An architecture student from the University College for the Creative Arts in South East England, has impressed judges at the Design Council with his innovative automotive design.

James Williams won the Creative Innovation Award, a joint project between Kia Motors (UK) Ltd and the college, which aims to promote home grown design talent in the car industry.

The competition asked second-year BA students to design vehicles that could form part of a sustainable transport network.

James’s affordable and adaptable design was based on interchangeable panels. He impressed the judges with his knowledge of the production process and his enthusiasm.

James wins £1,000 and a fully funded summer placement within Kia’s new European research and development centre in Frankfurt, where he will work with leading designer Peter Schreyer, who designed Audi and Volkswagen models before joining Kia last September.

Kia and the University College for the Arts will announce details of the 2007 challenge later this year.