About the planner
The tool, the references and the decisions behind your plan
Van Design is a browser-based 3D planning tool for DIY van conversions. It brings furniture, insulation, electrical equipment and plumbing into the same layout, so you can explore how they share the space before building.
A planning reference you can inspect
The van library records a specific body size, drivetrain and source edition for each supported reference. Its dimension tables link to the publications behind the nominal cargo length, maximum width, height, wheelbase, door openings and space between the wheel arches.
Those published maxima do not describe the whole inside surface of a van. Reconstructed wall and roof curves, wheel-arch shapes, door positions and sliding travel include estimates. The planner identifies these separately from published figures. They remain planning references rather than manufacturer CAD or a measured survey of your vehicle.
Use the exact reference edition as a starting point, then measure your own van at the heights and positions that matter to your layout. Set wall, roof and floor build-ups consistently, and resolve closely fitted details on the vehicle before cutting materials.
Examples made in the working tool
The main planner walkthrough uses captures from the actual editor. Its Relay example shows the same editable furniture, electrical and water layers available in the workspace. Example dimensions and material allowances are stated beside the views, including unresolved system connections.
Our illustrated conversion projects are original, unbuilt concepts. They are labelled as concepts, with assumptions and checks still to make. They are not customer conversions, testimonials or proof that a particular layout has been manufactured successfully. The homepage preview is also an illustrative demonstration.
What the checks can help you decide
Geometry, fitting and system checks help reveal clashes, missing inputs and questions to investigate. Generic equipment envelopes need comparing with your chosen products, their connections and the access required to install and maintain them.
A model does not certify an electrical installation, vehicle structure, travel seating or a finished conversion. Keep the selected manufacturers' instructions and the appropriate installation checks with your plan. The guides focus on planning and recording assumptions, rather than approving construction.
Try the layout before paying
Try 30 active minutes as a guest, or register free for 60 minutes total including time already used. Time pauses after 60 seconds without interaction, in background tabs and while Help is open. Your account allowance continues across visits and builds. A £9.99 one-off Build Pass unlocks continued editing, account saving, exports and live sharing for one build.
Questions or a reference to correct?
Contact Van Design at hello@van-design.co.uk. For a van-reference question, include the make, body size, model year and the source or measurement you want us to check.
For account access, open the workspace, choose Sign in, then Forgot your password? to request a reset link. If recovery is unavailable or you still need help finding a saved build, email us with its title and a description of the problem.