This model was produced for use as a hand-held prop at an event. Although we are usually only given a few drawings on paper, a photo, or a description of what is needed, we were provided very few details, in this case. As long the purpose and focus of the model is clear, and the intricacies of its components are not excessively numerous, we can turn out a product model like this in very short order and with minimal information.
This is one of three rather large-sized column capitals that were CNC machined into rigid polyurethane foam. Starting with this precisely machined form, molds were made and multiples were cast and attached to the columns, all to dress the set for San Francisco Opera’s performance of Mozart’s Don Giovanni.
Our concept started with a graphic on a t-shirt and an interesting, freshly minted, bronze medallion. The goal was to make a plaque that incorporated the medallion and a stylized silhouette of the bridge. Instead of simply gluing it all together and calling it a day, we machined recesses into the walnut plaque for both the medallion and the bridge and added another forced-perspective surface layer on the tower for added depth. The Chinese and English characters were laser-scored and filled with black.
The E.H. Harriman Award is an annual award presented to American railroad companies in recognition for outstanding safety achievements. We were presented with the opportunity to design and build the award in 2009. This mockup is a representation of what we had in mind for the award’s Gold medal recipients.
Sometimes, we are asked to model something and it’s importance is not readily apparent; that was the case in this model of a computer chip for a trade show exhibit. During the building process, we knew it would attract attention for its detail and intricacy with lots of colors and lights, but we were unaware how exciting and recognizable people would find it. We polished it up, applied the technical graphics, and rushed the model over to the Moscone Center for its debut. Immediately after we plugged the model in, a small crowd formed around us, excitedly discussing the components of the exhibit.
Because we serve a wide range of industries, we occasionally have the opportunity to handle objects and materials that defy logic and common sense. In the case of the Calisolar Cell Process, our job was to put the essential elements of the story on display in their lobby. In the process, we witnessed the construction of a solar panel from raw material to finished product and observed a machine slice large blocks of silicone rock into hundreds of paper thin wafers with very little waste—fascinating!
Because we serve a wide range of industries, we occasionally have the opportunity to handle objects and materials that defy logic and common sense. In the case of the Calisolar Cell Process, our job was to put the essential elements of the story on display in their lobby. In the process, we witnessed the construction of a solar panel from raw material to finished product and observed a machine slice large blocks of silicone rock into hundreds of paper thin wafers with very little waste—fascinating!
We made this prototype of the north west winery’s retail point-of-purchase display for use in pricing multiples offshore. We vacuum-formed the entire roof as a single part; an improbable solution considering the length of the pull. We were determined, however, to design it with the fewest assembly steps possible, while still maintaining a high quality finished product.
This model was built for a trade show to aid in illustrating the various types of Cooper Power transformers. We used a combination of materials including acrylic, brass I-beam stock, and metal etchings. Displaying both classic above ground and modern, subtler, underground configurations, the model features the range of Cooper Power’s products laid out on a circular model base. What made this model so successful was its attention-grabbing detail.
We CNC machined this key chain medallion for a student presentation with very little time and essentially no budget—but great results!
Using commercially made elements (in this case, the trucks and the ladders) can help us to streamline our process and create excellent realism. Because these models were given as gifts to people who had worked closely with full-sized versions of these cars over many years, the details needed to be perfect. To make sure the finished products didn’t look like toys, we used real timber and metal rails for the tracks. In the end, these models are the perfect blend of creative solutions and inspired artistry.
Coming up with a good gift idea for any team is tricky business. With this gift, the point is made abundantly clear, with no knowledge details of the particular case victory. The idea was to do something unique with the base and keep it simple: we designed a thick acrylic platform that framed the centerpiece. Additionally, we wanted a fun, elegant alternative to the standard laser etching of recipients’ names on a brass plaque. We used wood elsewhere and weathered it a touch to give it an authentic ‘outdoors’ feel without crossing the line into model train territory. The awards were so well received that we had to make more!
