Interior of Citroen C4 Cactus
Edwin James was born in England and has been working in France for PSA Group after his studies at Royal College of Art. He has also been involved in design education support for the French design schools and is regularly on diploma juries.
Over the years, Edwin has completed many interior projects at PSA, first one being on the Citroën XM with Moray Callum, who now heads up design at Ford. Edwin was also the project leader for Xsara and C3/C2 in his role as deputy chief of the interior studio. More recent work includes running smaller teams of young designers, industrializing parts for the DS3 interior where he contributed to the design of the gear shift knob, handbrake and the key. The most recent industrialization project he had responsibility for was the interior of the Citroën C4 Cactus.
Edwin is a strong advocate of drawing as the main tool of a designer, despite current trends leaning heavily on 3D CAD development. He advises students on sticking with developing their drawing skills as it is still the quickest and cheapest method to explore multiple ideas rapidly, thus avoiding time being wasted on the wrong direction. To quote, “If you want a job now, rather than in 2030, you should never underestimate the power of a good sketch to sell an idea. Many design bosses prefer looking at sketchbooks rather than polished renderings, because you can see how the designer thinks, and their passion is often more evident.
2010 Citroen DS3 Gear Shift Knob
2010 Citroen DS3 Key Fob
Citroen DS3 Key Fob sketches. Edwin advises in always keeping a sketchbook, without tearing any pages out or erasing.
A page from Edwin James’ sketchbook.
Quick watercolor sketch by Edwin James, done with two brushes and a small box of Winsor Newton.
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