Studio NEWO
Studio NEWO is an industrial design practice focused on structural integrity, material honesty, and lifecycle impact. Operating at the intersection of mechanical logic and domestic utility, the studio leverages emerging technologies and raw, high-quality materials to build products that justify their own existence. Delivering functional value is the baseline; considering how an object is manufactured, repaired, and eventually recycled is the mission.
Owen Palmer, designer
I am not your typical industrial designer. Currently based in Toronto, studying industrial design, with a foundation in mechanical engineering. I approach design through a lens of pragmatic fabrication, my work prioritizes honesty, tactile materials, and mechanical longevity over planned obsolescence. I want to create great products that offer exceptional value, solve a real problem, and exceed people's expectations.
Spatial prototyping
Design is resolved in physical space. Mechanical interlocks, tolerances, and structural constraints are worked out through rapid prototyping and mental modeling first. CAD is utilized to document and refine a physically solved problem, rather than searching for one on a screen.
Constraint-driven form
Form follows manufacturing logic. The fabrication method, material properties, and ergonomic requirements set strict boundaries. When a desired aesthetic conflicts with a structural requirement, the design adapts to the mechanics.
Pragmatism and value
Every component and line of firmware must earn its place. If a feature does not meaningfully improve function or longevity, it is removed. Fewer parts result in fewer points of failure, cleaner aesthetics, and lower production complexity.
Lifecycle
Products are designed with their entire lifecycle in mind. This means considering how long the product will be used for, what happens if a part is damaged or worn out, and what materials make the most sense functionally and environmentally. Utilizing mechanical fasteners, selecting raw metals, and designing sub-assemblies that can be swapped independently rather than discarding the entire object is the goal.