Alcraft and RCA announce design competition winner

Alcraft Motor Company has announced the winner of a design competition featuring students from the Royal College of Art (RCA) Vehicle Design program.

The contest, which concludes a joint project exploring British design values and personalized vehicle design, challenged students to develop a personalized design package for Range Rover models.

Winning student Jed Sheehan collected his award for his treatment of the flagship Range Rover, which Alcraft has transformed into a design study. His simple design features detailing such as the use of teak on the sills, while he also developed a proposal for a smaller Evoque.

Sheehan says, "I'm very happy to be receiving an award for my work on the Alcraft project because I'm a big fan of British brands and British design. Customization for me is a must. It's about owning something special and allows you a mode of expression. With a little input from a customer it's possible create something which can be cherished."

Matthew Humphries, Alcraft design consultant and RCA vehicle design tutor, explains, "Jed's clarity of vision and passion for British design heritage in particular shone through. His work nicely combined traditional British design and cutting-edge luxury tastes, and also showed a great understanding of how to create something understated and refined but with impact."

Other students' proposals drew inspiration from UK design icons and heritage, from the E-Type Jaguar to the Burberry coat.

Two other RCA students were recognized with commendations. Minwoo Hwang was inspired by sources ranging from suit detailing to bike equipment, producing a technical look.

Pierre Andlauer opted to cover his proposal's exterior in leather, while incorporating a spare wheel into the bodywork.

By Rufus Thompson