We recently had the chance to connect with Justin D’Angelo and have shared our conversation below.
Justin , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
While running Printera and pushing the boundaries of concrete 3D printing is incredibly rewarding, the real, pure joy in my life comes from my family—specifically, my daughter, who is 6, and my son, who is 3, along with my wife Amber.
It’s the perfect contrast to the high-stakes, technical world of construction and start-ups. After dealing with the complexities of material science and massive project logistics all day, there’s nothing better than coming home to the simple, authentic curiosity and energy of a six-year-old asking a million questions and a three-year-old mastering a new skill.
They provide an essential perspective and a reminder of what truly matters. Those moments of simple play, storytelling, and just being a dad are completely priceless and keep everything else in balance.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Justin D’Angelo, and I am the Founder and CEO of Printera. We are a cutting-edge design and manufacturing firm at the forefront of leveraging large-format 3D printing, specifically concrete 3D printing, to redefine architectural design and fabrication.
Our brand, Printera, is unique because we specialize in transforming the ancient material of concrete using the most modern additive manufacturing technologies. We’re not just manufacturing; we are creating custom, durable, and truly unique elements with unparalleled geometric freedom that were previously impossible or cost-prohibitive with traditional concrete forming. We bridge the gap between digital design and physical reality, giving designers and architects unprecedented creative control.
What makes us special is our focus on material innovation, scale, and geometric complexity. Using our advanced concrete 3D printing technology, we can create massive, seamless, and incredibly strong architectural components, which also significantly reduces waste compared to formwork.
We are currently focused on several groundbreaking projects, but the one we are most excited to discuss today is our work on SOMA NYC, which is the citys largest residential conversion. For SOMA, we executed some of the largest 3D-printed interior elements ever made for a residential building, including the stunning 60-foot-long undulating bench and planter that dominates the lobby, as well as the bespoke benches for the spa and the 25th-floor amenity spaces. It’s a true testament to how concrete 3D printing is shaping the future of high-end interior design.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
While there isn’t one single, dramatic “lightbulb” moment that instantly shaped my worldview, the most formative influence was definitely the time I spent living abroad as a teenager in Singapore, France, and Australia.
Living in those three vastly different cultural and geographical contexts wasn’t just a fun travel experience; it was an intensive, real-world lesson in global perspective.
It taught me that there isn’t one “right” way to approach design, construction, or even daily life.
It instilled a deep appreciation for the diversity of solutions—seeing how different countries tackle infrastructure, urban density, and aesthetic preferences.
Most importantly for Printera, this experience showed me how traditional materials and methods are viewed and utilized differently across the globe. This background directly fueled my desire to find a universal, yet highly adaptable, technology that could transcend local constraints and deliver globally innovative solutions.
That period of immersion shattered any provincial thinking and solidified my belief that the most interesting and impactful work happens when you embrace a global mindset
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could give my younger self one kind piece of advice, it would be simple but profound: ‘You can do it, so don’t wait on chasing your dreams.’
Like many people starting out, I wasted a lot of energy waiting for the ‘right time,’ for more funding, for more experience, or for someone else’s permission. I would tell that younger me to trust the vision and the drive he already possessed.
Every great project; including the challenging, large scale work we do now at Printera with concrete 3D printing, starts with a single step of courage. The biggest lesson is that you learn by doing, and every moment spent waiting is a moment lost to innovation.
That and buy bitcoin!
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. What you see is the real me, and I truly value that transparency and authenticity in every interaction.
For me, being genuine isn’t just a personal preference; it’s the foundation of effective business and strong relationships. Whether I’m talking to our team, meeting with a major developer, or speaking with a publication like this, I want the conversation to be real.
I find that when you show up as yourself, people are more open, and you can establish genuine connections much faster. In a field as revolutionary as concrete 3D printing, building strong, trusting relationships with architects and developers is everything. Being authentic allows me to truly get to know people, understand their unique needs, and collaborate effectively to deliver groundbreaking projects.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When have you had to bet the company?
The reality of being a startup at the cutting edge of construction technology, like Printera, is that each major project early on truly feels like betting the company. We aren’t just selling a product; we are proving a new methodology.
In the case of large, visible projects like SOMA NYC, the stakes are immense. Failure to deliver the 60-foot bench or the spa elements flawlessly could have halted our momentum entirely. You have to bet that your technology, your team, and your execution capabilities will meet or exceed expectations on a highly public stage.
A great example of the deep level of faith required was a recent project: a dog agility course for the military. We took on that job based almost entirely on good faith and the understanding that payment would only be rendered after the project was fully completed and accepted. This required us to commit significant time, resources, and materials up front with zero guaranteed income. It was a massive risk, but we knew we had to prove our capabilities; not just our technology’s viability, but our reliability as a partner. Successfully delivering projects under those high-pressure, deferred-payment conditions built the confidence we needed to tackle some of the big projects we have planned this coming year.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.printera3d.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printera3dcp/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/printera3d
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Printera3d/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Printera3d
