Inside view of Makelab 3D printing studio at Brooklyn’s MADE: Bush Terminal with various machines.

Makelab Expands 3D Printing Capabilities with New Studio at Brooklyn’s MADE: Bush Terminal

User avatar placeholder
Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-10-02

At the revamped 140,000-square-foot MADE: Bush Terminal on Brooklyn‘s waterfront, Makelab has unveiled a new 3,840-square-foot facility to amplify its 3D printing production. As a prominent tenant, Makelab is contributing to the transformation of Sunset Park’s working waterfront, led by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), into a hub of industrial design and manufacturing. The studio stands out as a key player in this development.

3D printers inside a creative studio space with industrial decor.

In a conversation with their team, they highlighted how this move enhances their ability to handle significant tier-one clients. “Every time you reach a new growth stage, there’s more to grasp,” remarked Co-Founder and CEO, Christina Perla. The limitations of their previous location are now surpassed, as exemplified when a 53-foot truck from a tier-one auto supplier recently managed an order pickup — an impossible feat before at the facility.

Brooklyn Bridge architectural model with designs from Zaha Hadid Architects and Makelab.
Brooklyn Bridge Architectural Model, Site Model Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and Olympia NYC Site Model by Makelab | all images courtesy of Makelab

Blending Industrial Design Expertise with 3D Printing

A decade ago, the operation entered the scene when 3D printing was often misunderstood as a quick fix for production. Founders Christina Perla and Manny Mota, both industrial designers, created the company not just as a vendor but as a knowledgeable partner able to translate complex designs into reality. Perla recalls, “We had to debunk the myth that 3D printing could defy the basic laws of physics.”

Explore how Josh White Transforms Digital 3D Sculpts to see imaginative applications of 3D technology beyond industrial use.

CAD designs being transformed into practical prototypes at Makelab.
Makelab bridges CAD concepts with real-world physics, material constraints, and practical functionality

Bringing Tangibility to Digital Design Workflows

The expansion to MADE: Bush Terminal does more than boost production; it embodies a mission to integrate digital design with physical manufacturing knowledge. Nestled in a collaborative environment, the enterprise is pushing for a deeper understanding of fabrication in early design phases. Perla states, “There’s a growing awareness about the manufacturing aspect in product design. With these resources, designers can better envision how products are made, enhancing the tangibility of their processes.”

Prototyping wellness footwear at Makelab using advanced 3D printing techniques.
Stand+ wellness footwear prototyping

Located in Sunset Park, the studio is strategically positioned to serve the growing demand for 3D printing in Brooklyn. The studio’s expansion solidifies its role as a leader in the industry.

Inside Makelab's new location, enhancing production capacity for high-profile collaborations.
makelab’s new location boosts production capacity to power major tier-one partnerships
High-quality parts and prototypes produced by Makelab, transforming product design processes.
redefining how product designers integrate fabrication, makelab produces high-quality parts and prototypes
Makelab ensures file preparation to post-processing with strict quality checks.
makelab manages everything from file prep to post-processing with transparency and quality control

Project Info:

  • Company: Makelab | @makelab3d
  • Site: MADE: Bush Terminal | @madebushterminal
  • Location: Sunset Park, Brooklyn, New York
Close-up of 3D printed components on a workshop table.
Workers examining 3D printing models inside a modern studio environment.

Sources & Links

Source: designboom.com

Frequently asked questions

What is Makelab’s new facility size at MADE: Bush Terminal?

Makelab’s new facility at MADE: Bush Terminal is 3,840 square feet.

Why is Makelab’s expansion significant for their operations?

The expansion allows Makelab to handle significant tier-one clients, overcoming previous location limitations, demonstrated by a 53-foot truck from a tier-one auto supplier managing an order pickup.

How does the new studio benefit the integration of digital design and manufacturing?

The new studio embodies a mission to integrate digital design with physical manufacturing knowledge, providing resources for designers to better envision how products are made, thus enhancing the tangibility of their processes.