CHRISTOPHER CHAPMAN
Former Senior Chief Designer of North America, Hyundai Motor Company
A native of Pasadena, California, Christopher Chapman graduated in 1989 from Art Center College of Design with a Bachelor of Science degree in Transportation Design.
Upon graduation, Chris joined Isuzu Technical Center of America, and was the lead designer for the XU-1 concept SUV, which won Best Concept at its 1993 Tokyo Motor Show debut.
In 1994, Chris joined the BMW Group at DesignworksUSA in California. Among the variety of concept and production programs, Chris designed the exteriors of the X5 Sport Activity Vehicle and X Coupe concept car. Chris and his family relocated to Munich, Germany for a two year assignment to immerse in the BMW culture. There he also designed the CS1 concept shown at the Geneva Auto Salon in 2002, followed by the 1 Series production coupe and its derivatives.
In 2002, Chris was appointed Director of Automotive Design and was responsible for guiding several advanced and production vehicles including the next X5, X3, and Z4 production cars. In 2008, Chris additionally directed the Transportation Design department, which includes Designworks’ external partners in aviation, marine, and public mobility.
After 18 years with BMW, Chris joined the Hyundai Motor Company in 2012 as Senior Chief Designer of North America. He directed the development of several production and concept vehicles over the course of 10 years for both Hyundai and Genesis brands.
In 2022, Chris retired and joined his alma mater Art Center, where he is bookending his career as an adjunct professor in transportation design.
Chris and his family reside in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Former Senior Chief Designer of North America, Hyundai Motor Company
A native of Pasadena, California, Christopher Chapman graduated in 1989 from Art Center College of Design with a Bachelor of Science degree in Transportation Design.
Upon graduation, Chris joined Isuzu Technical Center of America, and was the lead designer for the XU-1 concept SUV, which won Best Concept at its 1993 Tokyo Motor Show debut.
In 1994, Chris joined the BMW Group at DesignworksUSA in California. Among the variety of concept and production programs, Chris designed the exteriors of the X5 Sport Activity Vehicle and X Coupe concept car. Chris and his family relocated to Munich, Germany for a two year assignment to immerse in the BMW culture. There he also designed the CS1 concept shown at the Geneva Auto Salon in 2002, followed by the 1 Series production coupe and its derivatives.
In 2002, Chris was appointed Director of Automotive Design and was responsible for guiding several advanced and production vehicles including the next X5, X3, and Z4 production cars. In 2008, Chris additionally directed the Transportation Design department, which includes Designworks’ external partners in aviation, marine, and public mobility.
After 18 years with BMW, Chris joined the Hyundai Motor Company in 2012 as Senior Chief Designer of North America. He directed the development of several production and concept vehicles over the course of 10 years for both Hyundai and Genesis brands.
In 2022, Chris retired and joined his alma mater Art Center, where he is bookending his career as an adjunct professor in transportation design.
Chris and his family reside in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
