Intern Spotlight Phineas Hunt

Intern Spotlight: Phineas Hunt
My name is Phineas Hunt, and I’m a senior at Middlebury College majoring in Architecture Studies. I’m from Charlottesville, Virginia.

Why did you pursue this internship?
As an architecture major, I’ve always been deeply interested in the physical act of creating and building. I pursued this internship because I wanted to immerse myself in the hands-on aspects of the design process. Within a workshop environment, I knew I would be able to engage directly with materials and tools. After speaking with the shop owner over the phone, it became clear that working with the Wooden Hammer team would align perfectly with my interests.

Specific tasks you worked on?
During my time at Wooden Hammer, I focused primarily on building drawers from start to finish. I began with sorting freshly cut pieces from the CNC machine, making sure all components were correctly labeled and ready for assembly. I then used the dovetailing machine to cut the joints. After dry-fitting and double-checking the pieces, I moved on to gluing and clamping them for assembly, making sure each drawer was square. Once the glue had dried, I sanded all edges and surfaces to ensure a clean finish. Beyond drawer construction, I also assisted with sorting and organizing incoming materials and helping load completed projects for delivery. 

How did that experience impact your likelihood to stay in the wood products sector?
This experience definitely shifted my perspective on the wood products sector. What once seemed like a small and selective area of design now feels like a field full of creative and professional opportunities. I’m now seriously considering a future that involves woodworking or furniture design in some capacity. My time at Wooden Hammer not only taught me important technical skills but also helped me realize how fulfilling it can be to build something with your own hands. I’m eager to continue learning and expanding my knowledge in this area as I move forward in my career.