• Metropolitan Museum Rooftop (NYC)

    PROJECT LEAD AND SENIOR FABRICATOR : Yellow Balloon Dog / Jeff Koons

  • Kinetic Sculpture

    PROJECT LEAD AND SENIOR FABRICATOR

  • Palace of Versailles (France)

    PROJECT LEAD AND SENIOR FABRICATOR: Magenta Balloon Dog / Jeff Koons

  • Jacobs Medical Center Installation (San Diego)

    PROJECT LEAD AND SENIOR FABRICATOR : Party Hat / Jeff Koons

  • Kunsthaus Bregenz (Austria)

    PROJECT LEAD AND SENIOR FABRICATOR : Blue Balloon Dog / Jeff Koons

MASTER CRAFTSMAN
R+D FABRICATOR
SR. PRODUCTION MANAGER

Merging craftsmanship, imagination, and future technology to build innovative creations.

CURRENTLY WORKING

CURRENTLY WORKING

As a Senior Prototype Fabricator at Zoox, I leverage cutting-edge prototyping technologies for autonomous vehicles. I work with cross-functional teams (i.e., design, engineering, assembly, and marketing) to develop and manage innovative and complex projects.

 

SAMPLE ART WORK

 
 
 

01

Multi-Scale Projects

 

02

Art / Magic / Entertainment

 

03

Architecture / Restoration

 

04

Machine Building

Hi. I’m Daniel.


 

Intro

I’m a master craftsman + project leader.

DESIGN:
I design and build beautiful, practical, useable, scalable, one-of-a-kind projects.

EXPERIENCE:
With 20+ years of custom fabrication and 20+ years of R&D, I have senior-level experience across industries (Art/Illusions/Magic, Science, Architecture, Technology, Mechanics, Entertainment), materials, and processes.

LEADERSHIP:
I build and manage teams focusing on project management, skills development, innovation, quality craftsmanship, and superior production standards.

ART + ILLUSIONS:
I work with prominent creators globally and play in imaginary worlds. I also have 10+ years of working with master illusions designer John Gaughan, building incredible inventions utilized across industries (concerts, theatre, film, installations, and more).

OBSESSION:
With a global background in mechanics, illusions, art, sculpture, construction, design, and installation, I am laser-focused on leading teams and creating innovative projects, specialized tooling, and future-forward systems.

 

 

Specialty / Interests

Fabrication / Prototyping
Custom Tooling
AI + Robotic Technology
Art + Illusions
Automotive + Space Technology
Architecture / Construction
Consumer Products

 

Sample Art Clients & Contracts

 

Art

Jeff Koons
Charles Ray
Robert Therrien 
Ellsworth Kelly
Doug Aitken
Liz Larner
Lita Albuquerque
Claes Oldenberg/Coosje van
Bruggen
Aaron Curry
Glenn Kaino
Jim Issermann
Isamu Noguchi
John McCracken
Chris Burden
James Turrell
Ryan McGinness
Deru

Magic

John Gaughan 
Derek Delgaudio, In & of Itself & Nothing to Hide
Neil Patrick Harris
Helder Guimaraes, Nothing to Hide
Jim Steinmeyer
Mike Caveney
Franz Harary
Hans Klok
Criss Angel
David Blaine
Ai & YuKi
Ricardo Rosenkranz
Penn & Teller
Jonathan Pendragon
Steve Valentine
Justin Bieber

Museums & Galleries

Palace of Versailles (Versailles, France)
LACMA (Los Angeles, CA)
Museum of Jurassic Technology (Los Angeles, CA)
Broad Foundation (Los Angeles, CA)
Getty Center (Los Angeles, CA
Gagosian (Worldwide)
Geffen Playhouse  (Los Angeles, CA)
Daryl Roth Theatre (New York City, NY)
Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York City, NY)
Neue Nationalgalerie (Berlin, Germany)
Kunsthaus Bregenz (Bregenz, Austria)
Machine Project (Los Angeles, CA)
The Museum of Jurassic Technology. (Los Angeles, CA)
Regen Projects (Los Angeles, CA)
Land of Tomorrow (Lexington, Kentucky)

Global Projects & Leadership

With a global footprint that extends from Versailles to New York City, I've managed large-scale fabrication projects and led design teams, crafting exceptional experiences for renowned artists and institutions. Across Los Angeles, Austria, Berlin, and beyond, my portfolio spans the globe, featuring large-scale installations that captivate audiences worldwide.

