BRIAN OLTROGGE (ULTRA-GEE)
ABOUT ME
For over 20+ years, I have been pursuing all aspects of making by immersing myself in learning about new materials and emerging fabrication technologies. My background is in architecture, but I am also interested in furniture and product design and enjoy discovering new ways of looking at problems to find innovative solutions.
I hope to inspire people to consider the value of responsible design and to develop critical thinking skills by challenging my own assumptions about design and fabrication.
EXPERIENCE
2008-Present
Grunblau Design Studio | Owner and Co-Founder
Digital Designer, Sculptor, Fabricator and Educator and YouTube Creator
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2017-2024
Beanworks, Dreamlab | Digital Fabricator, Consultant
Advised on the design and layout of a multi-million dollar digital fabrication lab and tool acquisition for a private tech companies. Coordinated various contractors and personally engaged in the renovation and multiple additions to an existing building as well as the design of multiple residential and renovation projects. Designed and produced prototypes and processes using a Kuka Robot, Laser Cutter as well as the management of lab resources.
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2014-2018
Lawrence Technological University | Adjunct Professor, Coordinator
Taught multiple classes including Intro to Digital Fabrication and Visual Communication as well as Advanced Design Studio where we developed a prototype house for Habitat for Humanity that was built in Commerce, MI.
2001-2016
Massie Architecture | Director of Applied Technology, Designer
Responsible for all 3D modeling, documentation, and digital fabrication for various award winning residential and installation projects.
2005-2016
Cranbrook Academy of Art | Invited Lecturer and Visiting Artist
Led multiple annual seminars on digital fabrication and making as it relates to art and architecture.
EDUCATION
Master of Architecture | Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
Bachelor of Environmental Design | Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
TEACHING
2024
Flint Institute of Arts Museum + Art School | Invited Artist
Digital Seminar: An Introduction to Rhino3D
2020
Beanworks and College for Creative Studies | Industry Liasson
Future of Work, Semester Long Workshop and Investigation into Environmental Design
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2014-2018
Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, Michigan | Adjunct Professor, College of Architecture
Advanced Design Studio Developed Prototype House for Habitat for Humanity, Awarded Ford C3 Grant
Intro to Digital Fabrication | Introduction to 3D modeling for prototyping and CNC processes
Visual Communication | Coordinator, Instructor
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2005-2016
Cranbrook Academy of Art | Invited Artist/Annual Workshop Series
Rhinoceros 3D: Integration of Art and Digital Fabrication
[Make] Seminar: CAD, CAM, Introduction to CNC Plasma and Router
Advanced Computer Modeling and Digital Process
Analogue to Digital to Analogue: Exploration of 3D Scanning and Rapid Prototyping
2010-2011
​College for Creative Studies | Instructor
Precision 2D/3D Modeling, Advanced Rendering | Transportation Design Department
Precision 2D/3D Modeling, Advanced Rendering | Industrial Design Department
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Detroit Artists Market | Invited Panelist, Design Show Talks
2009
College for Creative Studies | Invited Speaker, Crafts Department
The University of Detroit Mercy | Invited Speaker, Critic, School of Architecture
2008
College for Creative Studies | Invited Speaker, Industrial Design Department, Detroit, Michigan
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PROJECTS
