07/20/2021
THE THEON DIFFERENCE: HOW OEM+ DESIGN LIES AT THE HEART OF EVERY BESPOKE COMMISSION
Theon Design is beyond obsessive on detail. They are a design-led company with a single-minded objective: to enhance a classic Porsche by applying the robustness of an OEM-like approach, but with the craftsmanship that can only come from a small team of experts. They call this OEM+ for the highest possible quality, finish, and overall aesthetics.
At the company’s heart is founder Adam Hawley, a car designer with over two decades of experience working at a range of prestigious OEMs, including BMW, JLR, Lexus, and Lotus, on both concept and production cars – as well as working on the Airbus A380. Hawley is, of course, a Porsche obsessive too, so has an inherent respect for the brand. This, combined with OEM-level design expertise and the beauty of handcraftsmanship, creates Theon’s unique alchemy.
With every commission Hawley and his expert team respectfully pay homage to Porsche’s rich heritage, injecting contemporary design using modern techniques, an approach that can be found in all areas, and means the company stands by its ethos of 'Purity of Purpose’.
Theon: bringing OEM+ design to life
At the start of the process, Hawley looks at every single component, whether it’s a body panel, bumper or seat, and asks a simple question: how it can be improved?
Complexity is removed, lightness added throughout, and Porsche models looked to for inspiration. “This can often deliver simple solutions and allow us to integrate classic design with a hint of the contemporary while ensuring all the components visually sit well together,” says Hawley.
Ideas are sketched both by hand and in Photoshop until Hawley creates the perfect form. Then the process of making it real can begin. Components are built in 3D design software, to confirm the look and fit with surrounding parts. The CAD data allows Hawley to view different aspects of the vehicle and the components from any angle, giving a total view of the component, ensuring not only that the aesthetics work, but the tolerances are as tight as possible.
“Our philosophy is that every detail matters,” continues Hawley. “And that goes for beneath the skin too. An owner may not see 90 percent of the car, but the same level of attention to detail goes right the way through, regardless. We treat every single component as an ‘A-surface’. At Theon, exemplary design leads the entire process. It is what we are built on.”
Prices for Theon Design commissions start at Approx. $400,000. Each car is a totally unique collaboration with the customer and takes 18 months to build.
https://theondesign.com/
