Bachelor of Science in Transportation Design
The union of design & technology gives our graduates an edge and prepares them for the real world.
Drive the Future with Intelligent Design
LTU offers an in-depth university experience which enables exposure to technological advances as sources of inspiration, leading to more creative and provocative design solutions. The fusion of design and technology offers you the kind of experience that automotive graduates from other programs can take years to acquire on the job.
You will learn to use the latest in digital surface tools, visualization tools, and fabrication technologies. This will give you an edge in competing for top-level design positions.
Real World Experience & Interaction with Industry
LTU is in the heart of the automotive industry with close proximity to automotive design studios and suppliers. Built around the University’s signature ‘theory and practice’ approach to learning, the Bachelor of Science in Transportation Design combines in-depth conceptual investigation with exposure to industry professionals through real-world sponsored projects, internships, and visiting professionals. Our teaching staff is made of successful design professionals with decades of experience. Many are LTU graduates who are currently working in the industry to bring the current practice and perspective into the classroom.
Careers include Creative Designer, Brand Designer, Digital Sculptor, Clay Sculptor, UX/UI Designer, Color-Materials-Finishes Designer, Automotive Badging Designer.
Donald
Axhami
BS in Transportation Design, 2019
Donald Axhami is a creative designer at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, based in Auburn Hills, MI. He works in the Jeep interiors studio developing production and advanced designs.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your background.
A: I was born in Albania and grew up in metro-Detroit. Ever since seeing my father draw portraits at a young age, drawing has been a passion of mine. I became interested in design because I wanted to use my creative energy to improve people’s lives. The rich, automotive history and culture of Detroit drew me to automotive design.
Q: Why did you choose to attend LTU?
A: I chose to attend LTU because of the energy of the campus and the students between each major. Students from each discipline seemed to radiate their passion for what they wanted to do and that was especially evident in the design programs. I appreciated the intimate class experiences and comradery among classmates.
Q: For those who might be interested in the Transportation Design program, do you have any advice?
A: For those who are interested in Transportation Design, my advice is to never be discouraged by your skill level at the beginning. If you have a passion for design and a drive to continuously improve, then you will become a successful designer.
Ian
Broekman
BS in Transportation Design, 2018
Ian Broekman is a co-founder at Mil-Spec Automotive based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Ian, along with his team, specialize in creating off-road packages for vehicles like the Hummer H1 or Ford F-150 with a focus on design. Mil-Spec’s products have become internationally recognized by media, fans, and clients for their attention to detail.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your background.
A: Growing up in Dearborn, Michigan, I was immersed in car culture throughout my childhood. I used to ride my bike past the Ford ProductDevelopment Center with the hopes of catching a glimpse of prototypes to sketchback at home. I developed a passion for the automotive industry,particularly design.
Q: Why did you choose to attend LTU?
A: I chose LTU due to its balanced design curriculum. From the beginning, it was clear to me that I would learn not only vis-com, but the tools to make an impact throughout a product’s development. LTU’s focus on not only design, but engineering principles, drew me in.
Q: For those who might be interested in the Transportation Design program, do you have any advice?
A: It is difficult to share advice due to everyone’s unique set of circumstances. One piece of advice that I may lend, however, would be focused on work/life balance. You are choosing a career centered around passion, focus on staying inspired while finding your own workflow. It’s a marathon, not a race!
Tamila
Abuseridze
BS in Transportation Design, 2017
Tamila is a Digital Surface Modeler at Volvo & MACK Trucks North America. Previously, Tamila has worked for Volkswagen. GM, KIA, and FCA. Recently, Tamila applied her expertise in digital modeling on HabaNiro - a concept car named unveiled by KIA in 2018 in the New York and Los Angeles motor shows.
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Q: Tell us a little about your background.
A: I am originally from Moscow, Russia. But I spent almost two years in Germany, five years in Michigan, year in California and almost a year in North Carolina, besides all other shorter traveling along the way. Aside from a love of travel, I am an avid artist – a skill I worked to develop at a very young age.
