AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN VS ENGINEERING PANEL: THE TENSION BETWEEN CAR DESIGN AND ENGINEERING

A gloves-off panel discussion among some of each field’s best, led by MPG’s own Eric Noble and held at ArtCenter’s famous Hillside campus overlooking the Rose Bowl.

Where: The ArtCenter College of Design, Hillside Campus

Why: California is home to over a dozen automotive design studios from American, European, and Asian automakers. Hear about how design and engineering is influenced by California.

Who:
Jenny Ha
Jenny is a Senior Exterior Designer at Lucid Motors, Jenny played key role on designing the Lucid Air prototype and is currently working towards production. Prior to Lucid Motors, Jenny worked as an exterior designer at the VW/Audi Design Center California.

Dan Jimenez
As a Senior Designer at Nissan Design America in La Jolla, Dan has led the design of two hit concept cars, the Infiniti Q-Inspiration and Nissan V-Motion 2.0. From automotive projects to fashion design, Dan is passionate about the creative process.

Laura Jonason
Laura is a Creative Designer at FCA US (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles). She led the design on the Jeep® B-Ute concept created for the 2018 Moab Easter Jeep Safari program and has worked on a variety of production programs. Aside from designing cars, Laura also works on them – she is currently restoring her 2002.

Masahiko (Jack) Kobayashi
Jack originally trained and practiced as a fashion designer in Tokyo. He quit that to move to California and the design of automobiles. In 20 years at Subaru, he was responsible for eight (yes 8!) production vehicles, came to be called “Hit Maker”, founded Michigan and California studios, and was Director of Global Advanced Design. His works include: original Outback, Legacy GT, several STis and Foresters, and the smash hit Crosstrek. He recently became an independent designer.

Praveen Penmetsa
Praveen Penmetsa is the CEO of engineering powerhouse Motivo. Before founding Motivo, Praveen led the development of numerous projects for automotive and aerospace clients at Southern California’s famous MillenWorks. He and Motivo have overseen engineering on over 350 projects ranging from flying cars to harvesting robots.

Richard Plavetich
A studio engineer and leader with vast experience, Richard manages Nissan’s design studio operations in La Jolla. Prior to that he was studio engineer for Mercedes-Benz’ advanced studio in California. In addition to his automotive vocation, Richard is a serial restorer of unique sports cars and a renowned concours judge.

Moderator:
Eric Noble
Mr. Noble is founder and President of The CARLAB, which helps manufacturers and suppliers plan and design new vehicles. Eric is also Professor of Vehicle Technology at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. He is a frequent media commentator and analyst on the auto industry, and moderator for Motor Press Guild.

Welcome Remarks:
Stewart Reed
Mr. Reed is the chair of the Transportation Design Department at ArtCenter College of Design, where he oversees the undergraduate and graduate programs. A 1969 graduate of ArtCenter, Reed has had a distinguished 35-year career in transportation design.