Craft
Craft has three potential meanings:
- a small boat or vessel,
- to craft, make or build something and
- to be crafty or sneaky.
The word 'Craft' comes from the Middle English word for 'strength' or 'skill' which in turn derived from the old English word craeft from old high German kraft, or strength, and means “skill in planning, making, executing” by extension, “an occupation or trade requiring skill”.
In terms buildings the most relevant meaning comes from an old English word cræftan "to exercise a craft; to build" or to make something "skilfully" from the early 15C. The description craft might also be associated with the Guild of Mastercraftsmen, or with the Arts and Crafts movement which developed in Britain in the 19th Century and spread across America and Europe before it reaching.
Today craft is often still used to express precision or skill in the traditional sense of building.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
New guidance for professional practice, cultural change and regulation in social housing.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.

















