Studio Journal

A couple of months ago we had the opportunity to take a tour at one of the PADNOS Manufacturing and Processing facilities. We were especially interested in meeting with this company because they deal specifically with manufacturing scrap and recycling. Our studio works with many larger corporations, so it was very beneficial to see what happens at the end of a product’s life and how that could be improved.

Recently, we got the chance to visit and tour the local Kent County Recycling and Education Center. We were excited to hear that similar businesses had been visiting the Recycling Center, trying to learn more about the impact their businesses are having on the environment.

Our team recently had the pleasure of meeting with Tom Newhouse, a former Industrial Design consultant who focuses strongly on pushing Sustainability both in his work as a designer, and his personal life.

At Filter Studio, we truly believe our role as Industrial Designers is a privileged one in this growing “green economy”. Over the next year we will be taking the initiative to educate ourselves on the topic of Sustainability and how we intend to merge this information with Industrial Design.

I have a problem.  I get these thoughts stuck in my head.  Crazy thoughts of things I probably shouldn’t do.  Sometimes a thought lingers long enough that I have to do something about it.  I have a choice, either do something or do nothing and let that the thought hopefully dissipates in the back of my mind.  The other problem is that I an optimist DIY’er.

This year at Neocon was full of beautiful furniture that blurred the boundaries between work and relaxation. Filter Studio had the chance to visit the vibrant city of Chicago and really dive in to what’s new in the world of furniture. Listed below are the top 10 trends that we observed during our time at Neocon 2019. Enjoy!

At Boss Rambler Beer Club, the lifestyle of the company is fun, vibrant, and full of energy. The space has a modern appeal with its light wood floors contrasted against an almost chevron shiplap wall. The bright pops of color create a playful appeal within the space.

This past week the team set up shop for an afternoon tutorial on fiberglassing. Tim has been building his own custom foil board to take out on the lakes, 3d printing parts and molding plywood to create the foil and fins. Using the Shaper Origin, he was able to etch in the paint-filled inlays adorning the board.

Always fun getting new tools for the studio to help increase speed and accuracy of our designs.  

The Lumberman was inspired from mixing curiosity of old wooden boats and love for being on the Great Lakes...especially kiteboarding.  I took what I learned from two earlier projects (the Mini Craft and Greenland Kayak projects) and applied them to the Lumberman.  I am finally starting to get a solid grasp on epoxy and fiberglass work to where I can get consistent results.

Coming soon to Filter Studio! Hand held CNC machine, yes please!  I am always looking for ways to be more efficient, the Shaper Origin seemed like a no brainer.  I am fairly excited for this new piece of equipment for the studio and workshop.

Fiber glass, epoxy, sanding and more sanding.