Projects From Vision to Reality: Senior Project with CUPRA

Senior Project

with

CUPRA

On October 2nd , Jaime Mañas Boatella , one of our outstanding Master’s students from the Master in Interior & Product Design at Raffles Milano, successfully presented and defended his senior thesis — the result of months of dedication, research, and creative work in collaboration with CUPRA, one of the most innovative and forward-thinking automotive brands in today’s car landscape. Jaime’s thesis project with CUPRA , challenged him to navigate the intersection of automotive design materials and branding. Under the mentorship of Raffles faculty and in collaboration with the CUPRA ‘s design team, he shaped a concept that reflects both functionality and innovation As part of his journey, in July, Jaime was also invited to visit the CUPRA Design Center and the factory in Martorell (Barcelona) , where he immersed himself in the heart of the brand’s creative operations. During the official visit, he explored the workflows, observed the collaboration between departments, and gained firsthand knowledge into how a brand’s identity is translated into product detail, design and sensory experience. This opportunity gave him valuable insight into how real design decisions are made — balancing creativity with practical constraints and constant refinement. This collaboration reflects Raffles Milano’s philosophy of learning by doing , giving our students the opportunity to work directly with industry leaders and transform ideas into real projects. We extend our deepest gratitude to CUPRA and the entire CUPRA design team for their trust, openness, and support. Your willingness to engage, share your processes, and challenge our students elevates the educational experience and bridges the gap between classroom and reality. To Jaime — congratulations on this milestone. Your tenacity, vision, and craftsmanship mark you as a designer ready to contribute meaningfully to the world of design and mobility. We look forward to seeing how your path unfolds.

Jaime Mañas Boatella