About the Guild


Gathering on the Guelph (Ontario) Bridge, 1992.
photo by Mark Crabtree

Founded in 1985, the Timber Framers Guild is a non-profit educational membership association dedicated to the craft of timber framing. We serve as a center of timber frame information and design for professionals, aficionados, and the general public.

The Guild conducts national and regional conferences, sponsors community building workshops, coordinates regional gatherings, offers professional development and education, and publishes a member magazine and a quarterly journal.

Guild members also can participate in the following special interest groups:

  • Timber Frame Engineering Council (TFEC)  The Timber Frame Engineering Council formed in 2005 at a Guild conference in recognition of the considerable number of structural engineers among the Guild and in response to a felt need for systematic research, discussion and codification of timber frame joinery and structural practices. Our members are dedicated to advancing the technology of timber frame engineering. 
     
  • Traditional Timber Frame Research & Advisory Group (TTRAG)  Membership in TTRAG is for those Guild members who actively pursue a better understanding of historic timber-framed structures and techniques. TTRAG members meet annually in a location rich in historic timber structures, present illustrated talks to each other, and follow a historic buildings tour. In addition, the group produces an annual public conference that includes speakers from outside the Guild and tours of local historic buildings.           
  • TFG Companies  Craft, and the craft of business, are deeply intertwined. Our goal is to build a vital timber frame community with a strong market where all can thrive. Well-run companies are the key to a prosperous industry. The Guild assists TFG Companies by offering educational opportunities for developing business skills and creating collective public outreach programs designed to increase awareness – we tell the story of timber framing.

 

Learn more about the Timber Framers Guild:

Guild Documents

Mission

Guild Leadership

Community Building Projects

Learn More >

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