From cars to planes

DESIGNWORKSUSA has the distinction of penning the BMW X5, the German carmaker's first sport activity vehicle and the beginning of a segment which has spawned a successful line of cars. But the design consultancy, bought by BMW in 1995, also has a diverse range of non-automotive clients and projects across the globe.

Founded in 1972 by Charles Pelly, DesignworksUSA is based in California with studios in Munich and Shanghai. The latter was opened in 2012 after the Singapore studio, set up in 2006, was relocated.

Apart from the X5, DesignworksUSA also created the X1, X3 and X4 out of the California studio. But a recent visit shows that company is equally adept at designing everything from toothbrushes and coffee machines, to mobile phones, medical equipment, outdoor furniture and even trains and yachts. And of course, Singapore Airlines' new first class cabin for its new range of Boeing 777 aircraft.