Master Builders’ Institute

Founded in 1724, The Carpenters’ Company of the City and County of Philadelphia is the oldest extant craft guild and professional association in the United States. We preserve and interpret Carpenters’ Hall, a National Historic Landmark built between 1770 and 1774 and a showplace for 18th-century architectural design and building techniques, and we have been a learning community for professionals in Philadelphia’s built environment for 296 years, including running the nation’s first architecture school in the early 1820s. The Carpenters’ Company today has a membership of 190 leaders drawn from the region’s major architectural, structural engineering and construction management firms. 

The mission of The Carpenters’ Company states that “we provide encouragement, education and support for emerging industry professionals.” We fulfill this part of our mission through the Master Builders’ Institute (MBI).

Dating back to ancient Egypt and continuing through the Industrial Revolution, Master Builders led construction projects and were the precursors of today’s architects and engineers. Starting as apprentices, they received significant training from their elders who were already designated as Master Builders. This tradition lives on through the Carpenters’ Company and is the essence of the Master Builders’ Institute.

MBI encompasses a suite of interconnected initiatives, all of which are designed to strengthen and diversify the ACE professions (architecture, construction and engineering) and build career pathways for young people. Current MBO initiatives include:

  • Scholarships: In partnership with the ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia, we present three scholarships a year to first-year college students studying architecture, construction and engineering. In addition, we partner with the University of Pennsylvania to present the annual Charles E. Peterson Award to two exemplary students in the Graduate Program for Historic Preservation. Also, in 2024, the Carpenters’ Company and the St. Andrew’s Society of Philadelphia are proud to announce a brand new scholarship opportunity: the Robert Smith Memorial Scholarship.

    In keeping with the ACE industry’s commitment to diversity, we encourage women and people of color to apply. 

  • Master Builders’ Dialogues: This is a biannual symposium for ACE professionals at any career stage that explores emerging trends or innovations that affect the ACE industry. If a symposium is approaching. It will be listed on the Events page. 

  • Associate Membership: Current Full Members of the Company can select an emerging leader within their firm to become an Associate Member. While Associate Members don’t have voting privileges, they do enjoy the networking and learning opportunities the Company provides. Full Members are encouraged to select women and people of color to nominate as Associate Members.