University Games wanted to showcase this product made in Japan at a trade show over Valentine’s Day. While there were several options, we ultimately settled on the closest simulation of the 3D puzzle pieces that we could create. The heart is essentially hollow, but each laser-cut layer or transparent red acrylic approximates the outline of the shape of each puzzle piece, only 10x actual size. The result: Gemmiti Model heArt!
If you are like countless others who cannot stand soggy cereal, this is the bowl for you! The deep compartment keeps the cereal crunchy; the shallow one allows you to dunk a spoonful of cereal into milk. You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone, child or adult, who wouldn’t love to try out this clever product.
Whenever we make a custom gift for a group of co-workers eager to pool their money, we do our best to find ways to make it even better than expected. Firstly, the quality of the product is key. Secondly, the right details must be in the right place: little switch panels, logo plates, and handles, for instance. There is something extraordinary about employees coming together like this; their boss received a very special gift marking a significant career achievement.
Wonderwater is a rain catchment system designed to save water on a rainy day. This model is a functional exhibit that uses real water. It shows rain falling from the clouds, draining down the gutter, and filtering as it collects in a holding tank where it can be used in household appliances, fixtures, and to water the garden. Every once in awhile, we have the privilege of working with people and companies that develop products to save and protect the environment, and it’s always exciting to play a part in the process.
A ‘transportation link’ is another term for a bridge. Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to build design competition engineering models for various clients and their projects. We’ve also had the pleasure to design and build gifts and awards for those projects, as the ultimate acknowledgment of their hard work.
We built two models for Beeline Group to use in their presentation to help the manufacturers present their products to retail buyers in a new and inviting way. The NovaForm Showroom model was built at a smaller scale to show the layout, flow, and spa-like experience of the new showroom. The NovaForm Pod display unit was built at a larger scale, allowing us to use real wood for the Wenge wood shelves and sewn fabric for the pillows and the bedding. We also modeled all of the structural elements and hardware of the display unit, which allowed us to show the details of the custom design and the actual finishes and textures—in particular, the effect of the light passing through the frosted center panel. These models illustrate the kinds of details that are so difficult to get a real feel for with two-dimensional renderings.
We built two models for Beeline Group to use in their presentation to help the manufacturers present their products to retail buyers in a new and inviting way. The NovaForm Showroom model was built at a smaller scale to show the layout, flow, and spa-like experience of the new showroom. The NovaForm Pod display unit was built at a larger scale, allowing us to use real wood for the Wenge wood shelves and sewn fabric for the pillows and the bedding. We also modeled all of the structural elements and hardware of the display unit, which allowed us to show the details of the custom design and the actual finishes and textures—in particular, the effect of the light passing through the frosted center panel. These models illustrate the kinds of details that are so difficult to get a real feel for with two-dimensional renderings.
For this project the architects built their own model, but knew they didn’t have the in-house skills to build the booths that would be the focal point of their design. They needed model makers who could create several detailed booths in about a week’s time and came to us. They knew they had made the right choice when we asked them how fluffy the seat cushions should look. The final product surpassed their expectations in terms of quality and speed!
We made this model as a sales tool to illustrate components and communicate the look, feel, and power of the rifle to a military audience. It was designed by a former military engineer who’d put his design theories through previous physical testing and was now ready for funding the making of the prototype. The model proved to be an excellent way to get the conversation started.
The Estonian Academy of Arts had three delicate museum pieces suffering wear and tear from continuous public handling. We built proper displays to house and protect them.
This was a novel gift idea whereby we transformed dozens of Smart Cars into mini-staplers for a very large office product company. Decals were added to customize them to the brand. They were just adorable and without a doubt really fun to receive!
It takes hundreds of great minds and years of work to build a bridge. It also takes cooperation from several companies to get the job done. These awards (or gifts) were given in the spirit of that cooperation and proudly display the names of companies responsible for the new East Span of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge. Our approach to this award was to include the main span tower, of course, but the challenge was to design a base at the lowest possible cost, which meant significantly limiting labor hours in both the construction and the finishing. Our solution was to use square aluminum tubing, create a brushed-aluminum effect, and purposely show the nuts and bolts through the opening on the ends to give it that ‘engineering look.’
