Wazier Kariem Kara — Design Engineer

01

Selected Work

Project 01 / 03

Mobile Coffee Van

Mellowvans · Client: Woolworths → Bootlegger Coffee Company

Design a mobile coffee experience capable of travelling to site, serving 200+ cups, and returning to base — fully self-contained.

Led the entire project from concept brief through to production prototype. The design challenge centred on weight distribution, material efficiency, and a tight internal layout driven by barista workflow and real customer interaction. Every power, water, and equipment system was fully integrated into a compact, ergonomic unit.

After client feedback, the frame was simplified to reduce welding complexity and improve repeatable manufacture. Surface finish was upgraded from timber to ACM panels for durability and premium appearance. The van was originally developed for Woolworths and subsequently adopted by Bootlegger Coffee Company.

DFM Sheet Metal SolidWorks ACM Panels Systems Integration Ergonomics Prototyping

200+

Cups per deployment

2

Major clients adopted it

Gen 2

Iterated to production spec

Final production van Replace with your best photo of the finished coffee van

CAD / drawing

Gen 1 proof of concept

Final passenger van Best exterior or interior shot of the MellowCab

Surface model / CAD

Original vs new concept

Project 02 / 03

MellowCab Passenger Redesign

Mellowvans · Client: GreenCabs — V&A Waterfront

Reimagine the existing passenger cab to support a new split body panel system while elevating the interior for a premium tourism experience.

The brief required retaining the recognisable MellowCab DNA while making the vehicle feel contemporary and refined for GreenCabs, who transport both locals and tourists around the V&A Waterfront.

Surface modelling was used to define accurate parting lines for fibreglass moulds and integrate a structural roof framework. The bench seat was redesigned into two individual seats to introduce a luxury feel. A new split body panel system was developed to simplify fibreglass production and future maintenance.

Surface Modelling GRP / Fibreglass Vacuum Forming Interior Design Mould Development Brand Identity

Split

Body panel system for easier GRP production

2→1

Bench to individual seats

V&A

Waterfront deployment

Project 03 / 03

Last-Mile Delivery Racking System

Mellowvans · Clients: Pick n Pay · Spar2U · Takealot Franchises

Design a modular cargo racking system for last-mile delivery vans — practical, structurally sound, and adaptable across grocery bag sizes and load types.

The system features two upper shelves with net retention sized for standard grocery bags, and a lower section that accommodates larger items. A universal bracket system allows the frame to be adapted across van variants without redesigning the core structure.

Structural design was validated through full SolidWorks assembly documentation including a BOM, with all sheet metal parts approved and manufactured in-house. The system has since been adopted by multiple retail and delivery clients beyond the original Pick n Pay brief.

Structural Design Sheet Metal SolidWorks PDM BOM / Documentation DFM Modular System

200kg

Cargo load capacity

3

Major retail clients

Universal

Bracket system across variants

Final production rack installed Photo of the rack in a van, or the racking assembly standalone

CAD assembly drawing

Concept / load diagram

02

Capabilities

CAD & Visualisation

SolidWorks + PDM

Fusion 360

Keyshot (Rendering)

Blender

Unreal Engine (self-teaching)

All major slicers (FDM/SLA)

Manufacturing & Fabrication

GRP / Fibreglass (mould to part)

Vacuum forming

Sheet metal design & DFM

3D Printing (FDM/SLA)

Woodworking & metal working

Plastic fabrication

Design & Communication

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Technical documentation

Graphic design & brand identity

Video editing

Vehicle wrap design

03

About

Portrait photo A photo of you — workshop, outdoors, or a clean headshot

The person behind the drawings

Equal parts designer, engineer, and maker.

I work at the intersection of hands-on fabrication and digital design. My process moves fluidly between CAD workstation and workshop floor — I think I design better because I know how things are actually made, and I fabricate better because I understand the design intent.

Currently Lead Industrial Designer at Mellowvans in Cape Town, where I take custom van conversions from brief to production — including fibreglass panel design, vacuum-formed components, sheet metal structures, and all associated technical documentation.

Outside of design I'm drawn to experiences that slow things down: hiking, open-water swimming, and analogue photography. The restraint and intention that analogue photography demands has genuinely shaped how I approach composition and decision-making in design.

I hold a BA, BA Honours, and MA in Industrial Design from the University of Pretoria's Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture. I'm fluent in English and Afrikaans, hold a Code B driver's licence, and have my own transport.

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WazierKariem Kara