On spectacular Gabriola Island, off the west coast of British Columbia, the Island School of Building Arts has been delivering training in traditional structural big wood, stone masonry, and related building crafts to students from around the globe since 1997.
James Mitchell, master craftsman and author of The Master’s Guide to Timber Framing, shares his knowledge as the instructor for our Big Wood program—Log Building, Timber Frame Post and Beam, and Timber Frame Hammer Bents.
Master craftsman Chris Bell teaches our Stonework and Rumford Fireplace discipline.
French Compagnon Patrick Moore guides students through l'Art du Trait, complex roof systems for timber joinery.
ISBA also offers workshops in Concrete Countertops, Solar Installation, and SketchUp.
Learning is hands-on, practical, and experiential, designed to appeal to both the aspiring and the experienced craftsperson. At the end you will have the skills, certificate, international friends, and confidence to work in your chosen medium. A total submersion in wood, rock, and fire, surrounded by water, ISBA focuses on the elements that spark and foster creativity in the building arts. With the perfect location for skills development, creative expression and personal focus, a great climate and inspiring scenery, we invite you to come live the experience.
Island School of Building Arts
3199 Coast Road, Gabriola Island BC
250/247-8922
Elevating the design of timber structures
Nontoxic, biodegradable, sustainable
Quality, customer satisfaction, longevity.