KUNSTHAUS BREGENZ (AUSTRIA) - NEW YORK METROPOLITAN MUSEUM - LACMA (LOS ANGELES) - BROAD FOUNDATION (LOS ANGELES) - MUSEUM OF JURASSIC TECHNOLOGY (LOS ANGELES) - PALACE OF VERSAILLES (FRANCE) - GAGOSIAN (WORLDWIDE) - GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE (LOS ANGELES) - NEUE NATIONALGALERIE (GERMANY)

KUNSTHAUS BREGENZ (AUSTRIA) - NEW YORK METROPOLITAN MUSEUM - LACMA (LOS ANGELES) - BROAD FOUNDATION (LOS ANGELES) - MUSEUM OF JURASSIC TECHNOLOGY (LOS ANGELES) - PALACE OF VERSAILLES (FRANCE) - GAGOSIAN (WORLDWIDE) - GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE (LOS ANGELES) - NEUE NATIONALGALERIE (GERMANY)

 

Here’s how I can help you.

DESIGN + DEVELOPMENT

I’m an experienced craftsman with significant experience working at all stages of design and development. I work best when interfacing directly with artists, designers, and engineers to ensure design mechanics, materials and staffing are all in alignment.

BUILD + STRATEGY

I am laser-focused on the creation of craft objects and tooling utilizing advanced technology with forward-looking processes. I build and nurture a culture of imagination and innovation working well across internal stakeholders.

PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

I build and lead both small and large teams with varying account sizes and am known for executing short and long-term projects - on time and on budget.

 
 

SAMPLE WORK

 
 
 
 

04

05

Metal Work

Custom Tooling

Got Questions?
Here are a few answers.

  • I have a B.A. in Fine Arts from Cal Arts and advanced training in Leadership & Management.

    I have 20+ years of experience working closely with engineering, design, sales, and implementation teams to fabricate and build solutions based on design requirements.

    I also have 10+ years working with master illusion designer John Gaughan, building incredible inventions utilized across industries.

  • Here’s a bit about the work I do, but be sure to check out my LinkedIn for up-to-date information and be sure to say hi.

    • Build and nurture a culture of imagination and innovation working well across internal stakeholders.

    • R&D specialist responsible for prototyping and custom tooling as well as domestic and global installations.

    • Root cause analysis and problem-solving.

    • Work from engineering drawings, schematics, sketches, or verbal instructions and determine the most efficient ways to manage projects.

    • Provide feedback to engineers, other fabricators and management on design and process improvement.

    • Deep technical knowledge of metal/plastic fabrication and machining processes.

    • Execute detailed assembly procedures, accurately record and communicate progress and challenges.

    • Develop and manage complex budgets covering all aspects of prototype fabrication, including raw material, equipment procurement and maintenance, consumables, and headcount.

    • Communicate fabrication issues and potential solutions back to design teams to close feedback loops in the build process.

    • Continuous improvement of fabrication strategies and processes.

    • Build and lead a team of craftspeople, with empathy and expertise, including defining and guiding career development for team members.

    • Lead teams by example through collaboration to deliver consistent results with greater performance and superior production quality.

    • Prioritize workplace safety and continued skills development as a critical component of my management ethos.

    • Review, coordinate and implement the safety measures and applicable company programs for the project required to conform with key standards.

    • Maintain project plans, communication, correspondence, and manage subcontracts.

    • Ensure all equipment in the prototyping shop is appropriately utilized, serviced, and maintained

    • Quality Control and Inspection

  • Sure. Here’s a sample of my technical skills. Let’s talk about what you need.

    • Machining - CNC and Manual Machining

    • Post-Machining Processes (e.g., heat-treatment, brazing, anodizing, precision cleaning, non-destructive testing, and assembly)

    • Machining and Fabrication (across materials including polymers to allows, as well as wood and composites)

    • Welding – TIG, MIG, CMT, in a variety of positions and materials

    • Read and interpret engineering drawings, weld symbols, and GD&T

    • Jira

    • SolidWorks CAD

    • and more…

  • I’m based in the Bay Area, but available to travel or relocate for longer engagements depending on the opportunity.

Get in touch with me.