I believe you can craft and do research at any crafting station however a school or guild will advance your crafting and research faster. Being a member will not effect your skills much, it will just give you access to the advance stations and guildmate's research.
"Count Eldric Blackmoore of The Haven, offering direct support for the Hunters, Explorers and Gathers of Elyria"
i dont think there is a confirmed answer to this, i do believe the craft stations in the guild building (or buildings?) offer a large part of the guild and school mechanical bonuses like increased research and or production.
