KUKA ROBOT | TGM | GOING ONLINE
The Good Mod + co-conspirator Zack Dougherty set up + operate swiss six-axis robotic arm, from KUKA Digital FabricationPortland, OR Photos by Arthur Hitchcock.
- spencer Staley
- Tags: Arthur Hitchcock CNC CNC Services collaboration custom design custom fabrication design build design build portland design services Digital Fabrication from our workshop KUKA KUKA Robotic Arm lightfield local production oregon photographer photography portland Portland digital fabrication restoration services robotic integration robotics Six-Axis Spencer Staley TGM the good mod workshop Zack Dougherty
TGM | AIRBNB
In honor of the new year, we would love to share some information about a project truly defined a lot of 2014 for the TGM team. Earlier in the year we were approached by Aaron Taylor Harvey from Airbnb, and began discussing the possibility of creating custom furnishing for a new call center here in Portland. Those discussions eventually developed into a full collaboration between Aaron, his talented partner Rachael, and our team of designers/fabricators.
This project involved creating an entirely new line of products for their new workspace. The overall scope of the project fluctuated over time to fit their needs, but in the end it provided an exciting challenge for us company-wide. Our process involved a lot of initial research, and learning on-the-fly/pulling from past experiences. We were able to augment our operations + process through necessity + organic growth, which in turn led to us really discovering our production abilities + limitations. It also created a cohesive goal that really seemed to stimulate our internal talents + passions.
Airbnb + it's team of architects/designers had precise standards, which is something that we were incredibly appreciative of. We worked closely with them to ensure those standards were met + exceeded throughout the entire process. We enjoyed thinking about home use vs. busy commercial office use, picking the right density of seat cushion foam, + we absolutely loved all of their fabric choices. We utilized both traditional + modern fabrication techniques, which included everything from custom welded steel brackets to laser cut acrylic panels for integrated charging stations.
It was amazing for our team to be able to grow + learn while creating for a company that definitely thinks differently than most. They were continually supportive of our design choices, and in turn had some incredible input themselves! To see the products from casual sketches to a beautiful + functional piece of design was the best part of our year.
The final implementation of the work was astounding. The office is buzzing with activity, yet it maintained a comfortable atmosphere. Observing our work + the work of other local designers working in concert with it's intended audience was an heart-warming experience that we hope to recreate again.
Please check out some of the recent press about the space:
http://curbed.com/archives/2014/12/17/airbnbs-portland-office-design.php
http://www.wired.com/2014/12/airbnb-invents-call-center-isnt-hell-work/
https://homes.yahoo.com/news/office-spaces-airbnb-creates-call-160321088.html
Photographs of our work + our process will be posted in separate posts!
- spencer Staley
- Tags: 2014 Aaron Taylor Harvey air bed and breakfast Airbnb architect Arthur Hitchcock CNC CNC Services collaboration craftsmen creative creative agency custom custom design custom fabrication Custom Furniture handmade local local production made to order modern new year photographer plywood portland Portland digital fabrication portland or russian birch small batch Spencer Staley TGM the good mod upholstery vintage wired magazine
SPUTNIK AUCTION
After a long journey by way of ocean freight container ship, our furniture + artwork made it to Tokyo!
We were able to meet the shipment at the auction site, and assist in the event set up. An awesome feeling for our team of designers. We helped move our pieces into the inflatable archway. Which would serve as protection from the downpour of rain, as well as an unique backdrop of the auction event.
The Sputnik Auction is a long going project in Tokyo + a few other cities internationally. The auction's purpose is to elevate up + coming designers work, and to shift the precedent of large percentage commissions by traditional galleries. 100% of the proceeds go directly to the artist. This year's Tokyo auction featured amazing work from Sweden, Tokyo/Japan, and Portland. We were honored to be apart of this year's festivities.
Works ranged from experimental knitting, sculpture, jewelry, paintings, and furniture!
Spencer Staley and Evan Humphreys represented TGM in this exhibition. Spencer showcased some recent line paintings (painted with a CNC!), a leather sling lounge chair, and various other designs. Evan Humphreys, one of our talented shop fabricators + designers, exhibited a coffee table + plant stand. Evan is a lso Fine Art student at Portland's own PNCA.
Here are some images of the auction's location + specific showcased items. Be sure to check out a few "photo only" blog posts detailing the rest of the event.
Photos by Arthur Hitchcock
TGM HEADING TO TOKYO DESIGNERS WEEK
A few members of The Good Mod team will be headed to Tokyo Designers week for an exhibition + auction!
This event will showcase some recent design/fabrication work of Spencer Staley + Evan Humphreys, as well as the incredible the work of over 30 other creatives from Japan + Sweden.
For more details please check out this stylish event website:
Stay tuned on all social media fronts to see what's going with our team + Tokyo Designers Week!
Select works from the exhibition below...
Photos by Arthur Hitchcock