Kyle Murphy

As a carpenter in my 20s, I found myself helping a millwright restore gristmills in Pennsylvania. We would drive up, work 8 straight days, and return home to prepare the next pieces of the mill needing repair. On one of those long drives, I noticed a Timber Framing on the dash, and while thumbing through it, something clicked: I wanted to build houses for others, wanted my efforts to matter and last beyond me.

Eager to learn more than how to repair and preserve these structures, I began looking for opportunities and places to learn. Joined the Guild, took as many classes as I could to learn new skills. What I didn't expect to find in this expedition for more knowledge and skill was the community embedded in it, and that aspect of the Guild has been formative for me over the years. The willingness to share at any level is like no other trade. I've participated in many Community Building Projects, as a volunteer, as an instructor, and as a project manager. I've taught at Heartwood for the last 5 years. And I'm still learning.

Having been on the ATP committee a few years ago, I would like to continue supporting the Apprentice Training Program, helping to build more connections and create an open pathway for journeywork.