Niels van Roij
Niels van Roij is an automotive designer and coachbuilder specialising in bespoke, one-off luxury vehicles that reimagine classic design with modern craftsmanship. A graduate of the Royal College of Art in London, he has delivered masterclasses for BMW, Peugeot, Kia Motors, and the London School of Economics, and authored books including Future London Taxi and Il Coupe Dino Fiat. His studio in the Netherlands creates highly customised projects such as the Silver Spectre Shooting Brake, a meticulously redesigned Rolls-Royce Wraith. Through his masterclasses and design expertise, Niels empowers organisations and audiences to understand the principles of automotive design DNA, accessibility-focused innovation, and the art of creating exceptional, client-driven vehicles.
Kia Motors
04 2016
“In his Masterclass Automotive Design Niels takes you into the
world of car design, with loads of passion. For Kia Niels performed
the Masterclass to a select group of journalists, with the unique
design of the Kia Niro as central focal point. Thanks to Niels’
interesting and clear presentation, you will not only learn about the
car design process, it is guaranteed to change your perspective on
car design. A presentation not only interesting for an automotive
audience, but also for many others.”
From New Speaker Form
When Niels van Roij graduated from the Royal College of Art in 2012, his final project focused not on sleek supercars but on inclusive design for an ageing population, a working foam model exploring ergonomics, tactility, and mobility. That human-centred approach has since evolved into a distinctive career reviving the art of coachbuilding, creating bespoke, one-off luxury vehicles from his studio in the Netherlands. From his early work designing a new London taxi with Turkish manufacturer Karsan to his recent Silver Spectre Shooting Brake, a meticulously reimagined Rolls-Royce Wraith, Niels has built a reputation for combining classical automotive elegance with contemporary craftsmanship and deeply personalised client vision.
His credentials span both academic rigour and commercial application. Trained at the Royal College of Art with a focus on accessibility and interior design, Niels has delivered masterclasses for BMW, Peugeot, Kia Motors, and the London School of Economics, sharing his expertise in automotive design DNA and the principles that define exceptional vehicles. He has authored books including Future London Taxi and Il Coupe Dino Fiat, with further publications in development. His studio work includes notable projects such as the Breadvan Hommage, the Daytona Shooting Brake Hommage, and the Henry II Shooting Brake, each reflecting his philosophy that coachbuilding reintroduces the historic tradition of designing cars as bespoke creations tailored entirely to the owner's vision. His dedication to craft extends even to his personal presentation: he wears three-piece suits tailored from fabric taken from cars he has worked on, embodying the fusion of design and identity that defines his approach.
Through his masterclasses and speaking engagements, Niels empowers audiences to understand how design thinking transcends aesthetics, connecting form with function, heritage with innovation, and client aspiration with tangible reality. He demystifies the creative process behind automotive excellence, offering practical insights into design DNA, accessibility-focused innovation, and the commercial and emotional value of bespoke craftsmanship. Organisations gain a deeper appreciation for how thoughtful design shapes user experience and brand identity, whilst creative professionals learn how to balance artistic vision with client collaboration. Audiences leave with renewed perspective on the power of individuality in design, equipped to apply principles of customisation, attention to detail, and human-centred thinking within their own industries and projects.
To contact Niels van Roij about a speaking event, please call one of our booking agents on
+44 (0)20 7607 7070or email
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