A new kind of business, Build It Workspace, recently brought the creative fabrication process to the community of Los Alamitos. Beyond a woodshop, a printshop, or a sewing lab, they bring access to more than a single tool, but to a range of tools to create cross-platform products.
Build It Workspace is built on knowing that many ideas just need the right tooling and a little bit of direction. At Build It Workspace, access and knowledge can be found. And if not immediately there, a little bit of guided research will likely find a suitable answer.
After many years in aerospace and energy industries, founder Mark Lengsfeld along with his wife Catherine who is also an engineer, started the business to open the community to this new batch of equipment.
But there was a realization for the average user that most have never designed in CAD or used a laser cutter. Many do not know how to operate a sewing machine or a scroll saw. Just like with gaining any new skill, it takes a bit of exposure to become comfortable. Once that happens, a whole new world of design begins to spring open.
The ideas are boundless. For example, take a child’s cart. The wheels may come from a 3D printer while the base is cut on the CNC router, and the walls are marked on the laser engraver. You can also sketch a design in Illustrator and then convert it into Illustrator, touch it up, and create a silhouette picture frame. Another idea might be to create a custom kite by snapping a photo and laying it into a template for printing in order to cut it.
The flexibility of the space gives many types of users what they need. Imagine the retiree who has downscaled their living and wants to build their grandchild’s toy. An entrepreneur may want to design an add-on product by the taking a 3D image scan of the original for their drafting model. An artist may want to vacuum form a mask. A papercrafter could create unique origami. Your sewing machine may have broken down, and you need quick access. Walk up and down an aisle in any department store and just think, “That came from someone’s mind.”
Build It Workspace is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eventually, the hours will be expanded as the community expresses needs for new times. Pass options start at $75 per year with hourly rates and improve based on pass level. Additional discounts, i.e. active military, senior, and student may apply.
Build It Workspace is located at 4478 Cerritos Ave., in Los Alamitos.
For more information, please visit them online at www.BuildItWorkspace.com.