I was awestruck by how his automotive creations start out as a sketch on a sheet of paper that is then transformed into a 3-D model using the Alias software program. From his office I could see designers creating life-size models using clay that is shaped and molded using a heat gun. This process is how he created the 2011 Hyundai Sonata.  Although much of the tour was top secret—we were only allowed access to parts of the building using sensors that read Andre’s thumbprint—I lived in his remarkable creative universe for a day. Firsthand, I witnessed how design steers innovation. Who would have thought that a kid from Colorado who used to sketch cars on his school papers could channel that passion into developing one of Hyundai’s best-selling vehicles?

What also excites me is that as members of BE Next—outstanding professionals and entrepreneurs between the ages of 21 and 35—Hudson and others represent the emerging leadership of global business. Their example motivated me to produce this article because design has increasingly become critical in companies large and small. A product’s design can make a lasting connection with consumers, brand a vast array of products, and drive significant revenues.

In the cover story, “Driven by Design,” I profile a new cadre of innovators using their talent and vision to position industries for a 21st-century environment that heavily relies on creativity of thought, production, and execution. These qualities are on display in the profiles of Hudson and the other four subjects. Natischa Harvey applied her skills to fashion, expanding a small shoe boutique into an international business. Another, Jason Mayden, has taken design to the max—producing digital design solutions for Nike apparel and retail operations. Twin brothers Teman and Teran Evans have used their degrees in architecture to create a blueprint for entrepreneurial advancement through their own interior design firm and jewelry line as well as roles as brand consultants for Starbucks Coffee Co. and some of the country’s largest luxury retailers.

It’s hardly an overstatement to say that such imagination is required to assume the advantage in a hyper-competitive world. And these subjects all serve as appropriate models for an issue in which BE Editor-In-Chief Derek T. Dingle charged us with finding professionals and entrepreneurs, especially at the early stages of their career, not only thinking out of the box, but redesigning it.  Other features in this issue—such as “Selling Without a Store,” which offers entrepreneurs inventive, new venues to build businesses and generate revenues, and “Create Your Own Recovery,” with its focus on self-directed financial and career reinvention—tie into this same theme.

The designers that I had the privilege of interviewing will serve as catalysts for this revolutionary thinking. In terms of designing business leadership, they got next.

Asthma and allergic reactions typically occur because of a trigger response to irritants such as smoke, pollen, dust, food, mold, animal dander, dust mites, or chemical smells. We spend more than a third of our lives at home, so you want to ensure that you recognize moments when you can prevent the entry of toxins into your home.

The four principles of eco-friendly design – sustainable, recyclable, renewable and non-toxic – should be applied within your home as it is the foundation to your ecosystem. Imagine entering your space and the “wheezing and sneezing” decreases, instead of having more issues than with outdoor air.

Here are some things you can do to help prevent hidden health hazards in the home:

• Take your shoes off when you enter your home

• Keep an outdoor pet out of your sleeping area during pollen season
• Remove wall-to-wall carpet if possible, and use hardwood floors with rugs
• Ensure kitchen cabinetry has no added urea formaldehyde or adhesives with formaldehyde
• Use low-to-no VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and stains in your home
• Check for mold in dishwashers, under the fridge in water pan and regularly change water dispenser and icemaker filters
• Change your shower curtain to nylon, use non-toxic cleansers, always lower the toilet seat when flushing and fix a leaky faucet (which will also save you money!)
• Consider using slipcovers, which can be washed regularly on your upholstered sofas and make sure to limit use of drapes as they are “dust catchers”
• Change or wash your bed pillows every 6 months and cover with hypoallergenic covers
• Cover your mattress with a hypoallergenic cover and wash every two months; Ensure that it is non-toxic without formaldehyde-based fire retardants
• Wash your sheets in warm water
• Wash or freeze your child’s stuffed animals to kill dust mites
• Switch your pillow from a feather one to a hypoallergenic foam pillow

Learn more when you visit the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America at www.aafa.org.

Robin Wilson is a eco-friendly and healthy home interior designer focused on sustainable, reusable, recyclable and non-toxic options from the ‘foundation to the furniture’. She is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, an affiliate member of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), and she is currently studying for her LEED accreditation. She is the author of “Kennedy Green House: Designing an Eco-Healthy Home from the Foundation to the Furniture,” (Greenleaf Book Group Press, $30).

Click here for more BEing Green articles on African Americans, energy and the environment.

Ed Welburn, VP Global Design, General Motors

Greeted by the pleasant aroma of “new car smell” upon entering the New York Auto Show at the Jacob Javits Center, I had the pleasure of previewing hundreds of new auto designs and interesting spins on classics. Though I arrived at the General Motors Corp. showcase a little late (sshhh, don’t tell my editor) I was able to corner Ed Welburn, even if it was only for 7.5 seconds. He may not be a household name, but his designs sure are. Welburn, the vice president of global design for GM, is responsible for overseeing the execution of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Malibu, Cadillac CTS, and Buick Enclave.

