Robert Apodaca

For over 10 years I owned Fifth Floor Gallery both as physical store and online for the past few years while living on the East Coast. Fifth Floor Gallery had a robust exhibition program for which I curated and designed numerous exhibitions. As a small business owner did much of the work myself. I designed and fabricated both the retail/exhibition space and the residential loft above the gallery. I have exercised my fabrication skills both in creating new objects and spaces from scratch but also in restoration/renovations. I work well in collaborative scenarios as I have helped other designers and inventors to bring their vision to fruition.

 

Before moving away from L.A., I was a Technician in the Model Shop at Otis. During my time there, I was involved with the evolution of this advanced technology department starting with one Z Corp. 3D printer and one laser cutter to a facility with multiple laser cutters and three different types of 3D printers. I have over ten years of experience working with 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, as well as traditional wood and metal working equipment. While at Otis, I balanced the operation and maintenance of these machines with a very public facing side where I would instruct and advise students in safety and proper use of the shop. This shop was an educational environment where I trained users from beginning skill levels to advanced, while also problem-solving many different design solutions per day for the students. I also acted as a liaison between the shop and outside vendors providing equipment and service to our machines.