Simon J Cooksey
Senior Digital Modeler & Vizualization Artist
Hi, I’m Simon James Cooksey a highly motivated & skilled Digital Modeler, a professional with 20 years of experience in the automotive industry and with Managerial experience. I’m results-oriented and always strive for the best design and quality, with a proven track record of delivering for brands such as Bentley, Aston Martin, Volvo, Ford and VW.
My career started in the UK at the Ford studio (Dunton) and spans Germany, Spain, Italy, and the United States. I hold a BA in Transport Design from Coventry University, supporting studios from project planning & organizing, strategizing and brief building to concept ideation and visualization.
I established my career immediately following graduation in 2007, with an offer to work at Bentley and a short project supporting model building at Coventry University, for a 3rd year collaboration project with Fiat. Before getting to Bentley, I supported work with Ford's Dunton, UK Studio. There, I gained early exposure to production programs, independently contributing to the Ford Figo. This was followed by a short program with SAIC at HPL, Coventry in 2008, I started at Bentley Motors, Crewe, with five formative years, where I advanced within the design team, leading both interior and exterior projects and developing impactful design visuals for marketing and presentations. This period also included valuable international assignments at Italdesign, Volkswagen (Wolfsburg), and SEAT (Spain), broadening my understanding of diverse studio operations. Subsequently, I was recruited by Aston Martin, becoming a key member of their digital design team for three years, contributing to concepts such as the DBX & DB10.
My career then led me to California where I joined VMCC Volvo concept center in California, where I spent over seven years developing concepts such as 360c, Tio and Concept Recharge, as well as Volvos EX90 exterior, EX30 interior and PS3, I progressed from Senior Digital Modeler to Modelling Manager (Digital, Visualization & Clay), leading a team of ten. Most recently, as a Consultant for Volkswagen North America, I have been instrumental in developing future concepts and production models, including two exteriors and a production wheel set to hit the market in the coming years.
specializing in Autodesk Alias & VRed
Sketch/concept Modeling
Design Development modeling
CNC Milling data for Clay models
SLA rapid prototyping.
Data for Visualization & Animations.
Class A production modelling
20+ years’ experience in Alias & Automotive Design
Worked in various studio across the globe.
My core competencies include NURBS surfacing (Alias), real-time visualization and rendering (VRED), a strong aptitude for interpreting design sketches with precision and I have extensive experience presenting design concepts to executive leadership and thrive in collaborative environments. I am a proactive, adaptable, and highly committed individual with a demonstrated capacity for independent work, rapid learning, and effective communication across all levels.
Notable vehicles I've contributed to include:
2025 - VW Atlas
2025 - VW Atlas R-Line
2025 - VW Golf Early Concepts
2023 - Volvo EV60 Early Concepts
2022 - Volvo S60 Black Edition
2021 – Volvo ES90 Early Concepts
2020 - Concept Recharge
2019 - Volvo EX60
2018 - Volvo TIO Concept
2017 - Volvo EX30
2017 - Polestar PS5 Early concepts
2016 - Volvo 360c Concept
2016 - Volvo EX90
2016 - Polestar PS3
2015 - Aston Martin DB11
2015 - Aston Martin DBX Concept
2014 - Aston Martin DB10 (James Bonds car)
2013 - Lagonda Taraf
2012 - Bentley Bentayga (Production EXP-F)
2011 - Bentley EXP-F
2010 - Bugatti 4 door
2010 - Bentley Flying Spur
2009 - Bentley Mulsanne
2009 - Bentley GT
2008 - Bentley Continental SuperSport’s
2007 - Roewe 350
2007 - Ford Figo
2007 - Fiat x Coventry University Collab.
2006 - Jaguar C-XF Concept Wheels
2006 - Jaguar X-Type Early phase theme
2006 - Jaguar Wheels
2006 - Jaguar Intern Project (Cov 2007-degree show)
Whether leading a team of ten or contributing as an independent specialist, I bring a proactive, adaptable approach to navigating complex design cycles and presenting high-stakes concepts to executive leadership.
VW Design Centre, California
Senior Digital Modeler
May 2024 – May 2025
As a Senior Digital Modeler and Visualization Specialist at VW DCC California, I'm helping shape future concepts and strategies for Volkswagen USA, guiding projects from initial conceptualization through to production, focused on US-specific models.
