The efort is led by Alfonso
Albaisa, who was named Infniti's
frst executive design director
in 2013. Albaisa joined NDA in
1988 and served as its director
for several years in addition to
leadership stints at the London
and Japan studios.
BALANCING ACT
For the record, Infniti describes
its design philosophy as a mix of
"power and artistry" that is "bold
yet nuanced" with emotional
and technical aspects. Sound
a bit scattered? Perhaps, but
that's sort of the (starting) point.
More precisely, the goal is to
integrate contrasting elements
into a "harmonious duality" with
distinctly styled cars.
The strategy is underscored by the
makeup of the designers themselves.
At NDA alone, 14 diferent nation-
alities are represented between the
Nissan and Infniti teams.
"Infniti is unique and we're in our
own place. We're a mix of many
cultures, so dualities are very
natural for us," Albaisa, who
is Cuban American, said earlier
this year.
NDA was ahead of its time when
Nissan opened the San Diego
facility in 1979, when it was one
of the frst automotive design
studios in California. And beftting
California, the studio has a relaxing
atmosphere and features open
courtyards, high ceilings, sand
volleyball, and a roof-top tennis
court. More importantly, designers
are encouraged to spend time
away from work to pursue other
passions—everything from surfng,
racing, traveling and cooking.
"It's a very creative environment
that supports a good work-life
balance," notes Rick Plavetich, NDA
general manager. "We work hard
and play hard."
In addition to dozens of new
production and concept cars, NDA
designers have penned a variety of
non-automotive projects over the
years, ranging from cofee cups,
golf clubs, preschool furniture, and
medical devices to light aircraft
and a 150-ft. yacht. p. 50 →
AD&P; > December 2015 > FEATURE > Intensifying Design at Infniti > Steve Plumb
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