This model was made to show how gases from a landfill are transformed into energy. As an added effect, and in order to attract more people to their demonstration, an outlet was installed which allowed a lamp to be plugged in. It was fascinating to see an energy company get excited about educating people. The model currently tours fairs, schools, and trade shows throughout Alameda County.
These are working prototypes of credit cards that use fingerprint authentication to grant access. We did the final machining and created and installed the on/off buttons. The inner circuitry was installed overseas and the graphics were heat wrapped abroad, as well. This is an example of taking something good and making it better. With this particular kind of product modeling, that is our job.
Our client in the Bay Area had an artist in Mexico who was going to carve 350 masks from wood and paint them. When it became apparent that it would take months to complete, he came to us for a faster solution. Using the original wooden tribal mask as a guide we vacuum-formed copies out of plastic and painted them to look like the original. They were completed in two weeks and currently adorn the wall behind the bar at the mexican food and drink establishment’s North Beach/Telegraph Hill location.
Yes, this is a photograph of a model, not a graphic. The concept of the logo started out as a flat 2D swirling shape. Then, photographer Kevin Twomey, working with direction from the ad agency, took the concept to the next level with simple sketching and lots of discussion. We arrived at this beautiful organic shape with depth and curves. The goal was a finished product for the annual report cover that was real and alive, not just a simple graphic. We CNC machined the model from ABS and painted it satin red. There were no other painting effects. Kevin used his mastery of light and got the shot!
Charlie is a masterful table tennis paddle or ‘blade’ maker. Our contribution is the production of the BBC logo on the butt of the handle used on these and all of Charlie’s blades. This California-based company’s products are a growing favorite among ping-pong enthusiasts and at table tennis tournaments throughout the world.
The challenge for this project, a tabletop point-of-purchase display for Callaway Golf Clubs, was meeting a tight deadline. Built in a week, while the designers were still perfecting the details, there was barely enough time for the paint to dry on the way to the airport before handing it off to the designers, who were hand-carrying it to a presentation in London. The rapid turnaround is all the more impressive because of the number of separate processes and different materials involved in constructing the model. We frosted, tinted, and heat-formed the bent green glass panels. We made master forms of the golf club heads and cast them, giving us an efficient way to fill the racks and enabling potential clients to get a feel for the design. The stand itself was sculpted and the aluminum frames were hand-painted. The hardware, integral to the design, had to be modeled to exact scale. Attaching the curved wood panels to the aluminum frames meant finding a creative solution to a design that required space between the frames and the panel. Even our choices about the logo were deliberate—we used metal etching instead of a painted logo to accentuate brand’s prestige.
This advertising kiosk was one of several models made for the CBS Outdoor design competition. The detail, quality, and character of the model speak for themselves. We thought it was the perfect fit for the City of San Francisco.
This is one of nine bus shelter models built for a design competition in San Francisco. At this large scale, we were able to make the shelters with a fair amount of detail and realism, which always helps in a contest. Each of the designs by Foster, Hydra, Stern, and IBA enabled CBS Outdoor to present several very well-thought-out alternatives. We chose to show this particular model by IBA because it looks as though we ‘dropped in’ the background. In fact, we were driving down Market Street when we spontaneously pulled over to a bus stop, got the right perspective, snapped the shot, and avoided a parking ticket!
Successfully meeting the technical challenges of this project are what made the finished product so sweet. The tiny metal fittings and clean glass louvers running the length of the shelter had to be flawlessly assembled. Rows of uplights created spots and reflections that would reveal the smallest misalignment or imperfection in the glass (represented by very thin pieces of acrylic.) Hexagonal BART tiles fittingly framed the section of the escalator which descends beneath the grade. The digital iPod poster ad was lit with ELP (electroluminescent paper,) which enabled us to make it very thin and lit on both sides. The design was provided by Ian Birchall Architects.
