From concept to manufacturer-ready prototype.

I help founders bridge the gap between product idea and production—prototypes and documentation clear enough for a manufacturer to quote accurately and plan a pilot run without back-and-forth.

Start Your Project

You have a product idea. Now what?

You’ve done the market research. You believe in the concept. But between where you are now and a finished product on a shelf, there’s a gap most founders underestimate: turning your idea into something a manufacturer can actually build.

This is where projects stall. CAD files that don’t translate to production. Prototypes that look right but can’t be manufactured at scale. Months lost to back-and-forth with overseas factories who don’t understand what you want.

I close that gap. I take your concept—whether it’s a rough sketch, a 3D model, or just a clear description—and turn it into a prototype with documentation a competent manufacturer can quote and build from.

Hands-on prototyping. Direct communication. No handoffs.

When you work with me, you work with me—not a project manager, not an outsourced design team, not a factory overseas. I personally handle CAD modeling, fabrication, 3D printing, and prototype refinement.

I’ve spent years in custom fabrication, cabinetmaking, and metalwork. I think in terms of how things get built—not just how they look on screen. That means fewer surprises when your prototype hits the factory floor.

I take on a limited number of projects at a time so I can stay deeply involved in each one. You get my full attention, not a slice of it.

A phased process designed for clarity.

Every project moves through three phases. Each has a clear scope, clear deliverables, and a natural decision point before you commit further. No open-ended retainers. No surprises.

Projects are scoped and priced by phase because I’m focused on outcomes, not hours. You’re paying for a clear deliverable, not watching a clock.

Phase 1: Concept Validation

From $500

Before we build anything, we make sure we’re solving the right problem. I assess feasibility, identify design challenges, and define what “done” looks like for your prototype.

This phase is analysis and definition—not design work. No CAD, no fabrication. The goal is a clear, shared understanding of what we’re building and whether it makes sense to proceed.

What you get:

Feasibility assessment (materials, methods, rough cost range)
Written scope document defining prototype requirements
Go/no-go recommendation with Phase 2 proposal if appropriate

Who this is for: Anyone with a product idea and the commitment to explore it seriously. Phase 1 is intentionally open—it’s a low-risk way to test the waters.

Phase 2: Design & First Prototype

From $1,500

I create CAD models and build your first physical prototype. This is where your idea becomes real—something you can hold, test, and learn from.

What you get:

3D CAD model
First physical prototype (3D printed, fabricated, or hybrid)
Documentation of design decisions and tradeoffs
Identified refinements for next iteration

What happens next: You test the prototype. We identify what needs to change. Phase 3 refines it for production.

Phase 3: Refinement & Manufacturing Handoff

From $2,000

I refine the prototype based on testing, optimize for manufacturability, and prepare final files for your manufacturer.

What you get:

Refined prototype (typically 1–2 additional iterations)
Production-ready CAD files
Material specifications and manufacturing notes
Files formatted for manufacturer handoff

What “manufacturer-ready” means: Your prototype and documentation will be clear and buildable enough for a competent manufacturer to generate accurate quotes and plan a pilot or initial production run—without needing fundamental design clarification.

What’s Not Included

I focus on prototyping—taking you from idea to manufacturer-ready files and physical prototype. I don’t handle manufacturing sourcing, supplier negotiation, production runs, or ongoing factory management. If you need those services, I work with sourcing partners I trust and can make introductions.

IP Ownership

You own your intellectual property. Upon final payment for any phase, all work product from that phase—CAD files, documentation, prototypes—belongs to you.

Who’s behind this.

I’m Brian Licitra. I’ve spent years in custom fabrication, cabinetmaking, and metalwork—building things by hand and solving problems in the shop. I also work in CAD, 3D printing, and rapid prototyping.

I started this practice because I kept meeting founders with great product ideas who were stuck. They had the market figured out, the funding lined up, but no clear path from concept to production. That’s the problem I solve.

I keep my client load limited so I can stay hands-on with every project. I don’t take projects past the handoff point because I’d rather do one thing well than pretend to do everything.

Ready to explore?

Tell me about your project. I’ll get back to you within two business days. This initial conversation is exploratory and low-pressure—we’re just figuring out if Phase 1 makes sense for your situation.