Thijs Faber, Freelance Industrial Designer & Innovation Engineer

De Faberiek is a one-man innovation studio for hands-on product development, run by me, Thijs Faber. I help companies bring ideas to life — from early concept, to working prototype, to production-ready design.

As a freelance Innovation Engineer, I work in the fields of micro-mobility, consumer electronics, and mechanical products. I operate at the intersection of Industrial Design and Mechanical Engineering, combining creative problem-solving, user experience, and technical feasibility.

I thrive on solving complex design and engineering challenges, particularly where design, mechanics, and electronics meet. My approach is hands-on, technical,  iterative, and thorough. Whether I'm diving into the engineering details, building electronic prototypes, shaping product strategies, or designing, I bring a holistic perspective to every project.

My approach is lean prototype-driven. I operate a compact but capable prototyping lab equipped with 3D printers, molding tools, and electronics prototyping gear, allowing me to move fast and iterate quickly.

With degrees in Industrial Design Engineering and Integrated Product Design from TU Delft, I have gained over 10 years of experience in innovative product development. I’ve led award-winning projects at e-bike brand VanMoof — including the Kicklock, S5 drivetrain, and electronic shifting hub — and designed a broad range of consumer products at the Amsterdam-based agency SLIMDESIGN.

If you're developing a new product and need support across concept, design, and engineering, feel free to get in touch.