2022.03 Steve Harper - CV & Portfolio.pdf

STEPHEN HARPER – CV & PORTFOLIO FEBRUARY 2022
Page 1
STEVE HARPER
’the one with the red shoes’
’C.V. & PORTFOLIO’
STEVE HARPER
’the one with the red shoes’
’C.V. & PORTFOLIO’

Page 2
INTRODUCTION
I am a Globally renowned and widely respected Creative Director / Design Manager and Designer,
with extensive international experience, and over 250 projects under my belt.
I am mentioned in Wikipedia, many books and publications.
I have travelled and lived in many parts of the World, where I have designed a multitude of products,
from a key, to a multi-million-dollar full flight training simulator.
I have been responsible for over 30 vehicles, as well as designed, developed
ideas and Brand, for companies as large as Volvo and as small as many
start-up companies, both in the UK and overseas.
I am fit and healthy (I run most days between 5 – 10kms), adaptable,
enthusiastic and experienced in a wide variety of disciplines.
I am a qualified Engineer, am Innovative, with a keen eye for detail,
proportion and harmony.
I always enjoy a fresh challenge in any field which I could make a difference.

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MY PHILOSOPHY
With a considerable amount of time working in the Motor Industry, I have built up a Global Client base in
all areas of Transport & Product Design, bringing the lessons learnt of Strategic Research, Innovative
Advanced Design, Lean Methodologies, Tight Project & Cost Controls, Design Quality systems, and
Brand Development Product Planning.
I believe that Good Design should be Inspiring, Innovative, Exciting & Rewarding. Products are
bought with the heart and the mind, so Good Design should also appeal and satisfy all of your senses.
It is also important that the atmosphere in which a new Product is developed, has the same energy and
creativity, as you would want the prospective Customer to experience with their new purchase.

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A HISTORY OF DESIGN
Over the years I have been commissioned to create various Design Projects in a wide span of
Industries. From Cars, Vans, Trucks & Buses, all the way up to multi-million Dollar Flight Training
Simulators. All of the designs have maintained a strong design philosophy of being Original, Practical
and Beautiful, whatever their role.
Good Design is a challenge, a blend of Creative Inspiration, Practical Solutions, Strong Leadership and
an eye for Cost and Detail.
It is also about listening and interpretation. So when working with a new Client, even on a type of
project we have never worked on before, we listen. As we bring our experience from many other
projects & disciplines, we can often help the Client look at their own product with ‘fresh eyes’. Ultimately
this can create new unique solutions which allows for greater improvements for their business.
I believe that all Design is for People, their needs, their aspirations and should provide solutions which
can enrich their lives. Beauty with Brains behind It

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A GLOBAL REPUTATION

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MY SKILLS - OVERVIEW
Languages: English, German, Dutch and French. Basic: Swedish, Thai, & some Mandarin Chinese
BUSINESS
• Business Ideas Generator and Catalyst
• Established spokesman at Senior Management
and Board Level presentations,
• Accomplished Public Speaker & wide experience
of Press, Corporate Branding & Product Launch
.events.
• Inspirational leader, Director, Board Member, Design
Team and Staff management, inc. KPI evaluations
• Specialist in Brand Development, Product Strategy
and Corporate Identity
• Widely experienced in Budget, Project
. Management, Financial Spreadsheets, VAT and
.Timing/Resources Planning.
• Broad knowledge of Engineering Design, CAD
Surfacing & Visualisation Design, Production &
Tooling Design, and Client & Supplier Liaison.
• Credited Legal Expert Witness and compiler, for
High-Profile Trademark disputes
• Computer Skills: Both PC & Apple computer
systems, including: PowerPoint, TEAMS, Microsoft
Project, Word & Excel.
CREATIVE
• Innovative Futurist and Visionary
• Inspirational Creative Leader & Mentor
• Design Director and Design Manager for
Manufacturers, Creative Consultancies & Agencies
• Extensive experience in all aspects of Automotive
.& Product Design (Exterior, Interior &
.Colours / Materials / Finishes)
• Senior Lecturer & Visiting Tutor for University
.Design Courses.
• Concept & Advanced Strategic Design planning &
implementation.
• Highly skilled in many 2D & 3D Presentation
.Techniques & Modeling.
• Artist, Sculptor and Technical Illustrator.
• Art & Design Teacher & Guide
• Writer, Journalist and Diarist.
• Computer Skills: Both PC & Apple computer
systems, including: Photoshop, PowerPoint. Basic
operating knowledge of VR Gravity Sketch, SubD,
ALIAS, Solidworks, ICEM-SURF & CATIA V5 Design
& Engineering systems.

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MY SKILLS - INSPIRATIONAL
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.
I have had many opportunities to do both, in all areas of the world.

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CONCEPTUAL
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.

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SCULPTURAL
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.

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DIGITAL – 2D
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, and can also be used for
advanced product publicity or marketing evaluation. My work in this area is extensive.

