prepares both beginning and experienced woodworkers for careers in architectural woodworking. We’re unique among woodworking schools in that, after learning cabinet-making fundamentals, our students work directly with members of the local community to design, draw, plan, build, finish and install projects ranging from built-in cabinets for private residences to reception desks for public libraries. This exposes students to the entire project life-cycle and prepares them for a range of jobs within the industry or for self-employment. We also take several field trips to introduce students to a variety of cabinetmaking and specialty woodworking shops.
Students are divided into a morning class and an afternoon class, each with a maximum of twelve students. Two experienced instructors work together to teach both classes, emphasizing skills development and personal responsibility as students move through the curriculum and begin their community projects. As a member of the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI), we incorporate AWI standards throughout the design/build process. We also expect students to treat this program as they would a job, preparing them for the rigors and responsibilities of a career in cabinetmaking. Students graduate with a Certificate of Completion when these goals are reached.
Skills Development:
- The safe use of common stationary woodworking machinery and portable power tools
- Understanding properties of solid wood and how to select and mill lumber
- Reading and creating shop drawings and preparing material cut lists and estimates
- The use, selection, and processing of a wide range of panel products
- The selection and use of veneers, and the use of a vacuum bag for veneering.
- The use and sharpening of hand tools, such as planes, chisels and scrapers
- Cabinet construction methods, including face frame, frameless and the euro 32 mm system
- Cabinet joinery/assembly techniques, selection/use of cabinet hardware
- Cabinet installation
- Spray finishing fundamentals
- Writing a resume and creating a portfolio
Personal Responsibility:
- Arriving and departing on time, with very few absences
- Being prepared each day to do the best possible job
- Participating in daily shop clean-up and other shop-related tasks
- Attending field trips and participating in other opportunities to learn more about the industry
And More:
- Step by step walk-through
- Photos of student projects
- Admissions information, including tuition and dates for the 2010-2011 school year
- Frequently asked questions
- Contact us to ask specific questions or arrange a tour.
