OLIVER ROTHNER

+Engineer+

Engineering Refined

Programming + Electronics

Product Design + Engineering

3D Printing + Manufacture

Programming + Electronics

Product Design + Engineering

3D Printing + Manufacture

Welcome to Design to Refine, my portfolio and creative hub where engineering meets thoughtful design. I’m a UK-based product designer with a passion for exploring the intersection of product design, engineering, and 3D printing, constantly refining ideas into practical, beautiful solutions.

Here you’ll find a curated selection of my projects, from purpose-built tools and functional accessories to experimental pieces that explore form, material, and process. Each project reflects my commitment to design with purpose, whether optimising structure for performance or pushing the boundaries of what can be made through modern manufacture.

Alongside showcasing my work, this site also acts as a resource and learning space. Through my blog and project breakdowns, I share insights, tips, and reflections on design and 3D printing; helping others learn while also documenting my ongoing creative journey.

If you’re here to discover practical product solutions, explore my process, or collaborate on something unique, you’re in the right place. Let’s push design further and do it thoughtfully, creatively, and with purpose. Want to talk? Reach out via the contact page.

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About Me
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REFERENCE EXTRACTS

Testimonials

David Piper
"I found him to be diligent in his work, honest and reliable - a young man who is beyond his years with his professional attitude. I would have no hesitation in recommending Olly as a great addition to any company and wish him all the best for the future." - Director/ Owner at Pro2Pro Limited
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Dean Brookes
"He approached every task with enthusiasm and completed his work to a high standard. He was reliable, adaptable, and quickly gained the confidence of his colleagues and supervisors through his positive attitude and technical ability." - CAD and Workshop Manager
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Caroline Wellon
"It’s clear it’s his passion and he’s spent a lot of time ensuring it’s just right for us. Nothing was too much trouble, and he was able to work to our deadlines. Ollie’s given us everything we asked for an has gone above and beyond. We’d definitely recommend him without hesitation ." - Managing Director, O2 Agri Ltd
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CHARLOTTE BROCK
"Ollie is a very capable designer and maker of products. He has produced a portfolio of work that demonstrates his ability to undertake and analyse research." - Product Design Lecturer
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Dean Brookes
"His attention to detail, commitment to quality, and ability to meet deadlines made him a valuable member of our engineering team." - CAD and Workshop Manager
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Kirsten Butler
"Overall, Oliver is a capable and resilient mathematics student who has demonstrated strong improvement and is well-placed to succeed in mathematically-demanding environments in the future.” - Maths lecturer
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Peter Grue
"Ollie is a dedicated and likable student who consistently puts forth effort both in and out of the classroom. He has shown substantial progress in computer science, grasping and applying concepts effortlessly." - Computer science lecturer
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Richard Allen
"He shows a genuine enthusiasm for electronics. He never just does the minimum. He is self-motivating, and he is very good at working independently." - Electronics Lecturer
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Charlotte Brock
"Ollie is able to work independently and with confidence to produce accurate and well-made products, using a variety of materials and techniques." - Product design lecturer
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Mrs. Heartley
“Oliver consistently worked hard throughout the course. His homework was always completed to the highest quality, and he attended intervention every week to ensure he achieved his full potential. Oliver was always supportive of his peers.” - Head of Design and Technology
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Charlotte Brock
"He is recommended for further study or employment in any area of design or engineering." - Product design lecturer
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Richard Allen
“Ollie has an excellent attitude towards his studies, and he is a pleasure to teach. He is a likeable and conscientious student. He always works very hard." - Electronics lecturer
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Peter Grue
"Ollie has made notable strides in C# programming, aiming for intricate solutions. Whether working with peers or on his own, Ollie stays engaged and focused throughout the course." - Computer science lecturer
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CHARLOTTE BROCK
"He is able to use his research to develop interesting and thoughtful design ideas, which he is able to communicate via a range of techniques, with a particular skill in using CAD." - Product Design Lecturer
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Richard Allen
"He is a superb student that I feel will continue to improve. He has a bright future in electronics if he wishes it.” - Electronics lecturer
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Featured Blogs

My First CNC

Introduction I have always wanted to get into the CNC world but unfortunately the barrier to entry had always been too high. Recently,

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