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DIGITAL – 3D
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
ALIAS and also using Polygon modelling systems. I can also manipulate & work in SOLIDWORKS

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METHODICAL
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’

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TECHNICAL
Having great ideas is a designer’s forte, however, it is only Styling it is handed over to someone else,
to sort out the technical and below the surface issues. Then there are the issues of BOMs, Timing &
Cost planning, which I am well versed in, and have proved myself worthy of meeting all of the
necessary goals. I pride myself in being trained as an engineer and a Designer, so my work, is
always thorough & well thought out. Beauty is nothing without brains

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BRAND & STRATEGICAL
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 Volvo brand 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, a derivative of a slow selling low priced hatchback, which I quadrupled in
volume, just by seeing fresh niches for the vehicle

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COOPERATIONAL
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 being
willing to take on board and also provide fresh ideas into the process.

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EDUCATIONAL
A designer may not live for ever. However, the vast amount 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 to be 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.
In fact the Courses are now so popular
that students have travelled from Australia,
India, S. Korea, Austria, Lithuania, Spain,
France, Germany, Italy, China, Taiwan &
Iran, as well
as from all parts of the UK to be taught by
Steve at the SHADO DESIGN Studio

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LEGAL
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, at Court and after High Court appeal.

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PRESENTABLE
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 is one task I enjoy and revel in.

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AMBASSADORIAL
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 enjoy that success

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COLOURFUL
As part of my Chief Designer roles at Volvo and Proton, as well as on 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.

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LYRICAL
As a designer and design leader, you learn how to express yourself, and in the art of communication.
As a result, 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.

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INFLUENTIAL
In today’s fast moving social networking, I was an early adopter of LinkedIn and many platforms,
which enables you to be a notable influencer and respondent. To date I have over 5300 LinkedIn
connections and am the owner and originator
of the Car Designer & Modeller Group, which
has over 8220 followers in the design and
related businesses, where I post articles and
feedback at regular instances.
SHADO Design also has its own Facebook
Page, along with a page devoted to the
SHADO Design COURSES on Instagram.
I have a Twitter account, but find that less
important for a design influence these days.
I have many links to YouTube, where bloggers
such as BigCar & AROnline feature my inputs

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CONGENIAL
No one gets very far in life without being a human around other humans. Many try to dominate or
dictate, but my philosophy has always ‘Do unto others, as you would be done by’. So whether it is in
the work environment, with different departments or groups, or ultimately with Clients or Customers,
a good sense of humour, ability to listen and integrate has been fundamental to my success

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GLOBAL
A designer must always understand the global marketplace for the products they create. I was one of
the first designer’s 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 culture and tastes of many different viewpoints

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SUCCESSFUL
Upon the completion of over 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. Chief Designer at Volvo for 8 years, Head of Creative at Proton for 2 yrs and
my own Design Consultancy over 30 years.

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A HISTORY OF NOTABLE CLIENTS & PRODUCTS

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MY ACHIEVEMENTS - OVERVIEW
BUSINESS
• Global reputation, mentioned in Wikipedia, many
Books, Publications, YouTube and Journals
• Over 30 new and facelifted vehicles on the road,
with more yet to be released.
• New product Planning & Strategic Design,
Branding and Design Philosophy Strategies
implementation
• Business Project Team member and Product
management, balancing cost, timing versus
content
• Liaising with Engineering, Global suppliers and
Manufacturing
• Meeting all technical and legal requirements for
new products
• Quality Team member, achieving ISO 9001 at
Volvo Cars Design and assisting with the New
Product Vehicle Development System (VPDS),
which I also developed in China and Malaysia
(NPDS)
• Exterior Colour / Paint rationalisation and
manufacturing strategies.
CREATIVE
• Respected Leader of Creative & Design Teams
• From Concept ideas and reviews, leading teams of
designers and technicians
• Delivering of physical models, CAD data &
prototypes
• Special & Limited-Edition planning and
implementations
• Satisfying customer aspirations and market
feedback.
• As a Mentor, inspiring guide and renowned
presenter, I regularly present both 2D and 3D work
projects and reviews to Senior Management and
Board members
• Launch activities as writer and Presenter Product
Launches, Motor Shows and Press Launch Events.
• Working on International collaboration between
Global Design Teams
• Global Design Strategies for many Brands
• Globally renowned Design Courses with students
from Asia, Europe and Africa.

