At De Faberiek, a freelance industrial design and engineering studio run by me, Thijs Faber, I help companies bring products to life — from early concept to functional prototype to production-ready design. Whether you need help refining an idea, solving a technical challenge, or developing a prototype, I bring a hands-on, prototype-driven approach that blends my expertise as an independent Industrial Designer with an Innovation Engineer.

Together with my clients, I’ve developed a wide range of products, from mechanical products to consumer electronics, e-bikes and complex mechanical systems, many of which can be found in the market today.

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Freelance Industrial Design and Engineering Services

Prototyping for startups amsterdam. Product Development. Design and Engineering.

Industrial Design

As a freelance industrial designer, I help clients solve complex product challenges by translating ideas into functional, manufacturable concepts. My Industrial Design services systematically break down complexity into manageable blocks.

With a background in both Industrial Design and Engineering, and experience at e-bike brand VanMoof and industrial design agencies, I develop integrated solutions that balance usability, aesthetics, and technical feasibility across diverse applications.

This expertise allows me to anticipate how early design decisions impact engineering and production, helping to avoid costly surprises later in development.

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.

  • Concept generation

  • Project Management

  • Product development

  • Product visualizations (sketches, side views, or renders)

  • System design

  • 3D CAD modeling

  • Prototyping (visual, functional, and electronic prototypes)

  • Selection of manufacturing processes.

  • User research and testing

  • Risk assessment

Prototyping capabilities:

  • Visual prototypes

  • Functional prototypes

  • Electronic mock-ups

  • FDM & SLA 3d printing

  • Silicone prototypes

  • Sheet metal

  • CNC prototypes

Electronics prototyping consumer product. Functional prototyping Amsterdam. Electronic bicycle lock.

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