group of people working around collection of building models

Growing the Maker Community at ZGF

group of people working around collection of building models

Growing the Maker Community at ZGF

Methodology November 29, 2022

In this latest series of Humans of ZGF interviews, we sat down with the model shop team to learn about their unique career paths into model building, the most memorable projects they’ve worked on, and what’s on their bench right now.

From large scale sculptural works and interactive installations to signage and product development, Robert Petty advances creative fabrication arts into real world solutions. As director of ZGF’s firmwide model shop group, Robert brings over 20 years of fabrication, design, and creative art making to our in-house fabrication services. He’s always on the lookout for efficient and creative solutions that exemplify a client’s story and brand while building on ZGF’s legacy of quality model making and prototyping. Learn more about Robert below.

group of people talking in semi-circle next to wooden model

Physical models allow project teams and stakeholders to visualize concepts in real time and work through design challenges.

Why do you love working in architecture and design? Every project is unique and brings together an equally unique group of people to solve it. It’s an incredible experience working with a wide range of diverse talent, from architects and designers, to engineers, programmers, artists, and musicians. Watching a project blossom from a collective effort is always rewarding.

How did you make your way into the model shop at ZGF? I’ve had the opportunity since early in my career to help guide and grow our maker community at ZGF. Getting to play with early 3D printer technology and lasers in the early 2000’s felt so futuristic! Since then, witnessing the growth of digital fabrication along with old school making has kept the shop fresh and energized.

What is the coolest project you’ve worked on? My start date was back in 2003, so my portfolio of memorable work is lengthy. Watching our 1+ project Cameo No.3 travel to Times Square was pretty incredible.

Originally constructed for the 2017 Portland Winter Light Festival, Cameo No. 3 represents the intersection of music, touch, light and social interaction. The installation traveled to several locations including the Design Pavilion in Times Square during New York’s annual NYCxDesign celebration.

What is the most challenging project you’ve worked on? The recently completed, large and detailed JBG Smith National Landing model was the biggest project we had run through the shop to date. We had four consultants and over 30 team members working on the model at one point. The engineering and programming to bring the model to life was like wiring a fighter jet. Watching the process come together successfully was a huge relief.

Large collection of miniature buildings in gallery style space

JBG Smith contracted ZGF Portland’s fabrication and model shop to create a 1”-50’ scale model of Arlington, Virginia’s National Landing, the home of Amazon’s HQ2. Over a three-month production period, it took dozens of people and thousands of hours of work to create 250 individually programmable lit buildings.

What’s on your bench right now? We are currently crafting a large-scale world map for Eisai Pharmaceutical’s regional headquarters on the east coast. Every country is getting computer numerical control (CNC) cut out of solid surface and acoustic felt. It’s fascinating to produce a world map; there are more countries than people realize.

What are your hobbies outside of work? I love making things. I recently converted an old horse trailer into a family camper.

Dogs or Cats? Cats. It’s always been lots of crazy cats.

Favorite quote? “Don’t think, feel!”- Bruce Lee

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