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MY PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Design Director, Futurist & CEO
August 2020 – current SHADO DESIGN Ltd & HUBRYD Ltd, UK
Continuing with existing and new Clients in the development of new Mobility Design projects. Now offering in-house
ALIAS & Vred services, alongside 2D presentation, concept design skills, technical design and working alongside
established Tier 1 & 2 suppliers, to offer turn-key project solutions. Alongside the established Design & Modelling
Courses and Expert Witness Support
Head of Creative and Deputy General Manager
July 2018 – July 2020 PROTON CARS Ltd – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
On a 2 years contract at PROTON Design, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, I led a team of 20+ Exterior, Interior and
Colour/Materials designers and managers on a range of new vehicle and facelift projects
Designer, Futurist Visionary, Design Trouble-shooter, Visiting Lecturer & Electric Vehicle Specialist
2015 – to date SHADO DESIGN Ltd – Paignton, UK
A multi-discipline set of tasks which include being an Expert Witness, Teacher/Mentor and as an inspirational
designer, leading projects for several OEMs & EV Start Ups. Focusing upon Design Creativity with Business
realities, to produce concepts and designs which are fully resourced, feasible, which are still unique & exciting, but
also are able to attract the correct investments and key partners to ensure the new products succeed in the real
commercial world.
Managing Director & Design Director, Futurist Visionary and Presenter
2007 - 2015 SHADO Ltd – PAIGNTON, UK
With a more holistic approach to Design, operating as a Design Consultancy for a wide range of International
Clients in Product, Transport and Automotive design sectors:
Features Columnist
2011 – 2013 ‘TOP 4X4’ MAGAZINE – CHINA
Creating a Design based feature column in the most prestigious Chinese language monthly 4x4 magazine.
CONTINUED ON Page 36

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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 in conjunction with Proton and Geely Global Design Teams, under Peter Horbury and Guy Burgoyne, 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.
BAYcycle concept 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.

During 2010 – 11, I moved to Changchun, China, with FAW, where my responsibilities were to oversee the design
integration of the Presidential HongQi limousine Interior, and also the preparation and development for a 2nd Luxury
vehicle, as an Exterior scale model and a full size Interior Mock Up
In June 2010, I performed a key role, working for the Chinese Motor Industry, as a Mentor and Project Leader for
several Design Projects.

Page 34
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, working for GEELY Design Studio, on the Production & Concept Car Projects for the
GT & GS models

Page 37
MY PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (continued)
Master Designer - Design Consultant & Advisor 2010 – April 2012 TECHNICON DESIGN – UK & CHINA
As an I.S.P Design Authority, supporting projects, with a primarily Chinese Design Team, for the UK based Global Design Director, ‘on-
site’ at various Chinese Car Companies: Creator of the MG ICON and MG5 Sedan.
Senior Lecturer for the Product & Transportation MDes & BA Courses 2009 – Sept 2010 COVENTRY, UK
My role was to provide the final year BA & MA students with the extra professional skills in their minor and final University projects.
Platform Chief Designer: Current & Niche Vehicles 2000 - 2008 VOLVO CARS DESIGN STUDIO – SWEDEN
Leading a multi-disciplinary studio team in the creation and production development of all Mid Cycle changes, for both Exterior &
Interior designs, on the then Current range of a total of 11 VOLVO Cars Products, as well as developments of new Niche products, and
the Design responsibility for all Accessory & Special Vehicle products on those programs.
Design Director: SHADO Design Studio 1994 - 2000 CREATIVE AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN (CAD Ltd) – UK
Leading a Global Design & Engineering Design Consultancy Team, on a wide variety of Automotive, Commercial Vehicle and Product
Design Projects. Working in UK, and on-site with Customers, implementing an Innovative Design for Manufacture philosophy.
Managing Director & Design Director 1993 - 2000 SHADO Ltd – SOLIHULL, UK
My own Design Consultancy SHADO became a Limited Company, to provide a comprehensive range of Artistic and Design skills. As
the Design Director, responsible for creating an International Design & Engineering Design Consultancy, catering for a wide variety of
Automotive, Commercial Vehicle & Product Design Projects.
Chief Designer: Global Projects 1987 - 1993 MGA DEVELOPMENTS LTD – COVENTRY, UK
Leading a Creative Design Consultancy Team, on a wide variety of Automotive, Commercial Vehicle & Product Design Projects.
Creating the Ford Escort RS Cosworth, MGF and RR Silver Seraph amongst others
1986 - 1987 SHADO – MUNICH, GERMANY:
Consultant Designer on Truck, BMW Motorcycle, Product Design and Film Storyboarding projects
1985 - 1987 VOLVO CARS BV. – HELMOND, THE NETHERLANDS:
Exterior Designer responsible for 3 car projects, the 480, 440 & 460 and the 480 Cabriolet Concept Car
1978 - 1984 AUSTIN - ROVER STYLING STUDIOS – UK
Exterior Designer on period car projects of Car, Vans and Buses

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FURTHER LINKS
Stephen Harper (designer) - Wikipedia
http://www.linkedin.com/in/shado
http://www.shado.co.uk/
Stephen Harper – #Petrolheads – Only Motors TV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=567J0T7eBaU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CBlOr6AYGQ
177 Roselands Drive, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7RN, UK
mobile: +44 (0)7778 593222 info@shado.co.uk home: +44 (0)1803 523400
British Citizen Clean Driving License

Page 39
STEVE HARPER
DESIGN DIRECTOR
SHADO DESIGN Ltd
All images used are the
property of S.H.A.D.O. Design
Ltd and should not be copied
or disclosed to any third parties

2022.03 Steve Harper - CV & Portfolio.pdf

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