Unsatisfied with the awkward size of the university-provided dorm desk, I made it a goal to build a desk to better suit my needs over the winter break of freshman year. With space as a constraint, the desk needed to be easy to stow but sturdy enough to not rock when writing or using a computer. Poplar was selected as the material because of its firm but workable surface, availability, and cost as a hardwood. Drawing by hand and building it out of our garage taught me how to work with wood and what details are necessary to turn an idea into a finished product.