CDE Podcast #004 - Dominic Najafi

Dominic “Dom” Najafi, Global Design Director, Cadillac, Former Head of Studio and Exterior Design, GM Advanced Design Europe, joins the CDE Podcast for a deep dive into advanced automotive design, building creative teams from scratch, and how satellite studios can drive change inside a global OEM. In this episode, Dom shares what it really means to work in an advanced design studio—why GM set up a new team in Royal Leamington Spa, how a small, agile studio contributes a distinct European perspective, and what it takes to deliver a clear design vision (not just “a thousand sketches”). Plus: insights into the team’s first headline project — a Corvette hypercar concept — and how they approach future-facing design without drifting into “contrived futurism.” Dom reflects on key moments from his career (Bentley, JLR), lessons from mentors and clay-model craft, and how tools like AI can support — but never replace — human creativity and judgment. Topics covered: • Careers in automotive & advanced design • Building a design studio and culture from zero • What satellite studios add vs. HQ design • Corvette concept development: vision, storytelling, execution • AI in design: practical integration + ethics • Portfolio advice: showing “sparks of thinking” and originality Guest: Dominic Najafi — Head of Studio & Exterior Design, GM Advanced Design UK Links & Resources: Car Design Event (CDE): https://cardesignevent.com/ Listen to the podcast: https://cde-podcast.podigee.io/ Follow CDE for updates and upcoming conversations with leading voices in automotive design.