Hosted by the ICAA Southeast Chapter | 11 AIA CES Learning Units|HSW | 11 credits towards the Certificate in Classical Architecture (Building Craft)
This 1½-day workshop explores classical methods for resolving two celebrated stair problems: balancing a quarter-turn stair (producing elegantly proportioned dancing winders) and designing a curved, Fibonacci staircase. We begin by laying out stringers, and treads using classical geometry (compass, straightedge, ruler and scaled drawings). Once the geometry is established, we introduce elements of stereotomy — three-dimensional cutting and template-development techniques — to convert the drawing into precise, shop-ready templates for material layout and cutting.
Instructor:
Patrick M. Moore is an internationally acclaimed carpenter, construction manager, and educator whose career spans multimillion-dollar projects and the preservation of traditional craftsmanship. With a distinguished background that includes leading mega projects for a top construction firm and earning global renown for his expertise in stereotomy, Patrick has become a celebrated authority in historic joinery and the French heritage technique known as L’Art du Trait. Notably, he is the first English-speaking "Compagnon Passant Charpentier" in France, an honor steeped in the rich tradition of the Compagnonnage, and the first North American to earn the Master Craft Certificate for Joinery from The Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers in the United Kingdom.
Beyond his groundbreaking professional achievements, Patrick is a passionate educator and prolific contributor to the academic discourse on heritage carpentry. He founded The Professional School of Practical Stereotomy in Ottawa, empowering a new generation of craftsmen to master age-old techniques with modern precision. His work can be found in museums around the globe, from France to Japan, and his widely published articles in esteemed journals, underscore a career dedicated not only to the practical aspects of construction but also to the preservation and evolution of classical art and architecture. Recognized as a person with an "extraordinary ability" by USCIS, he has received multiple honors including investiture into the Order of Ottawa, The Premier’s Award, and an honorary degree. Patrick’s lecture promises to offer an unparalleled insight into the convergence of tradition, innovation, and craftsmanship.
Recommended Reading:
2021 Visual Interpretations of IRC Stair Codes BOOK – Published by the Stairbuilders and Manufacturers Association
Techniques of Staircase Construction: Technical and Design Instructions for Stairs Made of Wood, Steel, Concrete, and Natural Stone – Author - Willibald Mannes. ISBN – 9780442260866
The Staircase – Both Volumes – Author – John Templar. Volume 1: History and Theories & Volume 2: Studies of Hazards, Falls, and Safer Design
A Treatise on Stairbuilding and Handrailing – Author – W & A Mowat. ISBN – 0941936023
A Simplified Guide to Custom Stairbuilding and Tangent Handrailing – Author – George R. diCistina. ISBN - 9780941936637
Modern Practical Stairbuilding and Handrailing – Author – George Ellis – ISBN - 9780941936156
Les escaliers droits et balances en bois - Author - Compagnons Menuisiers du Devoir. ISBN – 9782357720176
Les escaliers courbes en bois massif - Author - Compagnons Menuisiers du Devoir. ISBN – 9782357720183
Les escaliers en bois lamelles colles- Author - Compagnons Menuisiers du Devoir. ISBN – 9782357720206
Architecture et construction des escaliers en bois- Author - Ephrem Longepe. ISBN - 2851010239
Traité théorique et pratique de charpente - Author - Louis Mazerolle. ISBN – 9782851012395
Les escaliers - Author - Compagnons du Devoir. ISBN – 9782357720428
Required Materials:
-Note pad and pencil or pen for taking notes
-Eraser
-Flexible Curve - Recommended - Staedtler
-Large French Curve - 14" Pacific Arc or Giant French Curve 46" Roarockit
-1-meter clear plastic metric ruler - Recommended - By Blundell Harling
-Large drafting triangle - Recommended – 12” or 16” by Pacific Arc
-0.3mm mechanical pencil with extra 2H lead
-Large Heavy Duty Compass - Recommended - 16" by Lee Valley
-Fine tip (0.3mm) colored markers - Recommended – Set of 10 by Steadler
Students may also find the following optional tools useful:
Bench Brush - Recommended – The classic bench brush
This course is hosted by an ICAA Chapter. Please check the Chapter website or contact the Chapter directly for the most up-to-date details including dates, times, and pricing.
Instructional Delivery Method: Live In-Person Learning Program Program Level: Introductory Prerequisites: None required AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date: September 4, 2029 Provider Number: G193 Provider Statement: The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number G193. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES ([email protected] or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).
This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.
AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
1. Construct (Geometry): Use classical straightedge-and-compass constructions to lay out a balanced quarter-turn and curved stair plans and derive the geometry of dancing winders, stringers, volutes, and tread noses.
2. Translate (Stereotomy → Templates): Apply elements of stereotomy to translate two-dimensional drawings into accurate full-size templates (or scaled templates) for curved and enrolled stringers suitable for material layout and production.
3. Balance (Ergonomics & Aesthetics): Apply tread-balancing techniques that distribute step widths through a turn to create a natural walking line that guides the body, improves comfort, and heightens aesthetic alignment with classical proportion.
4. Evaluate & Adjust (Craft & Code): Critically assess a stair layout for comfort, classical composition, code compliance, and craftability, and perform geometric adjustments on the drawing to reconcile proportion with structural and code constraints.
Questions regarding the ICAA's courses may be directed via email to [email protected]; via phone to 212-730-9646 ext. 112; or via mail to our National Office at 20 West 44th Street, Suite 310, New York, NY 10036.
To register for a continuing education course hosted by the ICAA National Office, you can use the registration link noted on the program page, email [email protected], or call 212-730-9646 x112. Please also note the ICAA National Office Registration and Cancellation Policy, which you may access by clicking here. ICAA Chapters manage course registration for their own events. While Chapter programs may be listed on classicist.org, you should check the Chapter website, or contact the Chapter directly, for the most up-to-date details including dates, times, pricing, and information on how to register.
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The ICAA National Office does not offer recurring continuing education classes on a regular basis, but aims to offer future sessions of classes whose demand exceeded capacity. Core classes are generally offered annually or semi-annually. The frequency of ICAA Chapter courses varies by region.
You can find a list of the ICAA's core curriculum subject areas along with more details about the ICAA Certificate in Classical Architecture program by clicking here. For questions about specific courses that aren’t on this list, please contact [email protected].
Most ICAA continuing education courses are suited to all artistic and academic backgrounds. Seasoned artists and novices alike have enjoyed and improved on their skills in ICAA classes. If a class has any pre-requisites or is recommended for a certain experience level, this will appear on the class listing on the ICAA website. While Chapter courses may be listed on classicist.org, you should check the Chapter website, or contact the Chapter directly, for the most up-to-date details including dates, times, pricing, and pre-requisites.
Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) in architecture includes topics that relate to the structural integrity and soundness of a building or a building site. Course content must focus on these topics in order to provide HSW credits. For more information on ICAA classes that have been approved by the AIA for HSW credit, please contact [email protected].
In many cases, you will be able to receive a full or partial refund of your course registration fee. For courses in the New York Region, you may refer to the ICAA's Continuing Education cancellation and refund policy by clicking here.
You may find the ICAA's policies [here]. If you are attending a Chapter program, please contact the Chapter directly for more information on Chapter-specific policies.