2024
COG NATIV Prefab System, Consultation and Development
BMW Car Wash Project Supervision and Fabrication Contractor | Bloomfield Hills
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2023
Hines Industrial Renovation Concept Development R&D, Offices and Warehouse | Northville, Michigan
Aesthetician Office and Athletic and Nutrition Space Concept Development | Northville, Michigan
Heavy Metal Bird Feeder | YouTube
Gravity Clamps | YouTube
Leather Wrapped 3D Prints | YouTube
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2022
Ocean Drive Guest House | Key Largo, Florida
Seaside Residence and Pool Design | Key Largo, Florida
Folded Steel Tree | YouTube
Giant Fiberglass Bowl | YouTube
Deck Chair | YouTube
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2021
KOI Pond Sculptural Fountain Installation | Northville, Michigan
Stitch and Glue Personal Kayak | YouTube
Rocket Stove | YouTube
Ball Jar Light | YouTube
The Thinker, 3D Scan and Metal Cast | YouTube
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2020
Beanworks R&D Fabrication Lab | Plymouth, Michigan
Residence Swimming Spa Addition and Concept Development | Northville, Michigan
427 Cobra Dash Design and Single Point Forming Investigation
9793 Residential Sign and Steel Structure | Northville, Michigan
Casting Aluminum for the Home | YouTube
2019
Orchard Ridge Residence Pool and Gardens, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Dreamlab, Storage Facility and Office Addition Design, Pontiac, Michigan
2018
Dreamlab, Advanced Materials and Paint Lab Addition and Site Work Pontiac, Michigan
2017
Hall House for Habitat for Humanity, Commerce, Michigan
House02, Winning Ford C3 Grant Proposal Pontiac, Michigan
2015-2016
Wessen Lawn Tennis Club, Pontiac, Michigan
2014
Dewey Pool House, Birmingham, Michigan
2013
Post-Industrial Complex, Museum of Contemporary Art, Detroit, Michigan
4 Storey Lasercut Handrail, Bloomfield Hills Residence, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Lululemon Storefront Birmingham, Michigan
2012
Maker Faire, Platform CNC, Detroit, Michigan
Valley Way Entrance Gate, Cranbrook Academy of Art, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Taubman/Two Mile Hollow Residence, East Hampton, New York, New York
Etterbeek Bar and Lounge, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
2011
Cranbrook New Museum Reception Area, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Nagerian Residence, Birmingham, Michigan
DAM Design Show, Bath, Detroit Artist Market, Detroit, Michigan
2010
Taubman Falcon 2000EX Corporate Jet Interior and Exterior Design
Porous Light, 2010 Design Show, Detroit Artist Market, Detroit, MI
North American Bancard Headquarters, Troy, Michigan
Taubman Residence Conservatory, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Maker Faire, DIY MDF CNC, Detroit, Michigan
2009
Mosaic Youth Theatre, Detroit, Michigan
AXA VIP Art Lounge, Art Basel, Miami, Florida
Whistle Vase, Pewabic Pottery, Detroit, MI
2008
American House 08, Cranbrook Academy of Art, Bloomfield Hills, MI
CAT table, Design Democracy 08, ICFF New York City, NY
PARAHINGE chair/table, Design Democracy 08, ICFF New York City, NY
2007
Milan House, Milan, New York
Crysler Pentastar, Clear!Blue, Birmingham, MI
2006
X Screen, Cranbrook Academy of Art, Bloomfield Hills, MI
2005
Sipes Residence, Los Angeles, California
Sternal Residence, Spencertown, New York
Younger Residence, Mercer Street, New York City, New York
2004
Big Belt House, Meagher County, MT
Grabler Building, Laight Street, New York City, NY
Mondo Cane Duane Street, New York City, NY
2003
WPS1.org Internet Radio Station
Entry Space, Shanghai Biennale
White Necklace, Doha Corniche Competition Entry in collaboration with Martha Schwartz
2002
Playa Urbana, PS1 MoMA Young Architects Program Competition.
