It Started with Face Shields

In the early days of the pandemic, we did what felt natural — we tried to help.
Vikram and Gauri, a husband and wife team from Ardmore, PA, got together with a few like-minded neighbors and started 3D printing face shields for local first responders. With the support of an incredibly generous community, we raised over $20,000 and donated more than 12,000 face shields and 9,000 ear savers to the people who needed them most.
That experience changed us a little. We already had the tools, the skills, and the love for making things. But working alongside our neighbors, for our neighbors, reminded us why any of it matters.

From Face Shields to Personalized Gifts
Vikram spent over 20 years in product design, software engineering, and prototyping. Gauri built her career in marketing and public relations. When we decided to turn Philly DIY into something more, we had everything we needed. The technical know-how, the design eye, and a deep appreciation for what it means to make something for someone you care about.

We started with live edge wood because there is nothing quite like it. Every slab is different. Every grain tells a different story. We source it ourselves, shape it, finish it, and engrave it right here in our Ardmore studio. For everything else we offer, cutting boards, drinkware, mugs, coasters, we laser engrave each piece to order, one at a time.

What We Actually Do

Nothing leaves our studio generic. Every order is set up, engraved, and checked by us personally. We are not a warehouse. We are two people in Ardmore who genuinely care whether your mom loves her gift.

We work with families, schools, local businesses, and couples planning weddings. We do corporate orders and teacher appreciation gifts and retirement pieces and baby shower favors. If there is a moment worth marking, we want to help you mark it well.

Still Here. Still Making Things.
Philly DIY is based at 10 E Athens Ave in Ardmore, PA. We ship across the country and offer local pickup for neighbors who want to stop by. We are open by appointment, just reach out and we will make it work. If you have ever bought something from us, thank you. If you are here for the first time, we are glad you found us.