Innovative Design Solutions

The creative process is driven by fresh ideas and free-thinking. It’s chemistry of a team, or the spark of an individual, who can then lead a multi-functional team to produce bold new visions and concepts. 

It is also about inviting feedback from others, from inside and outside the business, as well never being afraid of criticism or opinions. They all can improve the final product. Nothing is too precious. 

Planning, researching, implementing and detailing, are key to the success of any project. Whether it’s a one-off multi-million-pound luxury vehicle for the world’s richest automotive patron, or creating a Business Plan, to launch new businesses or products into the market place. I have the background, depth of training and experience to be able to ensure, all that I propose, is followed up with sound knowledge and feasibility. ‘What you see, will be what you get’

The ability to communicate ideas is essential for any designer, to portray what exists in their mind and heart into a saleable vision. Words can describe any object, but experience shows that a picture, sketch or artwork, will do that same job in seconds. My design sketch-pad is my dictionary of ideas.

Within the arena of design, the development of form, which entice the buyer or user to choose any product is fundamental. A sculpture, or ‘form-giver’, is the ability to manipulate, in my case clay or foam materials, to create objects, either at scale or full-size, which bring any sketch or concept to life.

With some decision-makers unable to understand a designer’s sketch, there has been a growing demand for photo-realistic images which ‘sell’ the idea for development. These can also be used for advanced product publicity or marketing evaluation. My work in this area had been extensive.

After 20 years of working with some of the best CAS modellers, during lockdown, I used the time to put that experience into practice, and teach myself how to create & build digital 3D NURBS models in Autodesk ALIAS and also using Polygon modelling systems. I can also manipulate & work in SOLIDWORKS

Having great ideas is a designer’s forte. However, it is only Styling if it is handed over to someone else, to sort out the technical and below the surface issues. Furthermore, I am well versed in the issues of BOMs, Timing & Cost planning, and have proved myself worthy of meeting all of the necessary goals. I pride myself in being trained as a BIW / Packaging Engineer and a Designer, so my work, is always thorough & well thought out. Beauty is nothing without brains behind it.

From the age of 16, as an Apprentice, when I first learned to make my own tools, using hand-operated lathes, drilling machines, shapers and milling machines, those basic skills, became entrenched as your core ability, to be able to conceptualise, visualise, sketch & communicate and make things to do a job or fulfil a function. 

Later, I learned the value of mock-ups, such as using lollipop-sticks to simulate in 2D, the complex hinges of the McLaren F1 door, was just another rudimentary skill of knowing how to solve problems. One is never ‘over-qualified’, as your experience means that you can understand, explain to others, have an holistic view of how best to solve even the simplest technical tasks effectively, swiftly, using all of the tools you have today, at your disposal.

As part of my Chief Designer roles at Volvo and Proton, as well as on many Clients projects, I successfully integrated Colours / Materials / Finishes, from concept theme boards, into the full process of the products we designed. As a result, I have a broad knowledge of Paint and Plastic colour development processing and implementation. I even ratified and rationalized the colour palette and factory flexibilities, to gain customer choice and reduce costs & complexities.

To truly understand how a design can be seen to belong, or have a true Brand Identity has been one of my key areas of expertise. I was renown for my VOLVOBrand lectures, promotional videos, as well as creating Brand identity cues, and focus elements for many companies. But is also about seeing potential for a Brand and its existing products, to help fund the future projects. One example was the PROTON IRIZ ACTIVE in 2018, a derivative of a slow selling low priced hatchback, which I quadrupled in volume, just by seeing fresh niches for the vehicle.

No product can be produced by an individual. There is always a team to support the process. The art of listening, discussing and implementing additional input is essential for the design. Over my career, I have learned the respect of many technical, process and supplier engineers, as I have always been willing to take on board and also provide fresh ideas into their processes.

A designer may not live for ever. However, the vast number of skills and knowledge they achieve along the way can be passed down. I have always been a firm believer in the power of enablement.

Since my first student mentorship some 35 years ago, I have continued to mentor and teach. That first student has ended up as a Design Director, and others I have taught have been equally successful in their own fields. In any position today, it is my philosophy to create a legacy of well trained and empowered individuals, who can continue the practice of directing, not dictating design.

One of the advantages of having a long and varied career in design, is that you achieve a third-eye perspective, which enables you see the pros, conns, and depths behind all aspects of the design process. This senior position has enabled me to provide Expert Witness support on two major Copyright and Trademarking cases. Being able to see where a designer has options or is driven by technical or market expectations, along with the ability to preempt the oppositions arguments, has enabled me to produce clear and concise written and pictorial statements, which have provided winning evidence such as for the INEOS Grenadier, at Court and also after High Court appeal.

As a designer and design leader, you learn how to express yourself, in all forms of the art of communication. As well as being a diarist since the age of 14, I have become a successful writer for magazines (in various languages), legal cases, strategic planning and Marketing. As well as being visual and express my self in graphical styles, writing has intensified my ability to identify and interpret emotions, of Clients, and Customer feedback, to see to story between the lines.

To stand in front of any audience, large or small is daunting for many. However, if you are confident, understand your subject and are able to think on your feet, then it can become far more achievable.

So, whether presenting to peers, senior management, or Clients, it is one task I enjoy and revel in.

A designer is often called upon to present the product on a global stage, or to journalists. This is an honour and also carries great responsibility. To be calm, informative, clear and approachable are some of the key skills I have developed over the years, which enables me to fully enjoy that success.

