NIELS VAN ROIJ, AUTOMOTIVE DESIGNER

Niels van Roij is an automotive designer who creates high-end, handmade vehicles. Through Niels van Roij Design, he became known for his Shooting Brake based on the Tesla Model S and is currently working on the Range Rover Adventum Coupe and the Ferrari Breadvan Hommage. Real, one-of-a-kind or one-of-very-few custom cars. In 2018 he was appointed one of the Masters of LXRY. Who supported him on his path to success?

Niels van Roij is an automotive designer and designs high-end, handmade vehicles. With Niels van Roij Design, he became known for his Shooting Brake based on the Tesla Model S and is currently working on the Range Rover Adventum Coupe and the Ferrari Breadvan Hommage. Genuine, one-of-a-kind (or one-of-very-few) custom cars. In 2018 he was appointed one of the Masters of LXRY. Who assisted him on the road to his success? Text: Susan Poeder
Image: Luuk van KaathovenAn ode to the original Breadvan: a racing car from the 60s. This car is completely fitted with new body panels all around. Only the windshield remains original. These are 'ideation sketches' (first ideas on paper).

What was your very first job?

“I have actually always been involved with cars in a way. As a small child, I first wanted to be a bus driver, but I soon started drawing cars. During my bachelor's degree at the Design Academy in Eindhoven I worked as a taxi driver, which in one way has something to do with my work today and that is that people are central. I eventually did my master's degree in Vehicle Design at the Royal College of Art in London; a tough study. During that period I devoted myself 100 percent to studying.”

What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?

“I think above all, don't be afraid to bring more focus to what you do. During my studies I was already working on ideas for my own company, but I started very broadly. I have to seize every opportunity, that's what I thought at the time. It is just not clear to the outside world what exactly you are doing. I am now in a much smaller spectrum and that has ultimately become my strength.”

Who was your wheelbarrow?

“In my work as a Coach Builder I haven't really had a wheelbarrow, but I could never have done this without the unconditional support of my parents and girlfriend. My parents made my studies possible. The work I do sometimes requires working days of 10, sometimes 15 hours, 6 to 7 days a week. That is very normal. My girlfriend has always supported that. Secondly, these are also my customers, because they are the ones who ultimately dare to use a saw in their own car. Without them my work doesn't really exist.”

What is your greatest passion in your profession?

“That's what working with people is all about. The cars are great, of course, but the car is a byproduct of humanity. For me it's more about the people. In my work I take customer contact very seriously. I go out to eat with them, I visit them at home, at their work... Everything to make them feel as comfortable as possible and to get to know them inside and out.”

“The First Cut” the beginning of coachbuilding activities. 3-door conversion based on the best and most luxurious SUV in the world.

Who have you been a wheelbarrow for?

“I would like to expand this. Of course, I work with many talents and I think it is very important to spend a lot of time on that. Because even if you go to the Royal College of Art, it is extremely difficult to approach car designers. The contact I had as a student has always stayed with me. For me, Ian Callum – renowned Scottish car designer for Jaguar – played a major role. I was barely 10 years old when I made contact with him. For that reason, I made a promise to myself to do the same. I aim to email young students back within a week, even if I have to do that at 1am.”

www.nielsvanroij.comThe custom-made Adventum Coupe is a true design statement with a special, hand-finished bespoke aluminum body and unique personal elements in the custom-made interior.