I'm Kevin Thies
A maker who believes in community-driven learning
Everyone should have the opportunity to make.
I believe access to tools, resources, and guidance should never be a barrier to creativity. Whether it's learning to use a 3D printer or mastering the art of laser cutting, everyone deserves the opportunity to explore and create.
My Story
My journey into making began not in a traditional classroom, but in woodshops and makerspaces
where I felt more at home. As a student in architecture school, I realized early on that the
conventional path to licensure and an architecture firm wasn’t my calling. However, I found
value in the skills I was learning, especially those related to craftsmanship. More importantly,
I discovered the true power of hands-on learning in an interdisciplinary makerspace, where
people from all backgrounds and fields came together to explore and create. It was there that I
recognized how transformative access to a creative space could be for anyone.
In my teaching experience, I’ve had the privilege of guiding individuals through their first
experiences with crafting since they were children, guiding them through not just high tech
processes like laser cutting but getting hands on sewing and soldering. Yet, the phrase I often
heard from these newcomers was always the same: "I wish I had found this earlier." Those
moments always reminded me of the untapped potential waiting to be unlocked in every person. I
made it my mission to ensure that no one would fall between the cracks waiting to experience the
joy and empowerment that comes with making.
Through teaching, improving makerspaces, and connecting with others in the field, I’ve come to
understand that creating a supportive, accessible environment for creativity is just as, if not
more important than, providing the right tools. Everyone should have access to the resources they
need to create—and I want to be part of making that happen.
Scroll down to view my Portfolio
