I got a young builders grant to imagine and create a timber framed 568 sq ft earthen home, using local materials like straw and clay. I was in charge of every aspect from planning, milling the lumber, digging the foundation, plumbing, electricity, construction, and interior design. Led small crews and worked independently while gaining experience with Bobcat tractors, metal and wood cutting, roofing, concrete, felling trees, and more.

I spend a season building trails in Chugach National Park as an employee of the non-profit Alaska Trails, which included but wasn't limited to digging drains in wet conditions, falling hazarded trees, redirecting streams, gravel work, building new turnpikes, bridges and boardwalk. Gaining experience with chainsaw technics, hand digging tools, operating a electric wheel barrel.