Meet
Mak Furuta

My career has been built on bridging the gap between creative vision and manufacturing reality, leading teams and programs from first sketch to full-scale production.

What sets me apart is a deep understanding of how things are actually made. I design with manufacturing constraints in mind from day one, knowing how metal cuts, plastic forms, and parts assemble shapes every decision I make. That knowledge translates into thoughtful designs that hold up in mass production without compromise, backed by a quality-first mindset rooted in Lean manufacturing and ISO 9001 environments.

I have a proven track record of building high-performing engineering teams, scaling multi-million-dollar manufacturing programs, and delivering measurable gains in productivity, quality, and efficiency. From concept to full production, I partner with clients, lead cross-functional teams, and embed sustainability and improvement into every stage of the process.

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN PROCESS

3D Modeling and Rendering

15+ years of 3D CAD experience, wide range of modeling capabilities from reverse engineering and concept modeling to detailed part drawings, renderings and simulations. Fluent in Autodesk Fusion, SolidWorks, and SketchUp.
Mold and Tool Design

Tooling design is where product vision meets manufacturing reality. I develop tooling strategies that optimize part geometry, minimize cycle time, and reduce cost without sacrificing quality, selecting cavitation based on annual volume forecasts to maximize efficiency and return on tooling investment.
Design for Manufacturing

I apply DFM principles to reduce cost and waste without compromising the design. On a recent injection molded program, DFM-driven redesign reduced cycle time, cut part weight by 20%, and saved $14,000 annually in production costs.
Rapid Prototyping

Rapid prototyping is built into how I design, using physical iterations to validate geometry, ergonomics, and assembly before a tool is ever cut. It shortens the development cycle and reduces downstream risk.
Strategic Resin Selection

I strategically select resins to balance performance, cost, and sustainability across every program. From PCR content and biodegradable additives to glass fiber reinforcement, UV stabilizers, and flame retardants, material choice is a critical design decision.
Assembly Fixturing and Automation

The right automation and fixturing strategy can transform a manual assembly line into a high-output, low-variability operation. I design and integrate jigs, fixtures, and automated systems that reduce labor costs, improve part consistency, and scale production capability without scaling headcount.