My responsibilities encompassed high-fidelity digital modeling of both exterior and interior components, primarily utilizing Autodesk Alias for surface development and VRED for advanced visualization and real-time rendering. I provided critical technical support to the physical modeling and clay teams, ensuring seamless integration between digital and physical assets.
*Images courtesy of thier respective owner, purly used as examples of projects work on.
Volvo Design & Advanced Concepts
Chief Digital & Clay Modelling [Manager]
VMCC Volvo, California: March 2020 – Oct 2023
As Modeling Manager, I provided strategic oversight for all digital and clay modeling operations at VMCC including 3D printing, leading a multidisciplinary team of ten through design cycles. I was responsible for bridging the gap between concept ideation and production-ready releases, managing project timelines and ensuring every milestone—from milling and 3D printing to data hand off. A key achievement in this role was the re-introduction and integration of physical clay modeling back into the California studio, creating a more holistic and tactile design process.
Beyond management, I served as a technical authority for advanced design programs, specializing in Alias Concept & Class-A surfacing and Sub-D to NURBS conversions. I spearheaded the studio’s VR strategy, orchestrating weekly cross-continental VR reviews between California and Gothenburg. By leveraging VRED and real-time collaboration tools, I ensured seamless alignment between local design intent and Sweden HQs. My role required constant collaboration with Design Leadership, Engineering, and CMF to deliver world-class concept assets and production-intent show cars.
Volvo Design & Advanced Concepts
Senior Digital Modeler & Visualizer
VMCC Volvo, California: April 2016 to March 2019
As Senior Digital Modeler, my responsibilities entailed overseeing and guiding the digital modeling team. I facilitated coordination among modelers, designers, and management to implement design changes, conducted weekly design evaluations using Vred and assumed the role of acting manager to provide structure, guidance, and direction to the Digital Design team. I simultaneously would be supporting the creation and enhancement of concept models for both interior and exterior design initiatives.
As an integral member of the Volvo Concept Centre, my role encompassed advanced exterior and interior concept modeling, such as the 360c, Concept Tio and Concept Recharge. One of my initial projects involved developing the exterior design for Volvo's then Polestar PS3, which entailed refining existing data, meeting packaging requirements, and overseeing the clay milling process and delivery from Europe to US. Subsequently, I spearheaded the modeling of the proposal selected for the next-generation XC90 (EX90), intended for further development in Sweden.
Leading the design improvements and renovation of VMCC, I designed the remodel including full studio renovation with a brand-new high-end breakroom and installing plants throughout the studio.
Aston Martin Lagonda, Gaydon, UK
Senior Digital Designer & Visualizer
February 2013 to March 2016
As Senior Interior modeler, I developed a variety of projects from initial concept proposal through milling and rapid prototype to A-class release. I supported the development of the Lagonda Taraf, and the car used in James Bond, the DB10. I was a part of the small core team that created the DB11 and Played a pivotal role in delivering the DBX from initial sketch to global debut in just six months. I personally executed the digital development of the steering wheel, DIM console, and center stack for DB11.
Notably, I led the complex modeling of the rear parcel shelf’s 'solar petal' display, featuring 60 individually articulated moving components. Managed the transition from digital models to physical prototypes, ensuring Class-A standards were maintained through the milling and prove-out stages.
Bentley Motor Company, Crewe, UK
Digital Designer & Visualization
January 2008 to February 2013
Following a successful start in the industry with Ford and SAIC, I joined Bentley Motors, where I quickly progressed into Lead role digital modeling and Class-A surfacing. Translating complex design intent to production-ready surfaces and renders using Autodesk Showcase for executive reviews. My portfolio includes the Continental GT/GTC SuperSport’s, the Mulsanne Mulliner editions, and the Flying Spur. Notably, I was a key digital contributor to the EXP 9F SUV Concept, eventually driving the transition of those conceptual assets into the production Bentayga.
My role extended into the global VW Group ecosystem, where I represented Bentley across international studios and participated in high-level engineering reviews to align modeling data with production requirements. To ensure the studio remained at the cutting edge, I pursued advanced specializations in ICEM Surf, HDRI camera recording, and professional German language studies, further enabling seamless collaboration across the group’s European design hubs.
Ital Design Giugario, Italy
Digital Designer
June 2012-Oct-2012
I was selected for a core strategic team deployed to Moncalieri, Italy, to spearhead the exterior design development of the Bentley Bentayga. During this four-month residency, I worked within an Italian studio environment, collaborating with a high-performance, cross-functional team to transition the Bentayga from initial concept through to critical mid-level gateways.
