Senior Product Development & DFM Consultant Needed for Premium Stainless Steel Consumer Product

I'm developing a premium stainless steel pet bowl that sits at the intersection of industrial design, modern home décor, and consumer products. The overall design direction has already been established. I have AI concept renders, physical clay models, and an initial CAD model created by an industrial designer. At this stage, **I'm not looking for someone to redesign the product from scratch.** Instead, I'm looking for an experienced product development professional who has successfully brought premium stainless steel consumer products through manufacturing and can help evaluate the current design before we invest further time refining it. The primary question I'm trying to answer is: **"How do we keep this looking like sculpture while still making it manufacturable?"** What I'm Looking For: I'm looking for someone who can review the current CAD model through both a manufacturing and product development lens. While manufacturing experience is my highest priority, I'm also looking for someone who appreciates good industrial design and understands that preserving the design intent is an important part of the engineering process. Specifically, I'd like feedback on: - Design for Manufacturing (DFM) - Overall manufacturing feasibility - Recommended manufacturing processes - Potential production constraints - Major cost drivers - Areas where the current design could create manufacturing challenges - Suggestions for improving manufacturability while preserving the overall aesthetic and design intent I'm not looking for someone who simply says, "Yes, this can be made." I'm looking for someone who is comfortable challenging assumptions, identifying risks early, and helping determine the smartest path toward production. Manufacturing Goals: My current goal is to manufacture this product in the **United States**, provided it is commercially viable. Preference will be given to candidates who: - Have direct experience bringing products to market through U.S.-based manufacturing - Have existing relationships with U.S. manufacturers or fabrication shops - Can recommend manufacturers that would be a good fit for this type of product - Ideally have experience working with manufacturers in or around Southern California / the Los Angeles area Ideal Background: I'm particularly interested in candidates who have experience developing premium stainless steel products such as: - Kitchenware - Tableware - Home goods - Furniture - Luxury consumer products - Sculptural metal products - Lamp design Experience with one or more of the following is highly preferred: - Design for Manufacturing (DFM) - Stainless steel manufacturing - Deep drawing - Metal spinning - Hydroforming - Investment casting - Metal fabrication - Supplier and factory communication - Product development from concept through production If you've worked with companies similar to Alessi, Georg Jensen, HAY, Fellow, Ferm Living, Umbra, Schoolhouse, or other premium consumer brands, I'd especially like to hear from you. Initial Scope: The first engagement is intentionally focused and consultative. Deliverables: - Review the existing AI and CAD model and design intent - Provide an honest assessment of the current design from both a manufacturing and product development perspective - Identify any major manufacturability concerns - Recommend the most realistic manufacturing process(es) - Highlight the biggest cost drivers - Recommend any design changes that should be made before additional refinement If the collaboration goes well, there is potential for additional work helping guide the project through engineering, prototyping, supplier selection, manufacturing, and production. Please Include: - Examples of stainless steel products you've helped bring to production - Your role on those projects - Experience working directly with U.S.-based manufacturers - Any relationships with manufacturers or fabrication shops (especially in the U.S.) - CAD software you use - A brief explanation of how you would approach reviewing an existing concept like this I'm looking for someone who enjoys solving challenging product development problems and understands that successful products require balancing thoughtful design with practical manufacturing decisions.