Dillan Wendtland| Construction Assistant / Shop Specialist

Dillan started building with Legos as a child and never lost interest in making things. He eventually moved from plastic blocks to solid wood, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s wooden contraptions.

“I like creating things that I can put more of myself into,” Dillan explains. One of his recent personal projects was converting a van to make it livable. “I watched a lot of van-life videos and figured out how to fit a full-size heated shower and a bed in there. It took me about six months. I’m still living in it two years later while I go to the U of M,” he says. “As much as I like seeing happy homeowners after we finish a project at NewStudio, the freedom of van life makes me think about not ever having a house myself.”

Dillan appreciates the hands-on opportunities and real-world experience at NewStudio. Custom projects have become his specialty. “Most everything I do involves woodworking of some kind—custom windows, floating shelves, access-panel cabinets. I like the variety and the high expectations of quality craftsmanship, which seem uncommon for most college jobs, I think.”

It’s not just the projects that have impressed him. Dillan enjoys the positive atmosphere at NewStudio, too. “I’ve never felt so welcomed at a job; I’ve never felt like the ‘new guy’ here. Everyone knows my name. It’s a good place to be.”

Favorite Office Supply: Notebook

Someday, I Will… Tour every national park

When I’m Not At NewStudio, I’m: Traveling with my cat

Most Cherished Item I Own: GameStop stock

A Word Your Friends Would Use To Describe You? Mellow

Where I’d Like To Visit Next: Alaska

Education:

Pursuing a Bach. Design of the Arts, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities