Peter Vurpillat

I am an industrial designer, graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Art, and am currently working as a transportation designer for an OEM truck company focused on designing production truck interiors and exteriors for a global product range. My responsibilities include conceptualization and design of future vehicles, research, bench marking, communicating ideas through sketches and renderings, and working with modelers (both digital and clay) to make those designs a reality.



Depending on the project, my process usually begins by doing preliminary research for the assignment. This includes everything from getting a better grasp on the user, gathering inspiration, and looking at the competition. From there, I start with some rough ideation sketches, exploring different themes and proportions. Once I have a couple ideas that have potential, and I have gathered more information on the project from the team, I start refining them in either higher quality sketches or quick sketch renderings. As soon as approval is given, I start working with digital and/or clay modelers to start creating a 3D model of my idea for review. I have used this process on everything from small interior components and products to full exteriors of vehicles with success.



I believe that design is more than just form following function or just great styling, but a harmonious combination of the two. It is being able to understand the consumer’s needs and wants, and identifying problems and issues that need to be solved or improved upon. Once an effective solution has been determined, only then should the focus turn to styling: How can this product resonate with a consumer with just one glance? What will make this product sell? The design world hugely influences the decisions consumers make every day, and I very much enjoy being a part of that community.