Andrea Mocellin has never been afraid to try new things. After treading the conventional path in car design he branched out into aircraft, product and industrial design – including an innovative wheelchair that can be stored as cabin baggage.

Now, the Italian is taking everything he has learned to open an independent studio that is focussed on what he describes as transdisciplinary design. We caught up with Mocellin to learn more about Mobility & Shape – which is based in Munich for now – and to discuss why many designers go it alone eventually. 

CDN: Why did you start Mobility & Shape?

AM: It was essentially a result of lots of conversations I had been having. During my time at the OEM design centres, I realised there was room to try and investigate how to move into more of a service, almost like an agency. Today I find myself working for several clients between the US and Europe, with new projects coming down the line that range from super light e-gravel bikes to advanced aerospace programs and coachbuilt, limited-edition hypercars like the Bertone GB110.

CDN: How does the nature of independent design contrast with being in-house?

AM: You can be having a discussion with a