Celebrating Women in Automotive Design
ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena recently opened their doors to us once again, to host a spectacular car show that delighted enthusiasts and design aficionados alike. Our second annual event with ArtCenter, "Designed to Win," was focused on the female designers and how they influenced the automotive industry. With over 600 attendees, 50 cars, 4 speakers, and sketching demonstrations throughout the day, the event was a true celebration of creativity and innovation.
Against the backdrop of International Women's Month, "Designed to Win” took on a special significance, shining a spotlight on the often-overlooked contributions of women to automotive design. Our goal was to highlight the trailblazing work of influential women who have left an indelible mark on the industry. From pioneering designers who broke through gender barriers to those who continue to inspire with their innovative designs, our event had creative ways of conveying their message to our attendees.
As part of the event, there were special features and signage dedicated to the work of these influential women. Visitors were able to explore their achievements through informative displays highlighting the diverse talents and contributions of these trailblazers.
In addition, the event included panel discussions and presentations by current industry professionals focused on the role of women in automotive design. Topics included, spatial design for events in the automotive industry (Alynn Tergevorkian), product design within motorcycle manufacturing (Francesca Liu), and discussions around upcoming trends in colors, materials, and fabrics used in today’s design landscape (Ahyoung Roh). Also, a special thank you to Laura Arias (lead exterior designer at GM) for her panel talk about finding your voice in the industry.
Alumni and industry professionals shared their insights and experiences, providing valuable perspectives and the importance of diversity and inclusion in shaping the future of automotive design. The event served as a reminder that creativity knows no boundaries and that women have always been and continue to be an integral part of the design world.
Another event favorite was the series of sketching demos given by professional and student designers. These demonstrations not only showcased the skill and creativity of the designers but also provided attendees with a unique insight into the design process. Visitors had the opportunity to see how a simple sketch can evolve into a fully realized product, highlighting the importance of sketching and defining the form language in the design process.
A big thank you to Camilo Pardo (designer of the 2005 Ford GT) for being our VIP guest sketcher for the day and for bringing Jim Marietta (engineer and fabricator of the Shelby team) to display their 1 of 24 Shelby GT350 Roadster Prototype built and designed by both gentleman!
Additionally, the event featured an interactive art board where attendees could paint a scale model BMW E30 art car. This hands-on activity allowed participants to express their creativity and engage with automotive design in a unique way. The art board was a hub of creativity, with attendees of all ages and backgrounds coming together to complete the board as a team. .
Congratulations to our best-of-show winners from the day:
1st place: 1965 Shelby GT350 Roadster Prototype 1 of 24 (Designed by Camilo Pardo, Engineered by Jim Marietta)
2nd place: 1963 Jaguar E-Type
3rd place: 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV
As we reflect on the success of the "Designed to Win" car show at Art Center College of Design, we are filled with gratitude for the individuals and organizations that made this event possible. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers, sponsors, and the Art Center College community for their invaluable support and contributions.
A big thank you to our title sponsor House Automotive for always being supportive of our events! If you own a Porsche, and need a great place to service it with people that truly know these cars inside and out, don’t hesitate to call the House Automotive team and schedule your appointment today! They have 3 convenient locations near you!
Also a heart felt thank you to our supporting sponsor Calico Design Manufacturing for sponsoring and producing this years trophies. In, we decided to base the trophy design on the taillights of the new Acura NSX designed by Michelle Christensen. From a quick napkin sketch, Chris at Calico was able to model the trophies in 3D, CNC machine them out, and finish them just in time for the show!
To our dedicated volunteers, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of the event, we are incredibly grateful. Your commitment and enthusiasm were instrumental in creating a memorable experience for all attendees.
We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to our sponsors, whose generosity and support helped make "Designed to Win" a reality. Your belief in our vision and commitment to automotive design is truly inspiring.
Last but not least, we extend our deepest thanks to Art Center College of Design for hosting us and for their unwavering support throughout the planning and execution of the event. The college's commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in design is evident in everything they do, and we are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such a prestigious institution.
“Designed to Win" was a resounding success, showcasing the best of automotive design past and present. The event was a testament to the creativity and innovation of designers and artists, and we look forward to future events that continue to celebrate the artistry of automotive design.
Photos by (@this_ynot) and (@HeritageGruppe)