Meet The Man Behind Tesla's Beautiful Design: Franz von Holzhausen

Meet Franz von Holzhausen, the name behind the designs for Tesla. Graduating from Art Center College of Design in the early 1990s, the world’s most prestigious transportation design program, Franz' resume includes designing roadsters for General Motors and many exciting concepts for Mazda North America.

In 2010 he took a leap of faith and left the big automotive makers of USA, Japan, and Germany to join a buzzy Silicon Valley startup and is now becoming the most influential designer of his generation.

Joining Tesla is risky but Franz knew that designing a car from the beginning was for him. Think about all the car designs today, they have actually evolved from previous models. With Tesla it’s the start – Franz knew that his ideas would define the visual vocabulary of numerous vehicles to follow; SUVs, sports cars, coupés, probably even pickup trucks and vans.

Working along founder Elon Musk, the two have embraced what Musk calls ‘first principle thinking’ mantra. Instead of copying cars and making better, Franz focuses on ensuring each Tesla model is beautiful looking, because after all beautiful cars do stand out.

With the Model S and Model X under his belt, the next car for the mass is the Model 3. With looks similar to the Model S though shrunken in size, this medium hatch is sure to be a success.

Later will be the fastest rad car, the Roadster for 2020.