About Us
From Oculas to Ovei | Our Story | The Team |
In 2002, Lee McCormack sketched a radical design concept. He called it ‘Oculas’. 7 years on, re-engineered with McLaren Applied Technologies, the Oculas evolves into the all-new Ovei Original.
British designer Lee McCormack conceived the first, embryonic form of Ovei in 2002. With ‘i-pod’ already registered by Apple, he instead called it the ‘Oculas’.
“Technology has now found its way into every facet of our lives. So I felt, to integrate fully, it demanded a new type of space. I wanted to create a new concept: something that was both calming and luxurious whilst affording the opportunity for intense focus and clarity of mind. The result was the form of the Ovei, sculpted and nurtured to maintain a sense of simplicity. Whilst delivering advanced digital experiences, it moves it away from the perception of pure technology. The Ovei presents itself as organic – a piece of sculpture, art and design.”
British designer Lee McCormack conceived the first, embryonic form of Ovei in 2002. With ‘i-pod’ already registered by Apple, he instead called it the ‘Oculas’.
The combination of cutting edge design and technology hit a chord. The product was launched to both commercial and critical success. By 2005, Lee and his team had built and delivered 42 bespoke-built capsules. Purchasers ranged from Global brands like Disney and Johnny Walker, to discerning, successful private individuals – sports personalities, business leaders – even Heads of State.
From Oculas to Ovei.
In 2005 discussions began with McLaren Applied Technologies – the specialised design & technology division within the McLaren Group – culminating in the all-new Ovei today.
From initial collaboration surrounding specific product engineering challenges, the relationship quickly flourished. McLaren immediately saw the global commercial potential for the concept. Soon, leveraging McLaren’s technological and innovation pedigree, the company embarked on an exhaustive redesign and engineering process.
On January 26th, 2005, the venture began a new phase in its’ development. The new capsule was renamed the Ovei.
48 months on, the schedule is complete. New, refined technologies. New materials. Exquisite finishes and trims. A host of luxurious additional customisation options.
Lee’s first McLaren-engineered capsule – the Ovei Original- has crossed the finishing line.
Our Story
The Group has a clear mission: to blend design, innovation and technological expertise to transform personal and social space.
Our Group’s approach is collaborative – always open to new ideas, always ready to listen, challenge and explore. This philosophy informs a distinctive way of working: with innovation, passion, instinctive intelligence and teamwork.
We are a young company – with a culture of modernity at our core. Form and function, aesthetics, performance, proportion, beauty, emotional resonance…these are the obsessions that drive our team to excel in their design endeavour each and every day.
The Team
Our Group is a close-knit team. Learn about the key individuals who, through the Ovei, are shaping the way you can experience your world today.
Lee McCormack – Creative Director & Founder Lee has been a successful industrial designer and entrepreneur for twelve years in the manufacturing and business development sectors. He has held prominent design roles for British Paramount Pictures, BMW and Lotus among others, Lee has also published an acclaimed design book.
Andrea Reynolds, Managing Director & Co-founder Andrea, ACA, BA (Econs), Managing Director, qualified with KPMG, Dublin in 1998. After managing several financial, manufacturing and aircraft leasing companies in the Audit Department, she moved to the UK Management Consultancy division focusing on client turnaround programmes and management buy-outs. Having run her own successful business development consultancy, Andrea joined the company full time in 2006.
Mike Hannaker, Head of Operations & Co-founder For over 40 years Mike has successfully prototyped and commercialised products within the plastics and composites industry, locating reliable off -shore operations for many clients. He founded and successfully led Circle Plastics Ltd, a plastics moulding company. He has also produced and taken to market computer-aided design software products.