Getting Your Vehicle Working

Year

2025

Client

Workvan

CADConceptDesign for ManufacturePrototyping
A pickup truck with its tailgate down shows a black and wood storage drawer system, reflecting expert Product Design NZ. In the background, a building under construction with scaffolding is visible.

Project Overview

Workvan is a range of modular storage cabinetry designed for installation in the back of utes and vans, providing New Zealand tradespeople with a practical and affordable storage solution. We saw a gap in the market for cost-effective yet high-quality vehicle storage, so we set out to design a system that balances simplicity, security, and efficiency. The kits are adaptable to a wide variety of common NZ work vehicles, helping tradies stay organized while keeping their tools and equipment secure.

My Role

As co-founder and designer of Workvan, my role is to establish the business while developing cost-effective storage solutions that compete in the market. Our designs are CNC-manufactured in-house and assembled as modular kits, allowing for easy installation by the customer. One of the biggest challenges was ensuring compatibility with a wide range of vehicles while keeping the system simple and functional.

Workvan has been rapidly expanding, with a steady demand from local tradies. We continue to refine our products and scale the business to meet the growing demand for versatile, affordable storage solutions in New Zealand’s trade industry.

Workvan storage system designed by industrial designer Auckland-based Evan Thomas – modular drawer units installed in a trade van.
A person’s hand secures an orange tie-down strap with a metal hook onto a catch inside the back of a vehicle with a storage compartment, demonstrating attention to detail in Industrial Design NZ.
A white van with its rear door open reveals a large black storage box inside—an example of Industrial Design NZ. The van is parked outdoors on a sunny day, and part of a building is visible in the background.
A neatly organised van interior, inspired by Industrial Design NZ principles, features shelves with tools, clamps, safety ear defenders, a respirator mask, caulking guns, and tubes of sealant. The setup is efficient and ready for work.