Along with a Masters degree in Automotive-Design, Edward Stubbs has a Product-Design degree from Bournemouth University, and got involved in automotive engineering via Germany and the US, then returned to the UK to study at Coventry University. After working for R+D companies direct with OEMs, he developed the various intricacies required to bring a car to launch. How? Well, scroll down to know the answer,

1. Edward, what made you take a plunge into the automotive designing?

Edward: Well I’ve always been fascinated by cars, from a very young age. I was also quite creative, so a natural progression was to draw cars. I started when I was 10 or so, and have been practicing ever since! I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I left school but I ended up working for an automotive engineering company that put me in direct contact with many OEM car companies. I kept sketching cars in my spare time and finally (a little late!) I applied for the Coventry MA course in 2005.

2. How did you feel when you entered the Peugeot design in 2005 and when you were chosen as the finalist in Interior Motives in 2006 & 2007?

Edward: I always feel hopeful that my design will be chosen. You have to believe in what you’re doing - whether for a competition, a personal project, or for a customer. For the Interior Motives competition this year, I entered as part of a group, and personally I feel our concept has huge potential, particularly for developing countries. So I’m optimistic about our chances.

3. You must be knowing the various intricacies required to bring a car to launch, as you have worked for R+D companies direct with OEMs in Sweden, Germany, the UK and North America, what do you have to say on this?

Edward: It’s rewarding to see the components you’ve worked with on the finished car. I guess most customers don’t have a clue about the amount of work that it takes to take a car from initial concept through to production. It boggles the mind how many people are employed directly and indirectly by the car companies, suppliers, etc. and it really makes you appreciate that it’s a mammoth task to deliver a car that meets all of its performance specs, within budget, and on time.

4. Edward, would you please acquaint our readers with the ‘design solutions to improve vehicle interior performance’, which you developed in 2001-2005?

Edward: My work involved testing new vehicles on test-tracks and in wind tunnels. We measured interior noise-levels, analyzed the data in great detail, and pinpointed areas of weakness in the vehicle sealing system. We then had to propose solutions to improve the seal in question, get prototypes made, and then re-test to confirm their improvement potential. It was technical work but satisfying to be able to present ‘before and after’ data to the OEM’s.

5. How can you enhance aerodynamic efficiency in cars especially in case of Citroen C9 development?

Edward: There are many techniques to improve vehicle aerodynamics; some of which are simple and cost-effective, others only viable in controlled conditions such as a windtunnel. The next stage I think we will see on competition and production cars is the widespread use of active-aerodynamics. BMW are starting to use this method. It involves panels that can move or change position to improve drag at speed. Beyond this, the next level will be ‘breathable’ materials; literally fabrics and composites that can open and close in response to a stimulus, usually electrical.

6. How did you improve the drag co-efficiency in Citroen C-9?

Edward: I had access to Coventry University’s scale-windtunnel when I was developing the C9 model. The main purpose was to establish the drag improvement with the car in lengthened ‘highway’ mode against a shortened ‘city’ mode. In ‘highway’ mode the model’s Cd factor was improved by 15%.

7. Do you have a signature style? If yes, what are the hallmarks of the style?

Edward: I think I need to work in a studio to develop my style, but I can say that there are elements of my style which perhaps reflect my personality; bold, strong and confident. I’m a believer in the idea that good design needs to challenge, even if it’s simply in the small details. But I also think every designer evolves - ask me again in 10 years!

8. Where do you see yourself, after, let’s say, five years from now?

Edward: I’d love to be leading a major OEM studio, or possibly running my own transport-design consultancy.

9. Any words of wisdom, you’d like to leave for our readers?

Edward: Always trust your instincts. Believe in what you’re doing, and always listen to advice.

10. Finally, we would like to have your thoughts on the Instablogs News Network and all its related sites. Which one is your favorite?

Edward: Blogging seems to be going through an evolution, and now it’s a media that’s taken seriously. I think Instablogs new networks is a great way for people to find out a whole range of news stories from around the world. I like the environment, gadgets, and of course the Auto channel.

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when I say the following:

1. Edward Stubbs is __________. (in one word)

Edward: Growing.

2. What kind of music you prefer?

Edward: I try not to limit myself to genres; if it sounds good I like it!

3. You would like to work for?

Edward: A dynamic car company.

4. Your wildest dream would be?

Edward: Be an instant millionaire.

5. If given a chance, what would you like to change in the world?

Edward: Intolerance, and religious fundamentalism of any sort.

I’d like to wrap up by thanking Edward for sparing out time for this wonderful interview, also, I’d like to wish him luck for all his future endeavors.88030