Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Dods.
Steve, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Born at the intersection of robotics and architectural expression, DODS DesignWorks is introducing St. Louis to a technology that has rarely been seen anywhere else. The company originated from a desire to automate the way we think about vertical space. Leveraging 41 years of experience with high-resolution industrial printers, we recognized that the same technology used for high-speed coding could be redirected toward breathtaking artistry.
We didn’t just want to print; we wanted to innovate. We spent our first year researching hardware and developing custom Augmented Reality tools to help clients visualize the “ultra-new” impact of direct-to-surface printing. This technology allows for high-definition imagery on almost any substrate—from glass and metal to stone and wood—with zero dry time and a seamless finish. By merging industrial expertise with a deep passion for creativity, DODS DesignWorks provides a one-on-one experience that helps business owners stop settling for blank walls and start becoming brand-proud visual ambassadors.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Innovation usually involves a few “character-building” hurdles. Our first challenge was finding our “Unicorn”—a specific model of cargo van perfectly suited for our specialized equipment that, unfortunately, they don’t even make anymore. As the days went by, the pool of low-mileage survivors was shrinking. We spent weeks tracking leads like private investigators until we finally secured a pristine one. It turns out, finding the perfect mobile workshop is just as much about “precision” as the printing itself!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At our core, DODS DesignWorks is a technology-driven art firm. While most people think of wall decor as a choice between standard paint or vinyl stickers, we specialize in a third, superior category: robotic direct-to-surface printing. We are known for our “Industry-to-Artistry” pivot, taking 41 years of high-speed industrial marking experience and applying it to high-definition murals. What truly sets us apart isn’t just the robotic hardware—it’s the industrial logic behind it. We utilize UV-cured inks that dry instantly, meaning we can print a detailed mural in a high-traffic lobby or medical facility and have the space back in service immediately with zero dry time and no chemical odors.
Brand-wise, we are most proud of our ability to achieve “one consistent look” across an entire facility. We facilitate this through a deeply collaborative art development process. Whether a client finds their spark in our gallery of popular choices, brings us their own meaningful imagery, or works with us to build a custom design from the ground up, we can execute that vision across drywall, brick, glass, and metal with perfect color matching. We want readers to know that this isn’t just a decoration; it’s a permanent architectural “tattoo.” Between our industrial pedigree and our custom Augmented Reality tools, we provide a level of certainty and visual “sizzle” that has quite literally never been seen in the St. Louis region.
What were you like growing up?
I’ve always been a builder. From childhood bins of mixed LEGO sets to complex adult projects, I’ve spent my life creating one thing after another—often to the surprise of adults who thought I was “too young” for the task.
For years, I navigated a dual life: applying my scientific mind to school and my career, while keeping my creative side as a “secret” pursuit. It can be difficult to explain how a single person balances building electronic circuits and tiny houses with oil painting, gardening, and woodworking. However, that technical depth has allowed me to help engineers design cutting-edge products, advise sales teams, and produce mountains of high-impact marketing content.
Now, as a founding member of Dods DesignWorks, I get to merge these worlds. I’m employing every trick in my “how-to” encyclopedia to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces using hardware that brings illustrations to life on an unprecedented scale.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dodsdesignworks.com
