MIKE NOPPER

MIKE NOPPER

Work Experience

MIKE NOPPER

Work Experience

Independent Consultant

Masaya Co | Masaya Homes

My initial work with Masaya Co and Masaya Homes involved flying down to Nicaragua to set up their first CNC router on-site, and train the team on design for fabrication and CNC programming. This involved not only technical skills training but also educating the team on the possibilities and limitations of CNC fabrication and how it can be integrated into their design process.

As a consultant, I provide guidance and feedback on product design, with a focus on optimizing designs for CNC fabrication, improving product quality, and reducing production time and waste.

In addition to these tasks, I am also responsible for developing internal procedures and documentation surrounding the design process, CNC methodology, and factory workflow. This involves creating standard operating procedures for each step of the design and production process, from initial design to final fabrication, as well as developing a detailed documentation system that captures all aspects of the design and production process, including material sourcing, tooling and programming, and quality control.

Production Manager

Living Architecture Systems Group

As Production Manager at Living Systems Architecture Group (LASG), I had the unique opportunity to balance both management and design tasks.

One of my key projects was the development of an omnidirectional speaker system. Working on both the design and production aspects, I oversaw the creation of a 3D-printed system consisting of four ceiling-mounted and four floor-mounted speakers, which created a dynamic soundscape in collaboration with Lobe Studio co-founder Edo Van Breemen.

In addition to speaker development, I also worked on new part design and maintenance installation for Meander, a project installed at Tapestry Hall in Cambridge, Ontario. I was also involved in workshops with Iris Van Herpen to create digitally fabricated fabrics, exploring new methods of design and production.

As Production Manager, I contributed to the production of the testbed sculpture installed at TU Delft, ensuring that deadlines were met and quality was maintained throughout the process.

Overall, my time at LASG allowed me to explore the intersection of design and technology, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of architecture and sculpture.

Founder & Lead Designer

Implicit Audio

As the founder and lead designer of Implicit Audio, I recognized a gap in the local marketplace for custom, flat-packed DIY guitar cabinets and sought to fill that need. I led new product development, expanded our product line, and negotiated with suppliers and fabrication partners to ensure the highest quality materials and production standards.

My responsibilities also included website design and Shopify store development, as well as managing marketing efforts such as leading email marketing and social media campaigns to increase brand awareness and drive sales.

Through my experience as a producing guitarist and my background in the pro-audio and architectural fabrication industries, I offered a unique perspective on the form and function of music equipment. At Implicit Audio, we were dedicated to creating high-precision guitar cabinets using premium materials that provided a foundation for musicians to craft a tone and style that was their own.

Overall, my time at Implicit Audio allowed me to combine my passion for music gear and fabrication with my entrepreneurial spirit, resulting in the creation of a successful business that served the needs of local musicians.

Design & Fabrication Manager

CNC Cutting Inc.

As the Design & Fabrication Manager at CNC Cutting, I led a team of four through custom fabrication projects ranging from furniture, automotive moulds, signage, and interior architectural features.

My team handled everything from sales and consultation, to design and detailing, CNC programming, and machining. Our projects involved coordination with suppliers, fabricators, finishers, and installers to value engineer each project and ensure that we delivered high-quality work that met our client’s needs.

In addition to managing the team, I was also responsible for continuously improving company operations through simple and effective systems. This included developing standard operating procedures, onboarding documentation, and establishing our CRM using Hubspot.

Design Consultant

MIKA Audio

As a Design Consultant for MIKA Audio, I took charge of design, production, and supply chain initiatives for their portable Bluetooth speaker. I worked to maintain brand identity throughout every design decision, and formalized technical drawings and documentation including BOM, suppliers, and cost analysis.

In order to streamline the prototyping and production processes, I developed a highly effective assembly methodology which was documented through technical drawings. To further promote the product, I delivered the Marketing and Sales team with high-quality renders. Overall, my contributions played a key role in the launch of the MIKA Audio portable speaker

Mechanical Designer

Adamson Systems Engineering

As a Mechanical Designer, I was responsible for designing and manufacturing a range of products including loudspeakers, electronic enclosures, and rigging. My work involved facilitating effective communication between the engineering and fabrication teams to ensure that designs were executed correctly. This was my first professional experience with digital fabrication technology and set me up for an exciting journey through digital design.

I supported the company’s expansion efforts by working with the team to design and implement a new production line, which allowed us to consolidate multiple operations to accelerate production time and improve quality. Additionally, I played a key role in fielding new products from suppliers by performing stress testing analysis to ensure they met our rigorous standards.

Junior Project Leader

Enbridge Gas Distribution

As a Junior Project Leader at Enbridge, I was responsible for various tasks that helped to develop my leadership skills and attention to detail.

I led health and safety meetings, delivering clear and concise presentations to ensure the team’s safety. Additionally, I collected field data for ongoing projects and developed a maintenance schedule, which honed my technical writing skills.

As part of a rehabilitation initiative of old, iron pipes to more reliable plastic piping, I collaborated with consultants to create a maintenance schedule for existing pipelines, identifying key areas for improvement and streamlining the process for increased efficiency.

Finally, I led group workshops to update the complex Excel maintenance schedules developed by the consultants, making sure that all team members were aligned and working together to achieve project success.

Think we'd work well together?

Whether you’re looking for a fresh perspective, innovative ideas, or just a reliable team member, I am ready and eager to collaborate with you. Let’s connect and create something great together!