Colour and Materials encompasses everything you see and touch from the colour and feel of the seats, to the texture or grain of harder surfaces. We also focus on weight and functionality to ensure materials pass all the requirements that come with building a car.
On a day to day basis, we liaise with people all across the business, from suppliers to engineers, to ensure smooth progress & delivery of design concepts for the vehicle.
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"I like thinking about how design changes the way we live."
Have you always been interested in car design?
Working in car design was never a career path I envisioned for myself. I’ve been creative from a very young age and I was always interested in fashion and art. I like thinking about how the world changes over time and how design changes the way we live.
Who inspires you?
My design inspiration came from my Grandmother. She was a successful fashion designer. Her passion and interests have majorly influenced the career I chose. She has just tuned 90 years old and has a real zest for life - she’s really amazing!
"It is a privilege to work within such a talented team from various design backgrounds."
How did you become a designer at Jaguar?
I’m really interested in fashion so I chose to study Fashion, Fabrics and Accessories at De Montfort University. I then interned at Calvin Klein’s Accessory department in Amsterdam. Moving to another country on my own was pretty daunting but it was a great adventure and really helped me to grow and understand the working world of design.
Before moving to Amsterdam I showcased my university work at a design exhibition in London. This is where I was approached by Jaguar colour and materials. Working with materials is my passion and to do this in such a renowned company was a fantastic opportunity - I jumped at the chance!
What do you like about your job?
Materials have become such an important and influential subject in this day in age. We are changing people’s perceptions of the automotive industry, creating new and sustainable materials to help the future of our planet. Everyone will and always need to get from A to B, but we are making this happen in a conscious and considered way.
It is a privilege to work within such a talented team from various design backgrounds. Each member of the team brings a new dimension to the design process. I’m proud to be able to call them friends as well as colleagues.
Do you bring inspiration from influences outside the car industry?
Absolutely. My background in fashion involved taking inspiration from anything and everything to create new design concepts and continually challenge what is possible. Predominantly, I research architecture, fashion and product design.
A major inspiration for myself and the team is visiting global design shows, from London to Paris. I was lucky enough to attend Milan Design Week last year, where I was able to explore the city, getting inspiration from hundreds of talented designers showcasing their work.
What challenges do you face in your job?
You wouldn’t believe how hard it is to get something new into the programme, from the smallest detail like a label or small stitch right through to a big development like a brand new colour. Everything is scrutinised to ensure they pass all the tests. As designers, we must push the boundaries; something may not feasible now but things evolve and change and in five years, when the vehicle is on the roads, it will be.
"As designers, we must push the boundaries; something may not feasible now but things evolve and change..."
Do you find any challenges or opportunities specifically being a woman?
For women in design we are able to work in a safe and constructive environment, where we are free to voice our opinion whether male or female. Our ideas are valued and I feel lucky to be part of a team where this is possible. As I gain further experience at Jaguar I feel I am becoming stronger and more assertive in my decision making.
Where do you want to be in 5 years’ time?
I want to be a better designer. I’m constantly learning new things and I want to develop my knowledge both in production and advanced design. Right now I work in production design where there is a strong focus on feasibility and testing, but I would love to work in advanced design where there is a bit more freedom in creativity. It’s probably more difficult in advanced design because you are constantly having to think of new ideas but that is a challenge I’m keen to take on.
"No design is perfect so don’t be afraid of failure."
What are you most proud of in your career? Why?
Working on E-PACE has been the proudest moment in my career so far. It was the first vehicle I worked on and so many of my ideas and designs are featured on the vehicle. One of these ideas was the Jaguar cub featured on the band running around the front wind screen and in the puddle lamp. It brings a smile to my face every time I see it.
I’m also so proud to be able to say that I am a designer. I’m now doing something that I’ve wanted to do from such a young age. I’ve worked so hard to get to where I am today and to share that experience with my design colleagues who are some of the most talented and hardworking people in the industry is an honour in itself.
What would you say to other young women who are considering a design career?
Not all designs work, no design is perfect so don’t be afraid of failure. But if you want it enough you can do it, regardless of whether you are a man or a woman. It is a fantastic career but don’t worry if your ideas or designs don’t always work. Learn from them, re-design them, continue to push yourself and enjoy the journey.