I am in a fortunate position right now, i get to spec and build out a creative office and and assemble a new creative team.
I’ve done this a few times before and each time i learn more, the first time was 15 years ago when i was fresh out of school and the process happened organically over many years as i helped grow a company, everything was done seat of the pants since i had no experience and we were moving at the pace the company could afford. This time its a little different in that the business is 30+ years old and building a creative team is part of the growth plan as a strategic, budgeted process.
There are a bunch of current threads I’ve been following, 3d printers, culture, things going digital, etc. but they all approach each topic independently how do all those things and more come together as a cohesive integrated system? I’m just wondering if anyone has any advice/experience and would like to lend some insight and I’m happy to hear anyone’s opinions on must haves or must dos as i build this team.
Our ownership is excited about having a shop environment to show off. My background is in a traditional shop and i’d never give up my own shop… i hate to say this…but i just don’t think a traditional model shop is the best use of funds. Bandsaws, drill presses, sanders, etc. are all relatively inexpensive but a shop takes up a lot of space (more rent), custom electric and plumbing, ventilation and air handling also add up and bring up workplace safety issues and different insurance policies. Versus a modern Rapid prototyping lab, which might require some basic direct ventilation but for the most part its relatively clean and tidy and takes up less space. Some big tables and a couple 3d printers, laser cutter and maybe a small cnc mill in a closed room. I think the modern tech would also have a bigger impact on visitors who we need to impress?
I’ve got a bit of experience buying pro level rapid prototyping tools, i’ve spent a ridiculous amount of other peoples money on big boy 3d printers, cncs and all sorts of crazy software. I’ve also bought a bunch of consumer level stuff, for the past few years working as a consultant I’ve been using those consumer level machines a lot and i’ve found them to be more than “good enough” on most projects. Aside from total build volume why would i choose an objet or stratasys machine over a form labs machine or even multiple form labs machines for literally a fraction of the price?
Do we need a full traditional model shop? Do we need a $100k 3d printer or do we just use that money for other toys?
What would be in your dream office, a 27" wacom on every desk, aeron chairs, walls of whiteboard?
Open plan or private offices? Is it OK to make everyone kneel in tribute to a statue of me as they come in to work every morning?