“We can now test design ideas with physical production by making things, playing around with how shapes would look, etc. We can then also use the router as a communication tool. It is very valuable to be able to show clients exactly what they are going to get. We can show them that it isn’t just a 3D model… this is something you can physically touch and hold, and they can expedite the discourse. It is so much easier to make decisions this way. Then, contractors come to our fabrication lab where we can then all through ideas out, yet still be on the same page about the project. It’s a very effective way to bridge the divide between designer and contractor. That was our ultimate goal of the fabrication space.

The fabrication lab is about a network of skill sets. Having the CNC router encourages us to interrogate design problems in ways we wouldnt be able to, if we didn’t have the router to help build our ideas. Those avenues of physical production change the way we design as a company. We make modifications ourselves, and then bring in a contractor to discuss the physical artifact we can present to them. It pushes some of the tougher issues forward, as well. It reduces risk for the client because they can see exactly what they are getting. It is a win win all around. We can also achieve things and take huge risks as designers. We would be unable to do any of this if we didnt have the router to make the physical objects.”