VW Beetle Studio

For a Volkswagen Beetle Studio, we were asked to update the redesigned Beetle to appeal to a younger audience. Since we weren't allowed to change any sheet metal, I made a more aggressive front and rear fascia while still keeping it neutral enough to appeal to a broad audience.

VW Beetle - Exterior

Without changing any sheet metal, I needed to give the Beetle a face lift that would appeal to both men and women of any ages. Volkswagen's original target audience was the entry level driver, but their initial sales were only attracting the older consumer for its nostalgic feel and memories of the original. I made the front and rear fascias more aggressive and mirroring eachother, remaining neutral yet more fast and fun.

VW Beetle Lifestyle Bag & Interior Trim Package

Volkswagen wanted the Beetle to be more than just a form of transportation, but a real part of the owner's life and a true representation of who they are. To accomplish this, I incorporated a bag in the seat back that can be removed and taken w/ the owner. The bag models the shape of the beetle, and shares materials with the interior trim. With the interior trim, I wanted to bring a touch of the exterior inside of the car, just with accents of color and different materials on the dash and seat inserts.

VW Beetle Roof Rack System

In polling VW Beetle owners, we found that they are extremely active. While the Beetle has a comfortable interior for passengers, there is not a lot of space for gear. I created a roof rack that mimics the shape of the car itself. These locking archs pop in and out of a rail system that runs along the top of the windshield and the top and bottom of the rear windshield, as well as along the roof line. This allows them to be completely modular in order to fit anything from a bike to a pair of skis, while popping right out to be stored in the trunk when not in use.

Caterpillar Earthmover Studio

For this studio we were asked to design an earthmover for a company of our choice. Since I had worked as a bulldozer operator after high school, I felt I had enough knowledge of the machine to know what changes could improve the performance and comfort.

Caterpillar Bulldozer Design

After choosing to design a new bulldozer, I knew what needed to be improved upon. To start, I moved the main diesel engine to the rear of the machine to clear up the line of sight to the blade. The hydraulic engines were still located in the front, and were powered by a drive shaft from the rear. With the engine in the rear, I was able to create a 360-degree view from the cab while still retaining an effective ROPS safety system.

Furniture Design

This was a wood-working studio in which I designed a chair, and then created the final product from my design. I began with ideation sketches, which then lead development renderings. Once my design was finalized, I built a 3D model in Rhino so I could have a detailed set of plans. With the plans I first created a foam-core mock-up, then a design-foam mock-up, and then a plywood mock-up. The final product was made of solid birch, with the base being held together w/ mortise and tenon joints and I made my own veneer out of solid wood to make the bend for the chair back.

Puma Shoe Studio

With this studio, I created a shoe for Puma which could be the true definition of a cross-over shoe. Casual enough to wear barefoot or with color-matched socks, supportive enough to wear as a trainer, and sophisticated enough to wear in the office or on the golf course.

Puma Shoe Design

I created the shoe with a neoprene top, which pulls the shoe up to your foot for optimal hold, rather than tying your foot down to the shoe.

Modular Office Furniture

With this project, the idea was to make a more efficient and comfortable work space. Based around one central pivot, two tables can rotate around to any position. A separate table holds your computer, allowing the larger tables to rotate around without involving any cables. The filing cabinet is also mobile, allowing you to transport everything needed to various meetings with ease. This is also used as an extra seat in your office, freeing up valuable space when no visitors are present.

Snowmobile Design Studio

In choosing a company to design a snowmobile for, I selected Honda because they currently do not have a snowmobile on the market and because they have a strong brand identity to work with. I wanted to create a crossover sled that can adapt to any rider and any condition.

Honda Snowmobile Design

In my snowmobile design, I incorporated a torsion bar suspension system. This allows for maximum absorption of the bumps, as well as using an aluminum torsion bar that mimics the exposed aluminum frame of Hondas MX series. I also used a centrally pivoting seat, which allows the rider to adjust the seat to fit their size and riding style. For long cross-country rides, the seat can be positioned lower and forward, allowing for maximum protection from the windshield. The seat can also be moved back and up, allowing for a more aggressive stance preferred by racers and freestylers.