A Summer at Hurst DBR

I was fortunate enough this summer to connect with Hurst Design Build Remodel and work as an apprentice carpenter/summer help intern on their team. I worked under a skilled set of carpenters to build and remodel homes. One of the larger projects I worked on was a roof repair project near Cleveland where a tree took out most of the attic space. We had to re-frame a hip and valley roof and added a dormer. I was a helping hand but over the course of the summer, I was able to take on more responsibility and would make most of the cuts for framing and sheeting along with some electrical removal. My main job however was demolition. I became proficient in removing drywall and existing walls. I also as the apprentice was the “lug-the-sheets-of-plywood” guy, but even being there to carry around stuff or hold up a truss while they leveled and secured it I was able to ask questions. I learned about northeast Ohio codes, building practices, and tricks of the trade. Most applicable to architecture school and moving forward was learning standard spacing for finished and non-finished attic spaces along with stick framing span maximums. Similarly, a helpful thing I learned was how most homes in Ohio are weatherproofed and insulated. There were a bunch of other little things that I will never forget but working with my hands from architectural plans has given me an invaluable education in my desired field.

A few photos of in progress projects I had a hand in.

I also want to thank Doug for being a kind and patient mentor - I wish him the best.