xibitz – Architecting Immersive Cultural, Corporate, and Athletic Environments Through Engineering Innovation and Precision Craftsmanship

With a state-of-the-art 80,000-square-foot facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan, xibitz is a leading design engineering, custom fabrication, and experiential environment studio. Working alongside award-winning architects, designers, cultural organizations, college campuses, large corporations, and sports organizations, xibitz helps create challenging physical spaces. xibitz has the ability to combine technical skills, artisan work, and overall project management in-house for creating engaging spaces from the ideas generated. Backed up by a team of more than 50 talented fabricators, engineers, and creative strategists, the studio serves as a trusted execution partner capable of solving the most complex structural and visual challenges.

The story of xibitz began in1988 when founders Bob Siebelink, Lloyd Siebelink, and Doug Bosma started a small business that was mainly based on trade show displays and temporary exhibits. As demand for high-caliber physical craftsmanship grew, the small business soon outgrew its space and moved to its unique headquarters located in Michigan. This development marked a significant change in the direction of permanent exhibit builds, interactive museum installations, and high-impact corporate environments. Leadership shifted in 2015 when Ben Metzger and Jeremy Miller brought about a new approach based on technology, engineering, and industrial relationships.

What sets xibitz apart is its multi-channel approach to environment creation. In this sense, it successfully combines its digital vision and physical reality. The company is not a fabricator acting in isolation. Instead, it has a system of communication channels, which include architects, interior designers, client strategies, and field installation teams. The whole chain of operations starts from the modeling of space and continues in manufacturing, testing materials, and installation of the environment.

Comprehensive Design Engineering and Technical Consulting

Prior to the actual building process, xibitz offers detailed engineering designs that help translate the imaginative drawings into technically feasible plans for construction. The engineering department collaborates closely with the designers and architects to perfect structural specifications, choose appropriate materials, and solve any intricate mechanical problems. Through an assessment of spatial geometry, loads, and environmental conditions, xibitz ensures that there are no design changes later on in the project.

Prototyping and Performance Testing

To ensure all environments are resilient to a high volume of visitors and long-lasting wear and tear, xibitz employs prototype testing and pre-production testing protocols. Scale models, mock-ups, and mechanical prototypes are built in-house to assess the resilience of the materials used, the lighting effects, and the various touch points of the design. Through this testing process, the structure and function can be optimized prior to production.

Industrial Custom Fabrication and Material Craftsmanship

The core of the business lies in the 80,000-square-foot manufacturing studio capable of doing advanced woodworking, metalworking, plastics machining, and specialized finishing. Expert craftsmen utilize both ancient crafts and computer-driven tools to manufacture customized cases, frames, graphics, and architectural pieces. The integration of everything in one place gives the team full control over the schedule and the materials, making xibitz capable of building customized installations of any size and complexity.

Proprietary Interactive Displays and Nostaboard Systems

xibitz produces custom hardware devices, especially the Nostaboard, which is essentially a split-flap graphics display system. Combining vintage-style analog motion with state-of-the-art control systems, the Nostaboard produces visual effects using rotating flaps that can be used to create visual effects and auditory sounds. Originally invented for use at the headquarters of professional sports teams, the Nostaboard graphics system has received global attention in corporate, retail, and public arenas.

Turnkey Logistics, Mobilization, and On-Site Installation

The last stage of the xibitz process connects directly to the client’s site via professional mobilization and installation management. Specialized field teams take care of transportation, site preparation, electrical installations, and structure assembly within the tight schedule. Following the installation, xibitz provides clients with the opportunity to receive training for their staff along with long-term maintenance services.

The Future of Experiential Spaces

As the physical and digital worlds continue to merge, the future of spatial design requires an environment that responds to its users in a dynamic manner. xibitz is leading the way towards this future by incorporating smart materials, sensor networks, dynamic visual displays, and spatial computing in its customized fabrication works. Future environments will go beyond simple display of information, instead becoming responsive environments that respond to footfall traffic, environmental data, and interactive digital information. Through the innovative combination of manufacturing techniques and intelligent hardware solutions, xibitz has continued to design physical environments that engage people, inspire connections, and redefine the human experience of built environments.

Ben Metzger | Principal

“As your creative partner, our highly collaborative team will work with you each step of the way. We continuously identify and track critical milestones, maintain consistent communication, proactively address issues of schedule and budget, and ultimately, make sure your vision comes to life.”