I immersed myself in the hands-on preservation of historic concrete in Concrete, WA under the guidance of expert Paul Gaudette. From exploring early 20th-century silos with a mason’s hammer to experimenting with board-formed concrete and improvised obelisk prototypes, I learned to assess materials, problem-solve in real time, and balance traditional techniques with creative improvisation. This experience reinforced the value of experimentation, resilience, and curiosity—skills I continue to bring to all preservation and design work.