Freelance Industrial Design and Engineering Support
De Faberiek provides freelance industrial design, mechanical engineering and prototyping support for physical product development. I combine industrial design, mechanical engineering and hands-on prototyping to turn ideas and technical challenges into tested, manufacturable products.
From my studio in Amsterdam, I support companies with the complete product development process, a specific development phase, a defined design or engineering challenge, or a focused Product Feasibility Scan.
My approach is prototype-driven and hands-on. Whether through quick 3D prints, electronic mock-ups, or fully functional prototypes, I deliver tangible results fast. These rapid iterations generate valuable insights, reduce risk, and ensure the project stays aligned with the goals.
I have developed consumer electronics, mobility products and mechanical products from early concepts to production.
Get in touch to discuss your project.
Industrial Design
With a background in both Industrial Design and Engineering, and experience at VanMoof and industrial design agencies, I develop product concepts that are functional, aesthetic and are technical feasible. My role sits between a industrial designer and a mechanical engineer: I bring an engineering mindset to design and a design perspective to technical development.
During the early stages of product development, product ideas, user needs and technical requirements are translated into clear concept directions. Form, function, usability, product architecture and manufacturing possibilities are considered together from the start.
Concepts are developed and compared through sketches, layout studies, early 3D CAD models, renders and physical prototypes. Considering engineering and production early helps identify technical risks and avoid costly changes later in development.
Product requirements document (PRD
Reference-product and competitor analysis
Concept generation and evaluation
Product architecture and system layout
Form, usability and interaction development
Mechanical and electronic component integration
Colour, Material and Finish (CMF) development
Early 3D CAD modelling
Physical mock-ups and proof-of-principle tests
Product visualisations (renders)
Concept selection and recommendations
Functional Prototyping & Validation
Build and test before committing to production
Building and testing a prototype is often the quickest way to find out whether a design works as intended and what needs to be improved. I use prototypes throughout the development process to evaluate technical principles, function, dimensions, interactions, assembly, usability and product behaviour.
Depending on the development question, prototypes can range from quick proof-of-principle models to integrated functional and appearance prototypes. My in-house workshop enables fast iteration, supported by specialist prototype suppliers when required.
De Faberiek can support small-batch prototype production for pilot projects and field testing, as well as functional or presentation prototypes for trade fairs, demonstrations and investor pitches.
Capabilities include:
Small-batch prototype production
Proof-of-principle models
Functional and appearance prototypes (works-like and looks-like)
FDM and high-resolution SLA 3D printing
Silicone components and moulding
Functional electronic prototypes
CNC-machined, sheet-metal and supplier-made prototypes
Fit, function, usability and assembly testing
Test planning, development of test rigs and jigs, prototype evaluation
Design for Manufacturing & Production Support
Prepare the design for reliable and scalable production
A prototype can work well and still require further development before it is ready for production. During Design for Manufacturing, the product is refined for its selected materials, production processes and assembly method.
Details such as wall thicknesses, draft angles, radii, tolerances, part splits, fastening methods and assembly sequences are defined and optimised. Supplier feedback and pre-production samples are reviewed and incorporated into the design.
I can support the transition into tooling and production to ensure that the manufactured product remains aligned with the design intent and specifications.
Typical activities include:
Manufacturing process and material selection
Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/DFA)
Design for serviceability, maintenance and repair
Production planning, supplier coordination and production support
Tolerance analysis and critical dimension definition
Production-ready 3D CAD files
Technical drawings and product specifications
DFM, design and sample reviews
Tooling and first-shot reviews
Cost estimation and cost optimisation
Assembly instructions and quality-control criteria
Product troubleshooting and design improvements.
Mechanical Engineering
From generating 3D CAD models to material selection and design for manufacturing, serviceability, and assembly, I am committed to creating functional and scalable solutions.
With a background as both an Industrial Designer and Engineer, I bring a unique perspective to mechanical development. I combine high-level conceptual thinking with practical, hands-on execution, allowing me to navigate between high-level thinking and detailed implementation with ease. This versatility is especially valuable in the conceptual phase, where design intent and engineering feasibility must align from the start to avoid costly rework later on.
Detailing
Proof of principle
Conceptual Mechanical Engineering
Design for Manufacturing(DFM)
Design for service
Design for Assembly
Material selection
Prototyping and testing (both mechanical and electrical)
Contact with suppliers
Cost optimization
Support in filing patents
Project management
Product optimizations