Neil Godden 

Neil Godden has been a timber frame contractor in Western Massachusetts, specializing in building traditional timber frames using primarily hand tools since 2000. Neil received his Civil Engineering degree from the University at Buffalo in 1996. Soon after, he completed an apprenticeship under master builder Jack Sobon and he has been in love with the craft ever since.

Neil enjoys sharing his knowledge and techniques for this time-tested craft. He has been an instructor at the Heartwood School since 2005. He has taught at many Timber Framer’s Guild Community Building Projects including the Bayles Boat Shed Long Island Seaport and Eco-Center (LI, NY), Sunrise Mill hand tool workshop (Schwenksville, PA) and was the Project Manager for Champlain Canal Visitor’s Center (Schuylerville, NY). Neil has also taught timber framing at Pingree Campus of Colorado State University, the Hancock Shaker Village (Handcock, MA) and a workshop on the Island of Gotland in Sweden.

In 2021, Neil was asked to be the Educational Director and Operations Manager for the Heartwood School and now serves as Executive Director. Neil is looking forward to another amazing season at the Heartwood School!