With dwindling sales, one would imagine sizable pressure on Welburn and his design team to up the ante with their new vehicles. So, does Welburn, who is among the Black Enterprise 100 Most Powerful Executives in Corporate America, feel the weight of the world (or at least GM) on his shoulders?

“We always felt what we do has to be innovative and that hasn’t changed. Do I feel pressure? From my design perspective, it is an important period; it’s also an exciting period. We do out best work when there is pressure.”

The company is also looking to expand its reach.

“We do need to do more to connect with a younger audience,” he said, explaining the concept behind the GMC Terrain and some of GM’s impending design plans. The Terrain will make its debut at the auto show, which runs April 10-19. “People like the Denali, but it’s big and expensive; the Terrain is a bit more affordable and from a size perspective it appeals to a younger audience.”

Take of look at some of the concepts that have been developed under Welburn.

GMC Terrain, a smaller version of GMC's Denali, which Welburn says is more economical.

GMC's Yukon Denali was the inspiration behind the GMC Terrain, the compay's latest design, which Welburn says is smaller and costs less than the Denali. (Source: New York Auto Show)

2010 Chevorlet Camaro

Chevrolet Malibu (Source: ChevyMalibu.com)

Cadillac CTS (Source: New York Auto Show)

Buick Enclave (Source: New York Auto Show)

Renita Burns is the editorial assistant at BlackEnterprise.com

(Source: General Motors)

Reports indicate that auto executives expect the industry to be hit by a wave of consolidation and even bankruptcy amid an extreme drop in global sales and financial problems at The Big Three auto companies.

One auto designer continues to focus on the positives, keeping the gears rolling in her post as General Motor’s director of North American passenger car design. Crystal Windham, the first black female to hold the position, talked with BlackEnterprise.com about her new role, promoting creativity and innovation.

BlackEnterprise.com: What are your main duties as head of interior design for the company’s global midsize car, compact car, and small car?

Crystal Windham: Interior design really establishes a relationship with the customer. The exterior attracts you to the car, but you have to live inside of it. That’s what my team focuses on– creating a second home. Like interior decorating, interior designers focus on the colors, textures, storage areas, lighting, stitching across the dashboard, instrument panel (IP), doors, and seats.

As design director, I lead a team of designers, engineers, and sculptors to create an interior vision for the vehicle. A key part of my job is creating a creative environment to create amazing interiors. Then help the team set a design vision and intent. We have to make sure the interior is brand appropriate – that every element reflects what the brand stands for. Then, working with engineers, manufacturing, and marketing, we ensure the design intent is carried through to the final product…which sounds easy, but it’s quite a balancing act.

With the current economic climate, how will the design of new GM vehicles play into improving the company’s financial outlook?

Design plays a critical role. As a designer, we work three to four years in the future. It’s important to stay focused right now and be as innovative and creative as we can be.

We are leading in technology. The Chevrolet Volt is reinventing the automobile. As designers, we embrace technology and make it user-friendly. With the Volt, especially, you have to make it easy to understand — unique enough so the driver knows it’s something different and new, but familiar enough so they can operate it. It has to be flowing, harmonious, and inviting. The entire approach to the Volt is new – definitely a new design era where we see a balance between technology and design. Even though I have not worked on the Volt, all of us at GM Design are excited and inspired by it.

Are there any models that will provide practicality, creativity, and cost-effective design elements for drivers?

Yes. The Saturn Aura and Chevy Malibu are two great examples of vehicles currently available where we had direct balance between creativity and cost effectiveness.

As an interior designer, we have to understand what the customer needs are. That helps us establish our top priorities and makes our choices clear. For example, we want to add as many wow factors for the customer as we can. We know the primary space is the front occupant area, so that’s where we want to make the most impact.

As the first African American female director of design at GM, what have been some of the challenges you’ve faced?

Staying fresh and creative — that’s my challenge as a designer and an artist. Every artist will experience peaks and valleys– it’s natural. As long as you’re challenging yourself to stay fresh and creative, to be on your game – that is my best advice for aspiring designers.

Also, as an artist – especially in industrial design – you are always faced with comments, constructive criticism, viewpoints. You need to know how to filter good feedback and understand exactly what you need to hear to improve your work and your team’s work. I also really try hard to balance and leverage support – but above all keep an open mind. I’d say that’s what keeps me moving up.

How important is mentorship and are you involved in mentoring?

I am involved in mentoring and coaching. I cannot stress enough how important mentoring is. It gives you different perspective on how you are delivering your designs and overall presence. Particularly, if you are working in a business environment, you have to be aware that it’s first and foremost a business, and design is a piece of it.  Your overall presence and how you can communicate your design or your demeanor has an effect on the end decision. I am driven to mentor because I want to stay connect to young designers new to the industry.