feature / alumni / transportation-design
April 09, 2025
By Solvej Schou
In the Driver’s Seat
Meet four successful Transportation Design alumni impacting their fields
ArtCenter’s Transportation Design alumni are known for designing everything from Ducati Monster motorcycles and Meyers Manx dune buggies to mega yachts and electric scooters—even a life-size Darth Vader Hot Wheels car!
Alumni who get their Bachelor of Science degree in Transportation Design work for countless global automotive brands, including Audi, BMW, BYD, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lucid, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Porsche, Rivian, Stellantis, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota and Volkswagen.
As students, they take courses taught by expert faculty, intern at top companies, participate in industry-led Sponsored Studios, and go to industry events such as L.A. Auto Show and Monterey Car Week, which includes Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the Quail, a Motorsports Gathering. Their education gives them the skills to enter career fields like automotive concept design, interior and exterior automotive design, watercraft design and aircraft design.
Meet four Transportation Design alumni, each with unique creative journeys, who impact their fields in a variety of ways. Click on the links, below, to read their stories.
I hope my impact is creating confidence for ArtCenter students that come through here, and for them to know that if you have a vision, don't let anyone undermine it.
Daniel JimenezTransportation Design alum
Grace Lee brings creative drive to GM
ArtCenter alum and General Motors Creative Design Grace Lee (BS 19) focuses on interior design, bringing her vision and dedication to projects that include autonomous conceptual electric recreational vehicles.
Jenny Ha creates first impressions at Lucid Motors
From heading up the design of the exterior of Lucid Motors' sleek electric sedan to helping design Lucid's electric SUV, Jenny Ha (BS 14) leads with purpose, passion and precision.
Daniel Jimenez shapes what's next at Nissan
Blending creativity and mentorship, ArtCenter alum Daniel Jimenez (BS 15) was given the opportunity to start and lead Nissan Studio Six—a forward-thinking hub for global advanced design—as its chief designer.
Philipp Haban designs with flair at Joby Aviation
ArtCenter alum Philipp Haban (BS 13) merges aviation with automotive imagination as a designer at Joby Aviation, and his portfolio includes self-driving cars, electric air taxis and more than 30 patents.
