Yes and no. Yes you have the idea right, but your shape is far too simplistic, and should not be one single mesh in this case. You need to keep in mind how loops are added when you create your base mesh - Understanding how turbosmooth will affect a mesh will grow the more you do it, so don't worry if it takes a while now.…
Thank you both for the advice! I'm not sure if I'm grasping this right but it basically sounds like you're both (as well as the tutorial) giving the same advice, right? the reoccuring sides can be made by just making one "wall" , and duplicating it all around as needed, leaving a gap for the steps. module pieces, correct?…