Bento Box Internship
What—
A 2018 summer internship with the Brooklyn based company, Bento Box, in the Bento Build Industrial Design branch.
Why—
Bento Box is based on small footprint living with a uniquely minimalist aesthetic. Being part of their team was the perfect opportunity for me to gain real-world experience in a studio centered around my design principles.
With the Bento Build branch expanding rapidly, I was brought on to work directly with the core industrial design team and assist in client work.
How—
Throughout my time, I became confident using multiple different programs, including Rhino and Keyshot. I also received walkthroughs and exposure to CNC milling using Rhino software and various new physical prototyping techniques.
My Role—
Working with the industrial design team, I produced client presentations, marketing materials, interior layouts, and computer-generated models andrenderings.
Daily responsibilities included creating environmental layouts using the Bento Series 001 modules, formatting and producing content for weekly presentations, and content editing based off post-meeting notes.
Other responsibilities included helping to generate comprehensive organizational systems surrounding the product lines, image creation for an online configurator (a platform that will allow potential customers to layout their own Bento Build lattice wall), and creating digital assets for social media.
Lattice System—
The foundation for the majority of the Bento Build designs is the "lattice system," a bent sheet metal wall fitting that supports any of the Bento modules.
Above is a GIF I created to highlight the customization opportunities provided by the lattice system. More details can be found on the Bento Build website
Manufacturing—
The Bento Build team focusses heavily on a two key materials— baltic birch plywood and bent sheet metal.
I gained experience in the manufacturing techniques associated with these two materials by sitting in on production calls, reviewing technical drawings, attending factory tours, and ideating and creating test models for kitchen accessory solutions.
Pictured to the right is a sheet metal brake in use seen during a factory tour.
While much of my personal work cannot be pictured due to client and company privacy, I’d be happy to discuss my experience and gained skill set!