Your Custom Primer!
Many designers are looking for ways to differentiate their design practices. Custom-built products can set you apart from other firms, but custom fabrication isn't always the right solution for every project. Before you decide to design a custom-built or built-to-order product, do your research! Can you build it faster by using an existing off-the-shelf product? Will there be enough demand from past/future clients for this item? If your client needs something very specific and unique they may need to explore this process!
So, you've decided with your client that the commodity items that exist in the marketplace will not be sufficient for their project. You've chosen to go beyond what's offered in the marketplace and try something off the beaten path.
Whoa, there cowboy, slow down! Before you start, designing, modeling, selecting materials, take a moment to consider not only how long it will take for someone else to engineer this item...but, also what are the costs, will a special certification be required, will a specific installer be required, will a structural engineer be consulted. These are just s few of the considerations to have as you engage with a custom fabricator.
Don't get me wrong, I, as a matter of fact, and career am a big advocate of custom fabrication. In our shops, we can create almost anything...from a complete structure for a stadium to an individual component like an eglomise panel, a giant light fixture, or thousands of feet of custom glass railings. We love doing these special projects and it is what sets us apart from other fabricators out there. We have an intimate familiarity that custom fabrication requires a significant investment of time, expertise, and resources.
The point that I want to make with this article is to consider what your client is expecting for their money. Custom fabrication will not only increase the cost of an item...customization can also potentially increase the schedule, due to unforeseen engineering concerns or machining/manufacturing considerations, or even shipping delays.
If you're still reading this, then let's continue to review the steps below to help you navigate the custom fabrication process.
1. Concept - You've decided that your client needs something off the beaten path...but what exactly is the project? What are they trying to accomplish? How will it be used? Different materials can affect the outcome and cost, and the look and function of a product...what type of material does the client want to use?
2. Research - Before you start your design, do some research! Is what you're about to build something that's been done before and is there an example source (i.e. manufacturer) for how it should be built? Does someone else fabricate something similar? You can design something completely new...but really,why reinvent the wheel?
3. Design - This is the fun part! Take your time to draft up a few different options, consider materials and finishes! We will help with how this item is to be fabricated. we will work with you and the client on installation, will it be hanging from the ceiling or attached to a wall? What type of attachment method? Can it be installed by one person? We assist with recommendations for materials, finishes and all the required equipment for that particular install so they fit within a prescribed budget
4. Quote - Once you have a final design, our fabricators will take that and add up all the costs of materials + labor + fabrication! Keep in mind any potential 3rd party certification required for this project or if it will be installed by a contractor that can assist with the installation. If you're using a material that isn't commonly found ensure you give us a sufficient amount of time for this quote, as we will have to source it from a 3rd party and ensure its viability as a fabrication material.
5. Order - Once we have the final cost and design worked out, bring that back to your client! Before moving forward with production, ensure everyone is on the same page...then place the order!
6 - Also keep in mind any potential 3rd party certification required for this project or if it will be installed by a contractor that can assist with the installation. If you're using a material that isn't commonly found ensure you give us. Review- Approval - This is a very important step in this process. Your client is about to invest a lot of money into their custom item, so before we start fabrication, everyone must agree on the details of the design! They will need to approve the quote...so we make sure we've got everything right.
7. Design Review- This one is pretty self-explanatory...so if you're reading this then it's likely that you understand the depth and detail required to design and fabricate custom-built products.
8. Fabrication - Back to work...fabrication is a fun part of the process, but it's also pretty expensive! You need to factor in time for our shops to machine all the parts then assemble them into that final product. There are times our fabricators don't have a specific machine so a fabrication shop that can facilitate that need will be partnered with, share the responsibilities, and get your products built.
9. Installation - This is often overlooked by newer designers but it's also one of the most important steps in this process. Who is going to install your products? If it needs to be hung from a ceiling or attached to a wall then it's likely that you don't have the necessary equipment required for this part. This last step is often overlooked by folks in product development, but it can be extremely important if your client , GC, or subcontractor doesn't have access to the tools or labor required.
10. Documentation - Every fabrication process requires some type of documentation. Drawings, material certifications, digital fabrication files...these are all important pieces to the puzzle that can be used to support your design. When your project is finally completed it's a good idea to take some photos so you have a record of how it turned out!
11. Ongoing - There's always going to be ongoing support for your products. You may need to consider the costs for this part of the process as well, some fabricators like to include this in their fees while others charge separately. There are some great integrators that you can use to make sure these ongoing elements are handled properly and timely!
12. Maintenance - I saved the best (sarcasm) part of the process for last. Your clients are likely to come back at some point in time wanting their products updated or changed! You can avoid these unnecessary costs by laying out a plan for your clients to make changes themselves or offering an easy release agreement that ensures they understand how their products work and what they need to do if they decide they want something adjusted or updated.
13. Warranty - What sort of warranty do you offer your clients? At Agency Custom all of our fabricators offer a limited warranty on all our products which is the labor portion of our pricing structure.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but I wanted to show some of the different elements you can expect when building and designing custom products. If you want to learn more about how we work with clients on these types of projects feel free to connect with us here or via email. We approach every project with a great deal of care and attention to detail so we can help you bring your vision to life!
Agency Custom is a full-service custom agency specializing in the design, engineering, prototyping, and manufacturing of custom products. Our clients are from all industries ranging from consumer retail products, medical devices, furniture to architectural interiors, and more.
For any questions please contact Christopher Quigley, at cq@agencycustom.com or 347-399-6724.
Good luck!
