Organization

No organization - just a dream of mine

Role

Part-time Van Dweller (December 2022-Present)

Full-time Van Dweller (April 2022-November 2022)

Designer, Builder (October 2021-April 2022)

Skills

Product & Design

Overview

I am interested in how the design of the space we inhabit affects our creativity. That's why I slimmed down my physical possessions, hit the road in my car, and began Airbnb hopping to tiny homes in early 2021.

Airbnb hopping provided fresh perspective and helped inspire creativity, but I found that I desired a bit of stability in the form of a familiar place.

The guiding question became "How might I maximize the benefits of fresh perspective and minimize the drawbacks of completely new surroundings every few weeks?"

This led me to design and build a vehicle that allowed me to live and create on the road.

Before jumping into the design/build updates on the vehicle below, I want to make a couple of things clear:

1. Not all folks who live in their vehicles full-time are doing so by choice. It's a privilege that I am able to choose to live in a vehicle.
2. This lifestyle will not be easy or glamorous. I am actively seeking out the challenges of this lifestyle to cultivate new learning opportunities and increased creativity.

• Limited Space
• The van does not have a great deal of space and has to be able to function as a bedroom, living room, office, and kitchen.

Solution

• Limited Space -> Multi-functional Design
• There will be multiple configurations within the van. This will allow me to alter the space depending on what is needed from it.

• Limited Space -> Multi-functional Design -> Digital Nomad Lifestyle
• The van now allows me to travel throughout North America to see old friends/old places as well as meet new people/experience new places. I'm able to support myself financially wherever there is wifi.
• I've also gained new carpentry skills and a newfound confidence to solve problems myself with my hands. I look forward to applying these skills to a future tiny home or barndominum.

It took 4 months to convert the van in PA this past winter.

I recorded the van build and broke it into 5 videos: 

1. Design & Demolition
2. Vertical Framing & Sound Insulation
3. Building the Bed Frame
4. Wool Insulation & Walls
5. Cabinets & Countertops

You can find each of those videos below.

I send weekly newsletters on Thursday mornings. Topics include business, technology, and life, but I've written about the van a few times when the going has gotten tough.

I broke down 4x across 3 states all related to the same issue - the fuel pump.

While we've finally resolved the issue (faulty ground wire towards the back of the van), these digital postcards from the road provide insight into the challenges one faces when combining their living quarters with their transportation.

Van breakdown #1

On the Road Again

Van Breakdown #2

Van Breakdown #3

Van Breakdown #4

Van Breakdown #5

Again, the sole issue that caused each breakdown has been resolved. I'm grateful to have gone down near friends in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Colorado. Without their support, this adventure would've gone a whole lot different.

I wrote that paragraph above, then I went down for the *count it* 5th time (!!!) in northern California 6+ hours from anyone I know lol. We still made it through though! It was all a part of the journey.