Christian Delise: Where Car Design and the Entrepreneurial Spirit Collide

We’ve all fantasized about driving fast on a two-lane, undulating mountain road or an empty freeway. For people who prefer the latter over the former – even those who’ve never visited Germany – the fantasy often takes them to the Autobahn, the legendary highway system with no speed limit. 

The fantasy usually goes something like this: the car top is down, a sexy companion rides “shotgun,” and the wind is whipping through your hair while the perfect driving song begins–almost as if on queue. The empty road laid out before you, you own it!

Those who can afford to have multiple cars can easily indulge in this common fantasy. For the rest of us, we have to manage our expectations. We’re swayed by car commercials and what friends and family have to say about their vehicles, or we spend hours pouring through Consumer Reports – which has been rating cars in all the categories that matter most to consumers for over 85 years. Oftentimes, it means needing to prioritize practicality.

There’s a lot to consider when buying a new car. What new car buyers believe is important can change year over year, depending on many factors, including, but not limited to, what is going on with the economy. At the moment, reliability and fuel efficiency are numbers one and two, respectively, on the consideration list.  

And while many car owners also feel style, comfort, brand loyalty, handling, and connectivity/technology are important, not high up on their list of creature comforts is knowing what went into the design of their car. Unlike the world of fashion, the average car consumer isn’t looped into the industry enough to know one car designer from another. 

In the world of automotive design, leaders emerge, which sometimes means leaving the automobile companies that gave them their start or advanced their careers to venture out on their own. Christian Delise is someone many car manufacturers have worked with but few “regular folk” have ever heard of. 

This is all about to change.

The Birth of Delise Design

In modern times, the realm of design operates within a dynamic ecosystem where products are in constant interaction with various facets of a broader system. This complex interplay necessitates a multifaceted approach, one that caters not only to the fundamental use cases but also accommodates the user’s journey, encompassing both initial engagement and prolonged interaction akin to the seamless operation of complicated machinery.

Design thinking, a potent methodology, serves as a catalyst for innovation and offers substantial benefits to enterprises of all sizes, from startups to established industry giants. Its value lies in its capacity to provide the much-needed agility and efficiency required to address an expansive array of deliverables. To truly manifest the complete vision, it becomes imperative to consider the intricate tapestry of business complexities, marketing dynamics, and production intricacies as integral components of the design equation.

From his early years, Christian Delise’s fervor for design was evident, and today, he stands as a prominent figure in the industry, marked by a distinctive fusion of creativity and entrepreneurial vigor. Delise’s career trajectory has been impressive, with stints in advanced OEM design studios across the globe, working for top-notch companies like Lexus, Lamborghini, Hypervan, Porsche, Toyota, Faurecia, and Volkswagen. Delise always aimed to leave an indelible mark on the automotive world. 

His mission unfolded on a dual axis: acquiring technical mastery in vehicle development and manufacturing while concurrently delving deep into the human-centric aspect of crafting intuitive and aesthetically appealing machines. Interludes between corporate roles saw Delise establish two autonomous companies dedicated to offering versatile design solutions spanning diverse sectors, from the realms of digital media to the innovation-rich field of medical mobility. His innovative prowess has manifested in the securing of seven design and utility patents, with several others pending approval.

Yet, what distinguishes Delise isn’t just about automotive design. He stands as a fervent advocate for Regenerative Product Modality (RPM), a philosophy accentuating the imperative of long-term circularity within the ambit of design. Of everything Delise has taken from his education and career, it is the belief that cars should continue evolving so as not to end up obsolete and in landfills, unable to meet the challenges of the future. Imagine if the Model T Ford were designed in a way that could take into account all technological advancements and environmental considerations of the 21st century.

Delise’s passion for creating and building things is deeply rooted in his family history. His grandfather, Anthony Delise, was a Machinist Engineer and Merchant Marine for the U.S. Navy during World War II. The elder Delise’s skills allowed him to mill cylinders by eye to within centimeters–a remarkable feat that supported the war effort. His dedication to craftsmanship serves as a constant reminder to the younger Delise of the tireless work of those who came before us, shaping the world we live in today.

Delise Design Philosophy

At the heart of Delise Design is a multi-tier creative process that extends beyond automotive design. Christian Delise believes that the same principles applied to creating vehicles can be effectively used in all aspects of life, business, and art. The consultancy’s goal is to share the cultivated design process with the masses, ultimately allowing us all to benefit from these insights.

Delise Design didn’t start as a typical design studio; it was born as a warehouse studio project dedicated to experimental design endeavors. Over the years, it transformed into a hub for holistic problem-solving, where ideas are tested and proven across various products and applications. This transformation mirrors Delise’s approach to entrepreneurial sciences, constantly seeking the ideal path to turn concepts into tangible reality.

The Essence of Industrial Design

For Delise, Industrial Design is not merely about aesthetics; it’s about enhancing a product’s functionality. To make things work better, he believes that understanding their current limitations is crucial. Only by comprehending these limitations can we reimagine how products can be used and how they can enrich our lives.

Christian Delise is a car designer with a difference. His journey from a childhood fascination with design to his current role as an advocate for Regenerative Product Modality demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the field. His diverse experiences in industrial design, entrepreneurship, and innovation make him a unique force in the automotive industry.

Delise Design isn’t just about crafting beautiful cars but is a testament to a belief in the power of design to transform and enhance our world. Christian Delise is a visionary designer, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a creative force that continues to shape the future of automotive design.