The Contechs Design Award returns in 2026, bringing together a distinguished panel of industry leaders to recognise and celebrate the next generation of automotive design talent.
This year’s panel draws on over a century of combined experience across automotive design, engineering, and advanced mobility. Together, they will assess final-year Transport Design projects from Coventry University, identifying concepts that best demonstrate excellence across Design, Engineering, Technology, and Innovation.
Representing Contechs is Marc Brumpton, Studio Director, whose extensive career in automotive design includes leading digital modelling teams across major OEM programmes. His expertise offers a strong perspective on concept development and the growing role of advanced digital processes within modern design environments.
Joining the panel once again is Carsten Astheimer, Founder and Managing Director of Astheimer Design. Carsten is an internationally respected design leader with a strong track record in design strategy and innovation across leading automotive brands and consultancy.
Also returning is Henry Morshead, Chief Designer at Hill Helicopters, bringing valuable cross-sector insight from both automotive and aerospace, with a focus on high-performance design and product development.
Completing the panel is Chris Hilts, Head of Business Development (US) at Contechs and former Design Director at General Motors. His global studio leadership experience provides a valuable industry perspective on the skills and mindset required for emerging designers to succeed.
The panel will evaluate each concept against Contechs’ judging framework, centred on the core pillars of Design, Engineering, Technology, and Innovation, and aligned to this year’s theme: “Limitless Possibilities.” Submissions will be assessed on creative quality, originality, relevance to future mobility, and the effective integration of innovation with real-world application.
The Contechs Design Award 2026 will take place on 14 May at Coventry University’s Delia Derbyshire Building, showcasing emerging talent as they present their work to industry leaders and take an important step into their professional careers.
