Building Arts Institute

The Building Arts Institute is the commission program of the American College of the Building Arts. Faculty lead each commission, and students work alongside them in the College’s shops in Charleston. We take on stone carving, plaster, ironwork and blacksmithing, carpentry and joinery, timber framing, masonry and architectural design. We work for homeowners, preservation organizations, architects, contractors and institutions.

How a project works

Each project follows these seven steps, from the inquiry form to delivery.

  1. Step 1. Fill out the project inquiry form →
  2. Step 2. We review your inquiry and name your contact
  3. Step 3. A faculty lead reviews the work with you, at the site if needed
  4. Step 4. One written price and scope, valid 60 days
  5. Step 5. Sign the agreement and pay a 50% deposit
  6. Step 6. Design approval, then work in our shops; changes approved in writing
  7. Step 7. Delivery or pickup, and the final invoice

For a project already under way, email Barbara Antley at antleyb@acba.edu.