These two displays (one pictured) were made to swivel, depending on what side the viewer was standing, and featured custom-made transparent solar panels that effectively highlighted the Enphase Energy inverter in the middle.
These pieces in the Enphase Energy exhibit were made to show that the inverter works with any manufacturer’s solar panel. We assembled two different ones and featured the inverter on the back under an LED spotlight, alongside an iMac. We then built round bases featuring an electrical connection fitting which allowed the units to turn freely.
We started with a napkin sketch, jazzed up the shape a bit, and produced this dynamic display with chase LEDs. We added a series of custom-made components that would communicate the benefits of the product: a solar inverter (two pictured on the roof under the solar panels.) Our efforts contributed towards attracting a significant crowd to the Enphase Energy trade show booth.
The actual machine is so large that it requires a 3-story space to house it. The technology it employs is fascinating, and ultimately vital, targeting cancerous cells in a highly focused manner with minimal detriment to the patient. Protons ‘spin’ (ergo the cyclotron) by means of large magnets—see ‘copper’ parts within the images—and travel through a long tube to the treatment room. The size and the cost of this product made it very difficult to show at hospitals, so we scaled it down. We added a cutaway to help tell the complete story as it travels domestically and abroad.
The actual machine is so large that it requires a 3-story space to house it. The technology it employs is fascinating, and ultimately vital, targeting cancerous cells in a highly focused manner with minimal detriment to the patient. Protons ‘spin’ (ergo the cyclotron) by means of large magnets—see ‘copper’ parts within the images—and travel through a long tube to the treatment room. The size and the cost of this product made it very difficult to show at hospitals, so we scaled it down. We added a cutaway to help tell the complete story as it travels domestically and abroad.
The actual machine is so large that it requires a 3-story space to house it. The technology it employs is fascinating, and ultimately vital, targeting cancerous cells in a highly focused manner with minimal detriment to the patient. Protons ‘spin’ (ergo the cyclotron) by means of large magnets—see ‘copper’ parts within the images—and travel through a long tube to the treatment room. The size and the cost of this product made it very difficult to show at hospitals, so we scaled it down. We added a cutaway to help tell the complete story as it travels domestically and abroad.
The actual machine is so large that it requires a 3-story space to house it. The technology it employs is fascinating, and ultimately vital, targeting cancerous cells in a highly focused manner with minimal detriment to the patient. Protons ‘spin’ (ergo the cyclotron) by means of large magnets—see ‘copper’ parts within the images—and travel through a long tube to the treatment room. The size and the cost of this product made it very difficult to show at hospitals, so we scaled it down. We added a cutaway to help tell the complete story as it travels domestically and abroad.
The actual machine is so large that it requires a 3-story space to house it. The technology it employs is fascinating, and ultimately vital, targeting cancerous cells in a highly focused manner with minimal detriment to the patient. Protons ‘spin’ (ergo the cyclotron) by means of large magnets—see ‘copper’ parts within the images—and travel through a long tube to the treatment room. The size and the cost of this product made it very difficult to show at hospitals, so we scaled it down. We added a cutaway to help tell the complete story as it travels domestically and abroad.
Our large CNC machine enables us to make large things. This Bear Climbing Rock, made of 10 blocks of styrofoam (EPS) is the basis for molds that were subsequently cast from its surface and duplicated.
The PlumBob is an important symbol to The Sims franchise and is widely recognized by players around the world as an iconic feature of the game. It is used to identify the character selected and to which the player can give commands, as well as the mood of playable Sims.
We built, “the best physical representation of The Sims PlumBob… ever seen” according to Electronic Arts, the world’s largest video game developer. We spent a significant amount of time working on light and color tests (with various component configurations) to get the right effect, but the end result was well worth the effort. It accurately replicates the tones and reflections of the virtual original, and that is truly exciting to gaming fans throughout.
