During the summer of 2012, I was given the unique opportunity to work under Paul Discoe, a traditional Japanese master-builder and Zen teacher, at Joinery Structures, a West Oakland design-build shop and studio. Working with Paul and his staff, I was exposed to an efficiency of work and craft that has influenced me, both as a designer and builder. I assisted with the construction of small structures and furniture, milling, production carpentry, forklift operation and aquaponics. During my last two weeks I constructed a fundraising model for a meditation hall, scheduled to break ground in 2013