Industry Insights:

October has been a busy month here at Shape, with the Decorex International exhibit running alongside our usual interiors and joinery work. With so many exciting projects in the pipeline, we wanted to share with you our process that enables us to precisely detail and effectively manage multiple jobs simultaneously, whilst ensuring a consistent level of service and finish. To illustrate how we use Solidworks to bring concepts to life, we will use the exhibition stand that we created for Hakwood, industry leaders in timber flooring, and Kelly Hoppen, iconic interior designer, at this year’s Decorex International exhibition.

Every project starts with a discussion  between the client and the designer to establish a concept and direction. As designers, we think out loud by sketching our ideas, which enables us to formulate and visualise our proposal and rapidly make revisions. 

Once a concept has been agreed, we create an outline 3D form in Sketchup, a rapid three dimensional modelling program, alongside developing 2D drawings within AutoCAD, the combination of which allows us to very quickly and effectively test different ideas, details and material palettes. Photoshop is then used to breathe life into these images, and offers the client a glimpse at what they can expect. 

To model our designs, we use Solidworks, a 3D parametric modelling software, which is widely used across a multitude of industries, including aerospace and defense, technology, engineering and motorsport (race car engines are modelled in Solidworks!). We love its precision, intelligence, innovation and the ability it provides us to be able to fully test and resolve a design in 3D prior to fabrication down to the most minute detail. We found this ability to be paramount when realising  a complex design such as the Decorex stand within a limited timeframe.

Solidworks provides us the ability to create intelligent, parametric models. By assigning variables and defining equations throughout the process we are able to very quickly adapt and amend certain aspects and features; for instance making the change from 2 to 3 drawers by simply changing the variable, or redefining the carcass material thickness. Even 0.1 of a millimeter can have a significant effect on the setting out or alignment of detailed elements, we therefore check each material prior to fabrication with a micrometer and adapt the models to suit. This level of care and attention to detail makes all the difference and ensures an exceptional finished product. This is also of fundamental importance in being able to offer a degree of flexibility during the construction process; if a room is reconfigured or we need to make new allowances for additional services we can simply change the variables associated with the cabinet widths and the model(s) will update automatically, saving us countless hours during the design process. This all relies on every model being built correctly and to a set standard, so we have spent a lot of time developing these systems and building this intelligence into our models. 

The setting out of the Decorex stand was defined by the dimensions of the various floor & wall tiles. We worked closely with Hutchison Flooring to ensure suitable tolerances were allowed, and minute changes to these could be made without adversely affecting the setting out of the other components/elements of the build as they would all update automatically with each other.

A key component of a successful design process is collaboration. Solidworks provides us with the tools to effectively work as a team to develop and deliver even the most challenging items of joinery. We can export the model to eDrawings, a free download, which enables wider members of the design/construction team as well as the client to review and interrogate the model without needing a Solidworks licence. Measurements can be taken, doors & panels can be hidden or shown, and materials and finishes can be assessed, providing the user with a comprehensive understanding of the joinery item. When working with Kelly Hoppen and Hakwood on the stand, all parties were able to have input throughout the design process, and we could rapidly make amends without impacting the completion deadline. 

In addition, we can generate all of our technical drawings directly from the Solidworks model, therefore any changes are automatically represented in the drawings. Smart dimensions and labelling further expedite the process and allow us to spend more time designing. 

The next step in the process is to prepare the fabrication package and cut files. To do so we use AlphaCam, an industry leading CNC Router programme. The Solidworks models are imported into AlphaCam, which extracts and flattens each individual component, allowing these parts to be later nested onto sheets. A custom Macro sorts these parts into the various materials then the whole job is processed in a click of a button. AlphaCam automatically nests the components onto specified sheets optimising the use of each and every millimeter, thereby minimising offcuts and waste. This method has evolved over years of testing, and we are proud of the efficiencies that we have achieved with both materials and time. 

The cut pieces are always finished by hand, and each is then sent to bays to either be edged, sanded, sawed or bonded, before being transferred to the benches for assembly by our talented team of cabinet makers. Each joinery item is then fully assembled in our test area to ensure that there are no surprises on site, before being sent on for finishing at the spray shop if required. The joinery pieces are then wrapped and delivered to site!

Photography: Black Edge Productions

We are constantly looking to improve our workflows and efficiencies, reducing our material use and environmental impact along with saving time and money for our clients. Our team of technical designers are experts in everything CAD (Computer Aided Design) and we would be delighted to offer our skills to assist you with your next project. We are always looking for new, exciting projects that continue to push the boundaries of what is possible so please do get in touch to discuss your ideas with us by hitting the button below, or giving us a call on 02072521560. 

Please share this post with industry professionals who are looking to improve the efficiency of their workflow, or leave us your thoughts via our socials, @shapelondon.