Q: What made you choose to attend Lawrence Tech?
A: Lawrence Tech provides a lot of opportunities for students, including sponsored studios, internships, generous scholarships, and design competitions. I also loved that LTU is an engineering and technological school.
Q: For those who might be interested in the Transportation Design program, do you have any advice?
A: First, as a creative mind, you have to be creative, open minded and flexible in your beliefs and personal life, too. Creativity doesn’t have to stop, when you leave your work every day. Second, find a place to study that will allow you to discover the industry. Design is an applied field. Its about customer needs, current technology and a business – not you. We sketch to manufacture, not just to sketch. So if industry needs every designer to know how to model to execute designs and profit from it faster – go for it and offer these skills. That’s how you will be demand on the job market and needed. Stay up to date, learn and be flexible.
Zach
Carter
BS in Transportation Design, 2019
Zach Carter is an interior designer, working under the RAM and Dodge brands at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in Auburn Hills, MI.
Q: Tell us a little about your background.
A: Growing up in the automotive capital of the world, cars have always been an inspiration. I’ve always been intrigued how the aesthetics of a vehicle can evoke certain emotions. Over the years, my passion for cars collided with my artistic interests, prompting me to pursue a career in the field.
Q: What made you choose to attend Lawrence Tech?
A: LTU caught my eye because it was evident that their all-encompassing curriculum taught design through a scope of function and utility. Lawrence Tech’s industry connections were second-to-none with many of the professors actually working in the industry themselves.
Q: For those who might be interested in the Transportation Design program, do you have any advice?
A: Stick with it. Don’t be intimidated by the skills of others. Find a source of inspiration that works for you and immerse yourself in it. Create a vision for each project you work on and let your design instincts bring that to fruition.
Jacob
Lovins
BS in Transportation Design, 2018
Jacob Lovins is employed by an electric car startup in the Detroit area, specializing in automotive interior, exterior, and user-experience design. I am a lover of all things design and art, and love living in the historic downtown area.
Q: Tell us a little about your background.
A: I first learned about transportation design while in the AP studio art courses in high school. I always had an interest in art, architecture, and vehicles and have been drawing from my imagination since I was old enough to hold a pencil. Having no proximity to the automotive industry, I sought out more information on what would eventually become my life’s passion.
Q: What made you choose to attend Lawrence Tech?
A: I chose LTU because I was enticed by the university experience it offered. I liked the more intimate studio sizes and training from current industry professionals, as well as the cooperative spirit between classmates who preferred to help each other whenever possible.
Q: For those who might be interested in the Transportation Design program, do you have any advice?
A: Transportation design is one of the most competitive majors in the creative world, and the program at LTU is no different; a dedication to the craft is essential for survival. Having a positive attitude is also key here, as we will all run into creative roadblocks occasionally. Lastly, diversifying one’s interests often allows for new inspiration to be found just around the next corner.
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Admissions + Curriculum
Admission into the Transportation Design program follows the University’s admission criteria. Portfolios are not required for admission.
For specific Transportation Design program questions contact, the Chair of Art and Design, Philip Plowright, at pplowright@ltu.edu or the Co-Directors of Transportation Design, Peter Davis at pdavis@ltu.edu or Elizabeth Wetzel at ewetzel@ltu.edu.
For general questions about admissions, our programs or the college, please contact Alice McHard at amchard@ltu.edu, 248.204.2835 or click on the links below.
Total Semester Credit Hours: 124
First Semester
First Semester
First Semester
First Semester
Advisory Board
Carly Edgemon
Student Relations Coordinator
FCA Design
Mark Trostle
Head of Ram Truck and Mopar Design at
FCA Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
Michael Smith
Digital Design, Tool Development Manager Ford Design
Helen Emsley
Executive Director
Global GMC & Buick Design General Motors Global Design
Larry Erickson
Global Director of Industrial Design, Exteriors
Magna Corporation
Jeff Hammoud
Head of Design
Rivian Automotive