profile / alumni / transportation-design / internships
October 25, 2013
Writer: Teri Bond

Creative Drive

Christine Park (BS 06)

A natural artist who made a beeline to ArtCenter when she discovered the world of car design, Transportation Design alumna Christine Park began her career at General Motors as an intern while still a student. After graduation, she transferred to the Cadillac Design Studio in Michigan, where she’s now a lead exterior designer for the luxury brand.

“I love designing cars because they have a profound impact on our lives and our culture,” she told E! Online, which profiled her as a trendsetter. “It is so satisfying to create luxury experiences and driving environments that offer beauty, comfort and a seamless integration of technology.”

Among her designs that have found their way into production and a showroom near you: the interior theme for the 2013 and 2014 Cadillac XTS.

Park says being a designer is a 24-hour job and that inspiration can come from anywhere. “It's important to have a child-like curiosity and envision the possibilities that lie beyond the current state.”

Her typical day is full of action—and interaction. “Designing a car is a collaborative process. My workday often includes trend research and looking for inspirational visuals, sketching cars, studio reviews with leadership and working closely with sculptors, engineers and supplier partners. The creative energy here is contagious, and we all push each other to create new and innovative vehicle designs.”