Kevin,
In a large way I agree with you. Look at the picture I posted on another thread here,
This example of fantastic craftsmanship and architecture was made by, well, so called 'ignorant farmers' Professional carpenters, yes, but ones who learned it by tradition, not from a school or guild system.
I don't think education is necessary, in my experience 'architectural education' just makes people want to do strange things and leave tradition behind, because they think they know better. But you asked the question, what will help the guild survive. Well I think that's it, I think that is the only thing that the guild has to offer that will stand up in a time of economic downturn, in a time when people are only going to spend money on things that will help them.
Look at my situation, I live in rural Indiana where timber framing is about non-existent. If I wanted to learn the craft from someone with traditional knowledge, I'd have to travel a long ways. (Actually I did just that, only longer than most would have. I went to Switzerland to learn from the heritage of my fathers) If that is not an option, all that is available is books, these forums, etc. That's great to be sure, but the fact is right now we rely on people to just 'happen' across timber framing -that's how just about everyone here found it, I am sure-
And that's part of what I am getting to by bringing the Swiss organization to the conversation, they are out there promoting the craft to the public. Guild projects do that, but there is more that we could do. How significant is the guild presence at home shows, for example, or in the Midwest and the South at County Fairs, State Fairs?