Window Installation, Agnes B, New York City, NY
2001
Big Sky House, Meagher County, MT
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PUBLISHED WORK
An Architect's Custom 3D-Printed, Leather-Wrapped Bicycle Handlebar Grips: Designed with repeatable manufacture in mind https://www.core77.com/posts/130702/An-Architects-Custom-3D-Printed-Leather-Wrapped-Bicycle-Handlebar-Grips
Wood And Glue Scale Kayak Is Super: https://hackaday.com/2021/08/24/wood-and-glue-scale-kayak-is-super/
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Architectural Initiatives Point the Way Forward For Detroit: https://www.archdaily.com/882349/the-renaissance-city-3-architectural-initiatives-point-the-way-forward-for-detroit
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Ford C3 grant to Lawrence Tech aims to cut affordable housing cost in half: https://www.ltu.edu/news/?_from=/news/index.asp&_opt=detail&_cid=8de15cd2-3bd0-427e-9c9b-6340f5945933
3D Printing, Project Management and Higher Education: LTU GETS FORD C3 GRANT TO SLASH COST OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING: https://technologycenturydotcom.wordpress.com/2016/10/07/ltu-gets-ford-c3-grant-to-slash-cost-of-affordable-housing/
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Prototype of $65,000 digitally fabricated home to be built in Pontiac: https://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/2016/10/ford_motor_funds_lawrence_tech.html
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CUSTOM ALUMINUM WHEELS TEACH A THING OR TWO ABOUT CASTING:
https://hackaday.com/2017/07/01/custom-aluminum-wheels-teach-a-thing-or-two-about-casting/
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CNC DRAG KNIFE UPGRADE WITH OFF-THE-SHELF BLADES:
https://hackaday.com/2016/06/05/cnc-drag-knife-upgrade-with-off-the-shelf-blades/
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Wessen Lawn Tennis Club brings Wimbledon to Pontiac: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/2015/07/13/wessen-lawn-tennis-club-wimbledon/30111765/
Lawn Tennis Club Opens at Site of Former Pontiac Waterworks Plant: https://www.dbusiness.com/daily-news/lawn-tennis-club-opens-at-site-of-former-pontiac-waterworks-plant/
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Lawn Tennis Club opens in Michigan with big hopes: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/tennis/2014/06/24/lawn-tennis-club-opens-in-michigan-with-big-hopes/11331657/
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Dougherty, Dale. “Makers Dozen: Detroit” (July 2010); Available from http://blog.makezine.com/2010/07/25/makers-dozen/
Noe, Rain. "DIY CNC? WTF! (part 1 and 2)" (December 2009); Available fromhttp://www.core77.com/blog/technology/diy_cnc_wtf_part_1_15459.asp
Elle Décor Italia, “Passato Moderno”, Tami Christiansen, December 2009, p. 158 – 167
Hauser Magazine for Architecture, Berlin, Germany, August 2009
Hay, David. The Prefab Issue. "Massie Produced" Dwell Magazine (February 2008):Cover,22, 73-79."
Oltrogge, Brian. "William Massie | American House 08" (last updated c.2008,); availablefrom http://www.massiearchitecture.com: Internet.
Arief, Allison. "The Dwell Home." Dwell (July-August 2003) p 73-92.
Gilmartin, Ben. "(1:1) Merging Design and Making: Bill Massie." New Technologies: NewArchitectures, Praxis Journal of Writing and Building 1, no. 6 (2004) p 18-27.
Herbers, Jill. Prefab Modern. Harper Collins Publishers, (2004) p 139-140 149
Cohen, Jean-Louis; Martin, G.; Moeller, Gerard. Liquid Stone: New Architecture inConcrete. Birkhauser, (2006).
Fredricksen, Eric. "Undress Rehearsal" Architecture Magazine, (June, 2006) p 55
Schwartz, Martha. "Doha Corniche Competition, Martha Schwartz Submission" availablefrom http://www.archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.jsp? Site_id=7765
Rosa, Joseph. Next Generation Architecture; Folds, Blobs, and Boxes. Rizzoli Press,(2003).
Kroloff, Reed. Best and Brightest 2002. “William Massie.” Esquire (December 2002).
Massie, William. "Remaking in a Post-processed Culture." Versioning: EvolutionaryTechniques in Architecture, ed. Sharples Holden Pasquarelli. Architectural Design 72, no. 5(Sept/Oct 2002) p.54-59.
Hay, David. "How to Build a House for $145,000." Dwell Magazine (August 2002) p 82-84.
Sirefman, Susanna. Modern Shoestring: Contemporary Architecture on a Budget. MilanHouse | Milan, New York | William Massie Architect | $172.00 Per Square Foot | 2007:Monacelli Press, (2008) p 91-99
Waters, John. Blobitecture: Waveform Architecture and Digital Design. Rockport Publishers,2003
Arquitecturas de Exhibicion, “William E. Massie: Playa Urbana/Urban Beach”,September2002, p. 26
