Cutting spacers for drywall returns at Yestermorrow in Fall of 2020

Why are you interested in construction/natural building?

I’ve always been drawn to architecture but have been a little less eager about the building side until I had a contracting job in the summer of 2019. As the job went on, I learned more about how architecture and construction are closely related but there is a lack of bridge between the two fields and I want to continue to learn how to merge these. I have also always cared about sustainability so making whatever I am building sustainable is important and aligns with my personal values.

What have your experiences been in this field and how has this shaped your interest in this company in particular?

I worked as an assistant for a contractor which was my first experience with construction. To build on this experience, I enrolled in Yestermorrow to develop my architectural and construction skills. The school was also very focused on sustainability and gave me the skills to become more comfortable with the concept and application of construction. I am looking forward to doing even more towards the sustainability side of construction and learning new methods of building.

Lime Plaster Installation over hempcrete on Cape Cod

You had a unique introduction to HempStone, by joining in the midst of lime plaster installation on Cape Cod. What was your experience like?

Working on the Cape Cod project was the best experience. The crew was really incredible and countered the generally male and masculine energy that tends to dominate construction sites. It was the first job site that I worked on for a job that felt very comfortable and progressive and it was nice to work with people of other genders. Everyone was just a really great person! The actual project was really cool and in a beautiful location, it was definitely the prettiest job site I have ever worked on. In terms of architecture, the project was very interesting and it was nice to see this kind of house. I also noticed flaws of the project, which all have, especially related to the sustainability side and the type of house they were building. It is important to see the whole picture of the situation. Overall, the project was very intense but a lot of fun.

How do you see hempcrete being used in the future of construction?

I’m hoping to see it at a larger scale because it is still in its infancy. Beyond hempcrete, it is cool to see new types of answers to sustainability and I am excited to be a part of a company that is doing cool new things that are good for the earth. I’m hopeful for all of these new building solutions and to see them become part of mainstream building.

What is your favorite part about what you do/have done?

I love the design and art aspects of it as art has played a really important role in my life. I care about spaces and aesthetic design and am interested in pairing it with sustainable building practices that are becoming more present in our world.

What are you most looking forward to in this internship?

Being near the end of my college career, the real world is a very scary concept. Beyond the fact that I am passionate about the work I am doing, I am just excited to work again, especially in the context of the pandemic. I am also excited to be working in a job that will lead me to my future.

Graham fun fact?

I studied Chinese for 7 years

Introducing Graham Denison