Ford Design UK Dunton, Essex
Alias Designer
July 2007 to November 2007
The project involved working cross continent with India and Australia. It required shortening and refreshing the current production fiesta, bringing the styling into line with the current range. I took the project from concept model to ‘A’ class surface release, creating surface data to industry standards for production. The key to the success of the project was being able to keep solid communication between the team in the UK and Australia. Video conferences where a regular occurrence with data presented via PowerPoint to a team of engineers and designers highlighting issues and proposing solutions.
Jaguar Advanced Design, Coventry
Alias Designer - INTERN
April 2006-March 2007
Jaguar Productions & Concepts
I worked with the Jaguar Design Team on the C-XF, XJ 2009 and proposed possible X-type 2010. Produced several wheel concepts for various models in the range and also worked on wheels previewed on C-XF concept. Produced a theme model for possible X-Type replacement and assisted with the presentations including renders for whole vehicle alloy range
Project: Flagship Jaguar 2020
A collaboration with designer Thomas Smith (Coventry graduate 2007) . Thomas created the sketches and artwork, I translated them into 3D models, my first experience with design collaboration and development. I created surface data to industry standards for production from ‘A’ Class Surface Modelling & Concept Modelling. I worked in close co-operation with Designers and produced/ exported data for rapid prototyping of a ¼ scale see through foam model fully painted, accessories and custom design and modelled wheels.
Other Employment Experience:
SAIC- Motor Company, HPL, Coventry.
Alias Designer
November 2007 to December 2007
‘A’ class surface modelling and Concept modelling for the SAIC Roewe 350 (2010MY) . Working mainly on interior detailing, supporting the alias team. Worked closely with designers to help develop and realize concepts. Preparation of data for milling and rapid prototyping
Coventry University, Fiat Design comp.
Alias Designer
May 2007-June 2007
‘A’ Class Surface Modelling & Concept Modelling. Influenced design development and feasibility. I created surface data to industry standards for production. Data produced was translated and used for milling. (1/4 scale). STL stitch data produced for rapid prototyping of wheels. Model produced was debut at the Fiat design the Italian way show at Turin amongst many other concepts from around the globe. (Reviews posted on Top Gear, Auto Car and Auto Express).
Education
Coventry University,
2:1 BA (Hons) Automotive design with professional enhancement, Jaguar
Sept 2003- June 2007
Coventry University is known worldwide and has a reputation for automotive excellence. Modules studied and skills acquired include Design, Digital & Clay Modelling, Visualization, Design Analysis, Ergonomics, Engineering, Design and Manufacturing, Design Techniques, and Design in Context.
Stourbridge College,
BTEC National Diploma in 3-D Design, Distinction
Sept 2001- Aug 2003
Stourbridge introduced me to the fundamentals of the design industry covering a wide range of design briefs and projects expanding my skills and knowledge in the Design industry.
Stourbridge College
AutoCAD C&G Award
Sept 2002- Jun 2003
Awarded whilst in my 2nd year at college. I studied this along side my 3-D design course. It helped me understand technical drawings and how they can be utilizing for own projects. I also learnt how to create accurate data showing dimensions and layers.
Cradley High School
GCSE Awards
Sept 1996 - Jun 2001
GCSE awards at higher level including all core modules such as Math’s, Science and English as well as P.E, Art, Geography and Graphics Technology
Overview
Driven by a passion for innovation and design excellence, I possess well-developed communication skills and a strong record of self-motivation. A results-driven design leader with a career established at the industry’s most prestigious studios—including Bentley, Aston Martin, and Volvo. I combine an academic foundation from Coventry University with 20 years of hands-on experience delivering complex production programs on rigorous timelines.
Beyond technical mastery, I bring a reputation for integrity, collaborative leadership, and the professional discipline required to navigate high-stakes design environments from initial sketch to final surface. I have maintained a consistent record of on-time project delivery and cross-functional collaboration
I pride myself on a proactive, self-motivated approach to problem-solving, ensuring that technical precision never comes at the cost of project momentum. I am committed to bringing this same level of organizational proficiency and design excellence to future-facing production and concept challenges
Employer References
Nicholas Gronenthal, Volvo, Car Design director.
Nicholas.Gronenthal@volvocars.com
T.Jon Mayer, Volvo, Exterior Design director.
John Kinsey, Volvo cal, Design team director.
Jeff King, Bentley Motors Digital Team Manager
Nick Mynott, Aston Martin Digital Team Manager