Saturday, February 22, 2025, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Trolley Barn Campus, 649 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC

Join us for a tour of the American College of the Building Arts. Learn how our students become skilled artisans and gain a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Classical Architecture & Design, Plaster, Stone Carving, Blacksmithing, Architectural Carpentry and Timber Framing.

Saturday, February 22nd, 10:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m.

ACBA Jewelry and Metalsmithing Studio, 1064 King Street, Charleston SC

Instructor:  Kaminer Haislip, Adjunct Professor of Silversmithing

Cost: $238 for Members / $280 for NonMembers

Students will handcraft a copper bowl and learn beginner silversmithing skills in the American College of the Building Arts jewelry and metalsmithing studio. 

Techniques include sinking, forming, hammering, annealing, filing, and polishing.

All metalsmithing tools, quiptment, and materials are provided. We ask that students bring Sharpie marker, plain white paper, pencil, eraser, and ruler to design their bowl. No experience necessary!

Thursday, February 27, 2025, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Trolley Barn Campus, 649 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC

Join us for a lecture series hosted by ACBA student Brendan Cerling, in partnership with ACBA Wood Chair Markus Damwerth. Brendan will give a presentation on his recent independent study work documenting and building a wooden boat.

Brendan Cerling is a junior at ACBA, majoring in architectural carpentry. He is from Colorado, but grew up in Pasadena, CA. In addition to his work at ACBA, Brendan serves as an intern for the Charleston Wesley Foundation and as youth director for North Charleston United Methodist Church.  In addition to carpentry, he enjoys reading, hiking, and learning how to make things in general. After graduating from ACBA he hopes to work with churches by building liturgical furniture. His boat building project was inspired by a desire to learn more about carpentry in a new context.

Saturday, March 15, 2025, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Trolley Barn Campus, 649 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC

Cost: $45

Exclusively for Charleston by Design, join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of the American College of the Building Arts and hear how the school is making its mark on Charleston’s future architecture. Renowned architect, Christian Sottile, will join us for this tour to discuss the Courier Square project, developed with Greystar and the American College of the Building Arts (ACBA). In a one of the largest upcoming developments on the peninsula, Sottile will share insights into the project, focusing on its Charleston-inspired design that incorporates details from the city’s architectural history. Following the talk, ACBA professors will lead a tour of the college's studios, showcasing the incredible craftsmanship and handcrafted design elements created by students in disciplines such as stone carving, timber framing, and blacksmithing.

Wednesday, March 26, 2005, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Trolley Barn Campus, 649 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC

Join us for a lecture presented by James L. Ward, ASLA as he presents a survey of English and French Gardens and how they function as a form of cultural expression. This lecture will focus on renowned gardeners such as John Locke, “Capability” Brown, and Henry Middleton.

Saturday, March 29, 2025, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Trolley Barn Campus, 649 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC

Join us for a tour of the American College of the Building Arts. Learn how our students become skilled artisans and gain a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Classical Architecture & Design, Plaster, Stone Carving, Blacksmithing, Architectural Carpentry and Timber Framing.

Thursday, April 17, 2025, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Trolley Barn Campus, 649 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC

Silversmith and Professor of Silversmithing Kaminer Haislip will present a lecture on Guilloche or Engine Turning, a handcrafted process utilizing a manual machine to put engraved lines, designs, and patterns into metal. Though the technique has its roots in ancient times, the machines used today, most built before WWI, have their origins in 18th  century France and Switzerland. Brought into mainstream culture by Breguet in the 18th  century and Faberge in the 19th century, the decoration on silver objects, such as cigarette cases and belt buckles, was extremely popular during the 1920s Art Deco era.

Saturday, April 26, 2025, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Trolley Barn Campus, 649 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC

Join us for a tour of the American College of the Building Arts. Learn how our students become skilled artisans and gain a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Classical Architecture & Design, Plaster, Stone Carving, Blacksmithing, Architectural Carpentry and Timber Framing.

Friday, May 16, 2025, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Trolley Barn Campus, 649 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC

The Capstone Reception is a highlight of ACBA's calendar year. Our senior students showcase their final project, demonstrating the mastery of their craft, their expertise of ACBA's comprehensive curriculum and their readiness for graduation. This lively showcase of student talent is open to the public.