His ability to endow raw iron with pure lyricism is known and admired throughout, not only in South Carolina, but as evidenced by his many honors and awards, he is recognized in all of America.” -John Paul Huguley, Founder, School of the Building Arts (now the American College of the Building Arts) Philip Simmons was born on June 9, 1912, in Wando on Daniel Island, South Carolina. Simmons was raised by his grandparents but at the age of eight, was sent to live with his mother in the city of Charleston and was enrolled as a student at Buist School.