Although my work frequently takes me into the world of digital interaction design, my studio is set up to build just about anything. I have two Festool MFT/3 tables mated to create a double-length multipurpose work surface. By using two sets of cross members along the periphery, the resulting surface is rock solid.

This serves as my main surface for larger-scale prototyping, assembly and carpentry operations (cutting using the TS-55 EQ, upright routing using the OF1010 EQ, hand-drilling using the C-12 and sanding with the RO 90 DX). I also swapped out one of the MFT/3 standard tops for a now discontinued, precision FESTOP from Woodwerks in Ohio. This turns the MFT/3 work surface into a router table with a fully adjustable precision fence using a 3HP Milwaukee 5625-20 router with above-table adjustment.

You'll notice off the right-hand side of the MFT/3 that I was able to retrofit the extension from the previous generation of MFT using some OEM hardware and a simple 12mm ply shim. Thanks to Marc Spagnolo of The Wood Whisperer.

The key to this whole operation is the HEPA rated CT-26 Dust Extractor. With this magic R2 unit, even sanding leaves almost no dust. Using this allows me to keep my digital studio in the same space as the rest of the equipment.

As far as other equipment is concerned, in the center of the shop is restored 1940s belt-driven Delta Rockwell Homecraft Delta Shop. This robust, cast iron unit combines an 8" table saw with a 4" jointer. A cutting head can be mounted to the table saw arbor to allow for various moulding profiles. It also has an 11" drill press that can be adapted as a mortiser or overhead shaper, a 10" disc sander and even a saber saw. These three attachments mount to the top in various ways, all using the same motor. Perfect for a prototype-level or short-run work and a nice companion to the Festool setup.

I also have a restored 11" Delta Rockwell Homecraft lathe. Really lovely, solid machine. Also pictured here is a Rossley No. 11 small press brake from the late 1800s early 1900s that I bought from leather goods manufacturing plant in Montreal. The linkages are really gorgeous and it works flawlessly. Also an early production Kennedy Kits 520 machinist box with riser and a 1930s Dorman Products small parts cabinet.

For small-scale prototypes, I have an 18" cutting mat on top of crazy useful storage system I bought from Martha Stewart back in 2000. That is a Nils Diffrient Humanscale lamp with a color corrected bulb.

Last but certainly not least is my desk. A slim profile, 1930s sewing table from here in Montreal with a mint 1950s Craftsman task light that I found at Metro Retro in Rochester. I sit on a Giotto stool (1975) by Zanotta that I found for $15 at a used office furniture store in LA. Win.

For computing technology, I rely on a 15" MacBook Pro with the i7 chip, a Humanscale laptop stand, an old school 23" Apple Cinema HD display and a G-Technology GSAFE RAID redundant drive. Although I do have a Wacom tablet, I mostly use my Apple Magic Trackpad.

My first solo studio. In a suitably quasi-derelict old factory building quite literally on the precipice of the tracks. 17' x 17' x 13' raw space with huge windows facing NW. On the third floor. One neighbor is a soap maker, the other a furniture maker. There are a couple multi-media designers, a sound designer, two writers, a puppeteer and a hair stylist all on the same floor. We share a commercial Rancilio espresso machine with three manual pulls. Here's the joint on the map. http://g.co/maps/7wbcb

The studio itself is just a 17' x 17' x 13' with huge windows facing NW, which will provide roof access during the warmer months. Perhaps for an outdoor Imaginarium that can link to the one already in play at Stanford.

Studio