A designer must always understand the global marketplace for the products they create. I was one of the first designers to work in China at the end of the 1980’s, to Thailand, Brazil and all over Europe and the US. I speak German, Dutch, French and some Swedish, Thai and Chinese, which has enabled me to listen and absorb the cultures and tastes of many different viewpoints.

Upon the completion of close to 300 unique projects, I can lay claim to over 30 vehicles on the road which bear my signature or input, along with Aerospace, Nautical, Military, Mobility, Truck & Bus and Industrial Products. I was a Chief Designer at Volvo for 8 years, Head of Creative at Proton for 2 yrs and my own successful Design Consultancy over 30 years.

From July 2018 – July 2020, I was with Proton Design, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, as Head of Creative Design. There I led a team of 20 Exterior, Interior and Colour/Materials managers and designers on a range of new and facelift projects. Working with Proton and Geely Global Design Teams, as well as contributing to Geely Design projects in Shanghai.

During 2016, amongst my projects was an opportunity to develop further a vehicle which I had designed in 2012 for THAIRUNG UNION CARS. Creating both the Styling and Body Engineering of the TRANSFORMER for low volume production, I further developed the product and guided the company through the process of re-theming, facelifting and remodelling the vehicle for increased volumes & sales.

The TRANSFORMER II project began in September 2015 and was launched in March 2016 in Bangkok, where I led the launch event as well as designing the costumes for the Promotional Team.

In February 2013, I became a joint owner / partner in a new concept electric vehicle project. Which takes a revolutionary approach to the design and manufacture of lightweight electric vehicles. 

BAYcycleconcept combines imaginative design with thoughtful use of materials and technology, as well as offering the potential for local manufacture anywhere in the UK and beyond. 

Since the inception of the concept, the Design team has created, scale models, an ergonomics evaluation Interior seating Buck, a fully digital computer model of the design theme, together Vehicle & Business Cost Packs and Project Plan, as well Full-Size Prototype and a unique Brand image & philosophy.

During 2015 I completed a full working EV prototype vehicle, which began in late 2013. The SHADO INSPIRATION EV has been designed from the ‘Ground up’, from Concept sketches, through ALIAS surface development over our own Technical Package, to the produce Master Tooling models by CNC, prepare moulds and hand modelled detailed parts. Then Final Assembly over our own Chassis, complete with all doors, seats and trim details. Meanwhile in parallel there has been Suppliers identified; Parts procured along with Road & Component Testing of the vehicle to meet ECE M1 regulations. The car was then made road ready and driven at various demonstration events in Singapore.

At the beginning of 2011 an interesting opportunity came knocking. I had already worked 4 times for FORD, 3 times for VOLVO……. And now a 3rd Generation at MG.

With SAIC in Shanghai during 2011 - 12, I led the design development of one Production Car Project’s the AP13, which later became the MG5 GT, and also a dedicated group of the MG Design Team which created the MG ICON Concept Car for the 2012 Beijing Motor Show.

The MG ICON, Winner of Best Concept Award at the Beijing Motor Show 2012, was developed under my guidance by the SAIC MG Design Team in Shanghai, and then I supervised the show car being built in Japan.

this was followed during 2012 – 13, at the initiation of a new GEELY Design Studio, at first in Sweden and then on the Production & Concept Car Projects for the GT& GS models in China.

One of my most notable assignments was as the Platform Chief Designer for all of the Current & Niche Vehicles within VOLVO PVS Design, where my responsibility was to ensure the ’Red Thread’ of consistent VOLVO Holistic & Strategic Design Language was maintained, throughout all of the Projects under my guidance, to create a Harmony of VOLVO Brand Design. 

My ’portfolio’ of projects over those 8.5 years, included all Model Year changes, for both Exterior & Interior design, on that range of VOLVO Cars Products, plus, developments of new Niche products, and the Design responsibility for all of the Accessory products on those programs. Managing all aspects from Concept through Design & Development, Production Execution, the Quality Processes and as a Business Project Team member (establishing Project Cost, Planning, Content, Balancing & Timing) for the: 

• 2010 C70 Exterior & Interior Design + Supervision of 2010 C30 Project

•2009 S80 L for China, Interior Design •2008 S40 & V50 Exterior & Interior Design
• 2007 XC90 Exterior & Interior Design
• 2005 S60, V70 & XC70 Exterior & Interior Design
• 2004 S60 ‘R’ & V70’R’ Exterior & Interior Design
• 2003 S80 Exterior & Interior Design
Furthermore, those Project responsibilities for VOLVO also included the Press Launches, Sales Network Presentations, Sales Promotion and Motor Show presentations of the cars.

The 2003 VOLVO S60R & V70R was a fully integrated project which was not only for the design, but also involved the Road Testing & Development process where all details of the car were create and proven before launch

The 2010 VOLVO C70 was typical of many projects during that period, being the creator and manager, throughout its Business, Design, Production Engineering & Tooling phases. I had responsibility for both the C70 and C30 projects at that time.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION AND OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW OUR WEBSITE. WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEAR FROM YOU USING THE CONTACT DETAILS LISTED BELOW.

UNTIL THEN, ENJOY BEING CREATIVE AND WE HOPE THAT WE CAN BRING YOUR NEW VENTURES TO A BEAUTIFUL REALITY