Noah Chittim helps everyday people build cool things all over the world.

The 1999 Lewiston High School grad works for TechShop out of San Francisco. He travels to far-flung locales — think Turkey, Abu Dhabi, Algeria — setting up TechShops, which are do-it-yourself incubators where entrepreneurs can access $1 million worth of metal-working machines, plastic parts and printers to design something great.

He spent two months setting up a site in Paris.

“Lewiston Middle School French got a little bit of use,” Chittim said.

He and his wife recently moved to Puerto Rico so when he’s not traveling, they can be somewhere warm and adventurous.

Name: Noah Chittim

Age: 35

Lives: San Juan, Puerto Rico

How did you get connected with TechShop? I heard about this company from a friend while living in San Francisco in 2010. TechShop was about to open in the city and I thought it was the coolest concept. I began working there as soon as they opened in the city.

Wildest idea or prototype you’ve seen someone tackle? There are so many cool ideas that come out of TechShop, from a foldable kayak to Square, the mobile credit card swiper. I have to say one of my favorite prototypes I have worked with was a product made by a group of secondary school children . . . in Lagos, Nigeria. They had created a urine-powered (electrical) generator capable of powering a one-family home.

You have eight uninterrupted hours, off the clock, in a TechShop. What would you build/create? Two of my favorite pieces of equipment are the CO2 laser and the CNC wood router. Both are great for creating intricate art and, given the scale of the router, it’s a wonderful way to make flat-pack furniture, too. Honestly, it would be whatever had inspired me recently. There is little you can’t create in such a setting.

Highlight of spending two months in Paris? Feeling as though I actually live in the city, as brief as it may be. Commuting to work, finding the perfect lunch spot and making friends with the owner, having weekends to see a concert or to hop on a train and travel to Bordeaux and taste some wine. Just having the time to walk the city and really explore, to find a little cafe on a corner and people-watch over an espresso and pastry, and basically lean into the Paris experience.

Any downside? Too much good food and cheap rose. I got spoiled!

Three items that go in your travel bags every time:

* I always bring a Moleskine (notebook) and pencil. I use it for work, but it’s also super helpful to be able to sketch something I’m trying to explain in a language I don’t speak, rather than play charades.

* A large reusable grocery bag. It’s always good to have an extra bag. I’ll use it for carrying laundry as well as when shopping. You can feel like a local picking up a few things at the market anywhere!

* When I’m checking a bag, I always bring my Leatherman or any multi-tool. It comes in handy all too often, from repairing a loose hotel chair to fixing sunglasses when that little screw falls out, always at the worst time. Of course, I use it at work, too.

How do you prep for a trip like the next set-up in Tokyo? I downloaded the Japanese translator for Google translate (it works offline) as well as offline metro and city maps. I go over some basic social etiquette to keep me from looking too foolish. And, most importantly, I make a substantial list of local dishes that I try and eat my way through!

Thing you’re most looking forward to in 2016: I’m looking forward to exploring Puerto Rico with my wife, Kate, while we’re here and continuing to open up community workshops around the globe.

kskelton@sunjournal.com

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