posted by wes at 8:51 pm
If you’ve ever wondered about the organizations people donate to on city sidewalks, the Beginner’s Guide To Charitable Organizations may be worth a read.


// front and back of each of the two pamphlets we distributed. For larger images; child relief pamphlet & environment pamphlet
From October – December 2009, Jared Delorenzo and I researched different charity organizations and created this guide. The information was all gleaned from IRS Form 990′s, and the information was distributed in pamphlet form.
posted by wes at 8:43 pm


These laser cut cards have pieces that pop out and snap together to create playful animals. The critters still have website information and name on them, and they can accompany bored employees at their work desks.



Work began October 2009. This project is still being worked on
posted by wes at 10:17 pm


Phillyware represents the city of Philadelphia in style. Connecting locality with our eating utensils has the capability to remind consumers of their local food options. Black acrylic, laser cut flat and hand-formed in custom molds. Set includes fork, spoon, and knife
This project began in February 2009 as a way of learning a new technical skill and way of thinking. After several iterations and plenty of time spent with the laser cutting process, I finalized the design of a set of flatware. After being laser-cut, the pieces are formed in molds to reach their final shape.









The molds were milled using a CNC router with urethane foam. Currently, I’m using acrylic, but I’m working to source a local water-jet cutter capable of cutting the files in stainless steel. The detail is too intricate for the laser cutter, as it spends a lot of time in one place it would heat the metal up and spatter it, ruining the design.

// rendering of the stainless steel version I’m hoping to create soon
Work began January 2009
posted by wes at 9:16 pm
The ubiquitous honor box is in need of some creative rethinking, especially in an uncertain age for the printed newspaper.

// this solution collects rain, lightly filters it, and dispenses it into a bowl for dogs to drink from as their owner browses the newspaper selections


As part of Design Philadelphia, Citypaper hosted a contest to redesign the honor box.
The Honor Bowl was selected as one of three winning contest entries. I did this project in collaboration with Adam Rusiski at The University of the Arts

// The Honor Bowl in print
Work done October – November 2008. Design re-rendered December 2009.
posted by wes at 9:52 pm
When I come across a new process or material, I tend to become curious. If there is something I don’t fully understand, I like to have the opportunity to dive right in and explore it, learning a lot about it during the process.




// early thumbnails and notes
Slip casting porcelain was one of those things. This work was done September – December 2008.









posted by wes at 9:24 pm



While sketching two dimensionally, I feel disconnected from the form I am trying to achieve. With these efficiently manufactured building blocks (milled with a CNC router), one can freely sketch in three-dimensional space. This allows one to get a true sense of form, as opposed to relying on a perceived notion.

// early thumbnails
Work done September – October 2008
posted by wes at 8:56 pm
During some freelance work at a local production company, I explored different configurations, semantics, and ergonomic forms for a controller device.


Work done June – July 2008
posted by wes at 10:21 pm
This jacket concept mimics the technique polar bears use to capture heat from the sun to keep them warm in cold climates.



Translucent layers allow light from the sun in, but the heat does not escape, keeping the user warm all around.

Work done March 2008
posted by wes at 8:31 pm

At an attempt to expand on my woodworking techniques, I wanted to learn how the process of bending plywood.
// these form explorations informed the final result of the design
// early sketches during process
The final design incorporates several layers of high-quality veneer, which were formed in a vacuum bag. Structure can be created through bending and laminating layers of ply, and with each layer added the piece is stronger.
Work done March – May 2008